Small pets
Hamster tubes
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All hamster tubes
Little essentials. Lots of love.
A little guidance
Help choosing hamster tubes
Buying guides and care advice written for this range: what to measure, what matters and what to skip.
From our guides
Shop hamster cages with tubes and tunnels: multi-tier cages up to six levels with tubes, huts and wheels, extra large 23 inch cages, two-level rodent houses for gerbils, rats and mice, cages for Syrian and dwarf hamsters, and portable five-tier cages that double as travel carriers. This page narrows our Hamster Cages range to tube and tunnel designs. Below is how much space a hamster needs, how to choose safe tubes and wheels, and how to keep a tube cage clean.
Why hamsters like tubes
Wild hamsters live in burrows, moving through tunnels between chambers. Tubes recreate that, giving your hamster places to explore, run and hide. VCA Animal Hospitals notes hamsters do well in multi-level housing connected by plastic tubes, and that tubes and mazes add enrichment.
Tube cages also make better use of vertical space, adding levels without taking more floor area. Bear in mind that floor space still matters most for running and burrowing, so choose a tube cage with a generous base.
How much space a hamster needs
Bigger is better. VCA's minimum is about the size of a 10 gallon tank, with more space giving a hamster room to exercise and explore. Many hamster keepers now recommend considerably more floor area than that, especially for Syrian hamsters, which are larger and more active than dwarf species.
Look at the base dimensions, not only the number of tiers. A cage around 23 inches long with deep bedding space is far more useful than a tall, narrow tower. Hamsters should usually be housed alone, since adults often fight.
Tube size and wheel safety
Tube diameter matters. Syrian hamsters need wider tubes than dwarf hamsters, and a tube that is too narrow can trap a large or pregnant hamster. Check the cage is listed for your species, and watch your hamster use the tubes at first.
VCA warns that open-track or wire wheels can trap a foot and cause serious injury, and recommends a solid plastic wheel with no openings. The wheel must be large enough that your hamster runs with a straight back; Syrians need a bigger wheel than dwarfs.
Bedding, hides and escape proofing
Use paper-based bedding or shredded paper, and avoid cedar and pine shavings, corncob and dusty materials, which VCA notes can irritate the airways. Give deep bedding so your hamster can burrow, plus a hut or two for hiding.
Hamsters are escape artists. Check every tube joint clicks firmly together, doors latch, and the cage cannot be opened by other pets. Hamsters also chew plastic, so inspect tubes and connectors for gnawed edges and replace any damaged parts.
Cleaning a tube cage
Tubes collect bedding, food and droppings, and some hamsters use one corner as a toilet. VCA recommends spot cleaning daily and changing all bedding weekly, washing food bowls daily and toys weekly. Detach tubes and wash them in warm soapy water, rinsing and drying fully before reconnecting.
Good ventilation prevents ammonia from building up, which can irritate the lungs. Portable tiered cages here can double as a carrier for vet visits. Watch for wet tail, weight loss, overgrown teeth or lethargy, and see an exotic pet vet if you notice any.
Are hamster tubes safe?
Yes, if they are the right diameter for your hamster, firmly connected and checked regularly for chewing. Syrian hamsters need wider tubes than dwarf hamsters.
What size cage does a hamster need?
At least the floor area of a 10 gallon tank, and preferably much more. Floor space matters more than height, especially for Syrian hamsters, which are larger and need room to run and burrow.
What kind of wheel is safest for a hamster?
A solid plastic wheel with no gaps, large enough for your hamster to run with a straight back. Avoid wire or open-track wheels, which can trap feet.
How often should I clean a hamster cage with tubes?
Spot clean daily and change bedding weekly. Detach and wash tubes with warm soapy water when you do the full clean, and dry them before reconnecting.
Can gerbils use hamster tube cages?
Some cages here suit gerbils, rats and mice. Gerbils like deep bedding for digging, so choose a design with a deep base, and check tube size and spacing for your species.