Owning a small pet like a Syrian hamster means choosing the right habitat is crucial for their health and happiness. After trying several options, the Prevue 528 Small Animal Cage became my go-to choice. I started with two CritterTrail cages connected by tubes, thinking it would provide enough space. However, it quickly proved inadequate for my active Syrian hamster. This review shares my real-world experience with the Prevue 528, highlighting why it’s an excellent small animal cage for hamsters and similar pets.
Prevue 528 Small Animal Cage Review YouTube thumbnail showing the cage setup
When I first set up the CritterTrail system, my hamster seemed confined even with the extra tube connection. Syrian hamsters need ample room to explore, burrow, and exercise to prevent stress and health issues like obesity or boredom-induced bar chewing. Experts from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommend minimum cage sizes of 450 square inches for Syrian hamsters, which many small cages fail to meet. That’s when I upgraded to the Prevue 528 Small Animal Cage in February 2020, and it transformed my hamster Cooty’s living space.
To illustrate the difference, here’s a comparison photo of the two CritterTrail cages stacked on top of the Prevue 528. Even combined, the CritterTrail units cover only about half the floor space of the Prevue model.
CritterTrail cages stacked on top of the larger Prevue 528 Small Animal Cage for size comparison
The Prevue 528 measures 32.5 inches long, 19.5 inches wide, and 17.5 inches high, offering over 600 square inches of floor space—well above hamster care guidelines from sources like the Hamster Central community and veterinary recommendations. This size allows for deep bedding layers (up to 6 inches), multiple hideouts, wheels, and toys without crowding. I’ve housed Cooty here for over a year, watching her thrive with plenty of burrowing opportunities and exercise.
Key Pros of the Prevue 528 Small Animal Cage
This cage excels in features tailored for active small animals like Syrian hamsters, dwarf hamsters, or even gerbils. Here’s what stands out based on hands-on use:
- Generous Space: At 32.5” L x 19.5” W x 17.5” H, it provides room for natural behaviors. Vets emphasize that insufficient space leads to anxiety, so this Prevue 528 cage prevents that effectively.
- Large Access Doors: Two doors measure 12.5” wide by 9” high, making cleaning, feeding, and interaction easy without disturbing your pet.
- Adjustable Platform: The 12.25” x 19.5” shelf is customizable, perfect for adding levels or hammocks to maximize vertical space.
- Safe Bar Spacing: 3/8-inch gaps keep tiny paws secure while allowing attachment of wheels, tunnels, and chew toys.
- Portable Handles: Dual wire handles make it simple to move for cleaning or vet trips—fits through standard car doors too.
- Deep Plastic Base: 6 inches deep holds generous bedding like aspen shavings or paper pellets, essential for burrowing instincts.
These features align with best practices from hamster care experts, ensuring a stimulating environment that promotes physical and mental health.
Potential Cons and Workarounds
No cage is perfect, and the Prevue 528 Small Animal Cage has minor drawbacks I’ve encountered:
- Awkward Ramp: The included ramp is oversized and tricky to attach/remove, often requiring tilting the platform. A simple fix is replacing it with a shorter, pet-safe ramp from brands like Kaytee.
- Door Latch Design: The front door clamp feels like an add-on, potentially loosening over time. I reinforce it with a small zip tie for security, which has held up well.
Despite these, the pros far outweigh the cons for daily use. I even created a detailed YouTube review video demonstrating setup and daily maintenance—check it out here.
Why Choose the Prevue 528 for Your Hamster?
If your small pet is outgrowing its current setup, the Prevue 528 Small Animal Cage offers unmatched value at an affordable price (often under $50 on Amazon). It’s durable, easy to assemble, and supports long-term care routines like weekly spot-cleaning and monthly deep cleans. Pair it with essentials like a 12-inch silent wheel, dust-free bedding, and fresh veggies for optimal hamster wellness.
In my experience, upgrading to this cage reduced Cooty’s stress chewing and increased her activity levels, confirming its suitability for Syrian hamsters. Always consult a vet for personalized advice, especially if introducing new accessories.
Ready to give your hamster the home they deserve? Check out the Prevue 528 on Amazon. Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below, or explore more small pet care tips on our site!
