Help! Need harness/cage advice for my new dwarf hamster

Hey everyone! I just adopted a cute little dwarf hamster and I'm totally lost on what to get for him. I want a good cage that's safe but not too expensive, and maybe a little harness so I can let him explore safely? Any recommendations? I've seen so many options online and it's overwhelming!

Ugh, small animal stuff is so cheaply made sometimes. For cages, avoid anything with plastic tubes - they're impossible to clean properly and can get chewed through. Look for a glass aquarium with a mesh lid (20 gallon minimum) or a proper wire cage with narrow spacing (1/4 inch max so he can't escape). As for harnesses... honestly, I'd skip it. Hamsters are fragile and most harnesses are poorly designed - you're better off using a secure playpen.

Dan's right about the escape risk! My cousin's hamster got out of a cheap cage and it took days to find the little guy. Go bigger than you think you need - more space is always better. I'd recommend checking out the Prevue Hendryx cages, they're sturdy. And if you really want a harness, look for the 'figure 8' style made specifically for small rodents, but supervise closely!

Thanks both! The aquarium idea sounds good - easier to clean maybe? And I'll check out that brand AkitaAlice mentioned. Maybe I'll hold off on the harness and just get a big playpen instead. Do you think a 20 gallon is really enough? He's so tiny!

20 gallon is the bare minimum. If you can afford/space it, go 40 gallon. More floor space = happier hamster. And get a solid wheel (8+ inches) - the wire ones can hurt their feet. Don't cheap out on bedding either, avoid cedar/pine. This is why I stick to cats - less equipment drama.