This is a quick tour of Jane's home, which has expanded in size and content over the months.

Jane's home now consists of two wire cages. Wire cages are one of the best types of hamster home. Ventilation is good, security is high, the plastic tray keeps the bedding from flying out onto the furniture, and the bars provide ample climbing opportunities. Downsides? Well, the noise...

At first, she had only the main cage, but since it was on the small side, I extended it with a second, similar cage rather than getting a bigger one. This makes travelling easy: I just detach the second cage, which doesn't contain anything she really needs, and voilą -- a conveniently sized travel cage!

Jane's Habitat Main cage "Spare room" Run-around exercise ball Dustbuster (very important!) Piece of crisp bread for quick treats (Note: When hamster escapes, this item will mysteriously disappear.) Spare hatch (which just came into existence when putting the cages together!)

Main Cage House (or, rather, nest). Hammy toilet. (Not 100% necessary, but reduces smell and facilitates cleaning.) Food bowl. (Also not necessary, but the dry hamster mix in it is!) Bedding. These are wood shavings. Aspen is best, if you can get it. Good quality pine can be used, if your hammy doesn't show any signs of allergy or respiratory problems. Avoid cedar shavings at all cost! (There are also alternatives made from recycled paper, etc.) Paper tissue for nest bedding. (This photo was taken on cleaning day, which is why it hasn't been dragged into the nest yet. This chore is taken care of by the hamster.)

Spare Room Rock-climbing area, for fun, relaxation & perching on top of Ceramic tiles, can be cooled down in summer to provide some relief from heat Extra sand bath, this one not for peeing, just for digging

Stuff Attached to Main Cage Top Water bottle Solid exercise wheel Salt & mineral "wheel" Extra cardboard ledge for climbing