HAMSTER CAGES:
There are basically three kind of cages for hamsters:
I recommend the metal cage, because it is easy to clean (just take out the sliding tray at the bottom), it has good ventilation, and your hamster gets a lot of exercise by climbing up the metal walls. Aquarium tanks are harder to clean, because they are so heavy. Also, your hamster cannot get exercise by climbing up the walls. The plastic "hamster palaces" are probably the hardest to clean, though. Cleaning all those plastic tubes is really annoying, and it takes a much longer time to clean than metal cages. All cages should be cleaned out at least once a week.
Chandler has a three-story metal cage with a plastic base. There are ladders going to each level, but Chandler prefers climbing up the walls. In the bottom level of his cage, he has his "pee jar" (see potty-training section), food dish, water bottle, and a toilet paper roll. Toilet paper rolls are a great cheap toy for your hamster. They love chewing on them and hiding inside. On the middle level, Chandler has an exercise wheel. He does not use it for running like "normal" hamsters. Instead, he balances himself on top of it and chews on the metal bars of his cage. On the top level is his plastic house where he sleeps and stores food.
GUINEA PIG CAGES:
Guinea pig cages come in many different styles and materials. It should be at least 12 x 24-inches (30 x 60-cm.). Wills' cage has a plastic base and a metal removable top. This kind of cage is easy to clean because it is light-weight, and the top comes off.
Guinea pigs need to have a sleeping box or "house" for their privacy. They are very timid animals and get scared easily. Wills needs a place to hide, or else he will go crazy when people come near him (whenever my dog comes into his room, he squeals like a madman anyway). If you want, attach a salt lick to the side of their cage so it does not get soiled. They should also have a water bottle and a heavy food bowl that they cannot tip over. Clean your pig's cage at least once a week.
BEDDING:
For hamsters, choose commercially-prepared litter (like corn cobs, etc.), pine, or other white wood shavings. I have heard that cedar is dangerous to hamsters, so I do not use it for Chandler. Never use pine needles, blankets, or other cloths either. Pine needles may injure your hamster, and your hamster could chew on the cloths (this could mess up their digestion). For guinea pigs, choose white wood shavings or hay. I use hay for Wills, because it is cheaper and good for him to chew on and eat.
Hamster wallpaper is kindly provided by Caralee Nelson.
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