10 Gallon Tank for a Hamster?

Question

I have a 10 gallon tank for my hamster and I feel like it's just too small... does it really matter?

He also doesn't seem to notice the food dish and walks all over it, and also doesn't notice the water bottle. I realize he has basically no brain but will he eventually drink and eat his food? Answers? Anyone?

Answer 1

I've no experience with tanks, though I would recommend the usual ones (like Habitrail and stuff) since they get moer air circulation in them.  Tanks can get drafty.

Are you sure he's not touching his food/water?  Or maybe you just don't see him touching it?  If you're sure he's not touching it, try feeding him vegetables and/or fruits.  It should be okay for a while (that provides liquids and nutrition at the same time).  Then maybe slowly put it hamster food with the fruits/veggies until you don't need it anymore?

Hope this helped =)

Answer 2

I don't like 10 gallon tanks for hamsters because they are boring and the hammies tend to eat the glue out of it. Besides it is easier for them to escape. There is also no ventilation. I would recomend getting a bigger cage. I like the wire cage because they are easier to clean. Go check out your pet store and see what is available. Hamsters are smarter than u think!

Answer 3

How long have you had him? If he is new or just new to this tank, it might take him a few days to get comfortable in his new surroundings and figure out that he can eat and drink when he wants. Also, he may be a little frightened of you so he might only sneak and eat and drink when you aren't around. Try hand feeding him some nice treats to get him more comfortable.

I just bought a pet mouse and the girl at Petco actually suggested that a 10 gallon tank is the best! She said hamsters and mice will chew on the bars and/or the plastic of the other cages but the glass tanks will last forever. She said 10 gallons is big enough for even 2 mice so you should be just fine. Just make sure you take him out and handle him so he gets a break from the tank. And if you don't already have one, get a ball for him to run around in and get exercise while he is out!

Answer 4

i dont think a tank is very good because it doesnt have enough ventilation. about the food and water...he probably just isnt thirsty or hungry at the time...if he is still active there shouldnt be a problem!

Answer 5

thats a good size but if you can find a bigger cage get it. just because hamsters are small doesnt mean their cages have to be. the food and water is not a big deal just make sure that both are always available.  hamsters tend to take their food to a quiet secluded place to eat or store for later. hamsters almost never drink water in the wild because they get most of their water from the vegetables they eat. give your hamster veggies everyday and he will be fine. if you cant get a bigger cage offer a ton of stimulating things inside the cage and take your hamster out for playtime an hour every night

Answer 6

My life science teacher kept six hamsters (two teddy bears, two robovorskis, and two albino Russian dwarfs) in 10 gallon tanks (they had their own tanks, they weren't living together) and the hamsters never had a problem with it. They each lived at least a year longer than average actually.

And I wouldn't worry about the water/food thing. Hamsters are hard to catch drinking water, and they usually store their food in a place other than their food bowl.

Make sure he has a wheel or bowl and he'll be fine in a 10 g tank.

Answer 7

A 10 gallon tank is a good size but they do not provide enough stimulation.  It does not sound like he has a wheel either.  A hamster must have a wheel or a ball.  Tubes also help but they are not necessary.  He is bored.

My hamster has a tri level cage with a wheel, food bowl, water bottle, and hut.  We often hide treats and bedding material throughout the cage.  We allow him to walk around inside and outside with extreme supervision and have a hamster ball he rolls around in every night.

They may have a small brain but we have taught the last two to come when they are called?  

You may want to check his teeth.  My dwarf hamster did not grind down his own teeth and it came through his cheek. He had to have surgery to remove the tooth or he would starve.

Answer 8

HAHAHA braindead hamster!! lol, well anyways, i would take him to the vet for a checkup. he could b ill causing him to be delerious or just plaing blind.... sorry i couldnt be of more help=[

Answer 9

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.js...

This will give your hamster more room. Its cheap and also helps with air flow in the tank. It you just have a tank an hamster (or small animal like) can get upper respiratory infection very easy. This can cause death if not treated.