Now that you have got your hamster or guinea pig home and the kids are excited, you must now realize you need to get the little creature set up in its living quarters. Where will you set up the cage? A tough question to answer and anytime you get a new pet there are many things to consider.  Where do I get hamster cages, guinea pig cages, and how do I set them up?

Those maybe some of the questions you are asking.  Others may include where do I buy hamster toys, bedding, or a  hamster ball?

First time pet owners of both hamsters and guinea pigs are often confused on where to look for things to make their new pets happy.  This is not unusual since most people do not remember caring for these pets when they were little themselves.  I recommend buying a book or two on caring for these pets.  It will help you remember the little things to do and especially the things not to do in caring for your pet hamsters or guinea pigs.

Choosing a new pet can be a tough choice.  I really like both the hamster and guinea pig.  They are fun loving creatures that love to play with toys or just run around their cages.  Be sure to include proper bedding when setting up your hamster cage.  You cannot really give them too much bedding, so just pile it in there and they will do what they want with it. Hamster cages need to be set up to keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  By not allowing drafts near the cage you will accomplish this goal.  You be considerate to the temperature  in the room.

Setting up the cage is not that difficult.  You can add on to most pet cages today and the extra pieces just snap together. Be sure to add a few hamster toys to play with and a few things to chew on too.  Most pets like to be interacted with so spend a few minutes a day with them.  Hopefully the kids will enjoy the pets for many years, just remember their life spans are not too long so be prepared to get some more pets!

Look into dwarf hamsters and cages for them too. Many like those little guys.

You do not want to have a bad experience with an escaped hamster.  They can hide very well and you do not want your dog playing with it, since it may want to eat or kill it. Also, cats are risky too, as they may think the hamsters are mice and pounce on them.

Finding the best hamster cage is not that hard.  I normally go to amazon and type in a search for pet hamster cage or something similar. Then, I read the reviews for the best selling ones and try to get a majority opinion. Beware, sometimes people leave bad feedback on purpose to hurt their competitors, but normally these reviews are accurate.

After I check the info on amazon, I tend to shop around some more at other websites to see if I can find a better deal.  I also search for coupon codes and see what comes up.  There are many 5 or 10 percent codes out there, all you have to do is look.

The final step in my plan is heading to the stores to see if they have a better deal yet.  Also, it allows me to actually view the cage in person to see if it will be  a good fit for my hamsters.  You do not want to buy it just because it is cheap.

Finally, once you decide on where you are going to purchase the cage at, check and see the shipping cost.  Some sites have free shipping, so always keep that in mind.

Good luck on your shopping. Also, do not forget to get some hamster toys for your new pets.  These toys are normally cheap and the pet will love them.

I have seen some hamster cages that look like a castle and are not that difficult to make.  Just make sure your room has proper temperature control, as some of these can get hot if there is no air flow in the room. While these little critters are tough, we do not want to make their life any harder. Be careful too with an air conditioner since this can provide too much chill.  Balance is the key with the temperature, so that your pet hamster or guinea pig can be comfortable.

A pet like this has many benefits. They can provide a good companion for a young child or teenager. Older people can love these pets too, especially if they are retired and need something to do. Sometimes a lower maintenance pet can be a blessing in disguise, since some people do not have the energy to keep an active dog or cat.

After you have had them for a while, you may need to make some adjustments to the cages.  Maybe they are in the wrong part of the room or always in the way.  Just be patient and eventually there will be a perfect place for the cage.

I like to start my search for cages online, sometimes people are selling used ones that are very cheap.  Just be very careful with these and be sure to disinfect it if you buy a used one.  You never know if the person before hand had sick hamsters or not.  Use soap and hot water, as you do not want any chemical residue left behind. These used cages can be a real bargain.

Another option is to head down to your local pet store and find one there.  The cost will be higher, but you will get the best service.  It is a tough choice to make, but your local store is a good option.

Also, check the big retail stores too as they sometimes have cheap prices on hamster cages.  It is all what you are looking for though, and you need to check out all your options before you buy.

Many pet stores carry these homes for hamsters, but you may pay more than you would at a big box retailer.  Check online too as you can find great deals if you search around.  The real key to any cage is having enough bedding.  Do not make this mistake since these pets use the bedding for keeping warm, cool, hiding food, and helping them sleep. Also,  you should always change the bedding at least once a month, or when the smell gets bad.  No one wants to live in filth.

Hamster toys are always a fun part of owning them.  Most people get a wheel or ball they can roll around in.  I remember playing with hamsters for hours when I was young.   They really can be a lot of fun and amusing to those who have them.  Be careful with your other pets too, as dogs and  cats may not like them, or even try to eat them.

Hamster cages should also be considered for their size.  Depending on the room available, you may have to alter the size or make it a bit smaller or larger than you originally thought. Remember though, you normally can add on upward in the new cages.  Also, give the hamster some exercise during the evening, as this will help them live a healthy life.

Look forward to more advice and posts in the future.