• This cage is one of many examples that can be easily purchased at your local pet store or online, for between £20-£30. 
• As a first time hamster owner, you're probably looking to spend the minimum amount of money possible. In this case, this cage would attract your attention as it comes with tubes, a dish, water bottle, platform, wheel and a hideout. However, these are the types of cages you want to be avoiding entirely. 
• The measurements of this cage are 27 cm length and 38 cm width. When looking for a cage or enclosure for your hamster you need to be looking at cages with a minimum measurement of 80 cm length and 50 cm width. 
• To help you know whether your cage is suitable, you can work out the square inches of floor space in your cage. You can do this by converting the length and width into centimetres and multiplying them together. In the UK the minimum amount of floor space is around 600 square inches. If your cage is below the measurements (like above) then your cage is not suitable for your hamster, and you'll soon notice your hamster will start displaying stress symptoms. 

When a hamster is in too small a cage they develop a psychological disorder known as 'Cage Rage' . This is a very serious disorder but it can be easily resolved with an upgraded cage. Symptoms include:   

1. Excessive bar biting that can last for hours- they may also develop sore's or cuts on their nose from doing so and develop crooked teeth.
2. Increased aggression inside and outside of the cage. 
3. Monkey barring- when they will swing from the top of the cage or climb around on the bars all the time. 
4. Frequently trying to escape/ or won't want to go back in their cage after being out in a play pen.