Header banner
Revain logoHome Page
Stephanie Smith photo
1 Level
527 Review
0 Karma

Review on ๐Ÿน Habitrail OVO Dwarf Hamster Cage: Ultimate Small Animal Habitat with Essential Hamster Accessories by Stephanie Smith

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Some things to know before you buy

Yes, the Habitrail OVO system of interconnected tubes and chambers is quite amazing and a great set to start with. As you can see, it's very easy to overdo it, and it's also easy to get confused about what you really need and what you should buy next. The focus of this review is to tell you everything I want to know before buying, not that it will change my mind! First the arrangement. This OVO gnome set is ideal for robots, russians, gerbils and mice. I had a mouse that liked straight vertical pipes, but my Winter Whites didn't do vertical ones. So I just rotated the T-connectors so they were slanted (requires double the length of tubing to get the same height) and all was good. If your little ones don't like climbing at all, it's very easy to do everything by level. If you're looking to expand your living space, it's a lot more economical to buy new kits like this rather than buying the pipe parts individually. Unless you really only need one or two specific parts for your system. When you buy new kits, you not only get a set of hoses and connectors, but you can also add several additional cameras. Remember that the cameras are really important because that's where your creatures will perform all their actions. Tunnels are only needed to get from one place to another. Also note that the tunnels are not ventilated. So plan your layout with chambers at the ends and around the perimeter to encourage airflow. If you have more than one animal in an enclosure, you should plan your layout as a closed loop, so everything has two avenues of access. All connectors and rings are universal with this brand and I am very impressed with the quality of the design and materials. It's so simple and effective, just put two things together into a ring and twist. The strong plastic and rubber allow them to carry quite a bit of weight and I've made a few tunnels and even pulled a water bottle or two out of the cage without the slightest hint of sagging. In my photo there is a book and a bottle of pills to support the pipe leading to the observation deck, but in fact it wasn't even necessary. It was just for reassurance after you learned to trust the mounting rings' sturdy design. The house included in this kit is large and has lots of great features like a nice walking wheel, steps leading to a built in dining or bathroom. , and a corner that fits two gnomes (and even my Golden Syrian fits in there). These three elements are easily removable, giving you space to place your own shelter or bike if you wish. The water bottle worked well, the carry is perfect for trips to the pet store or vet, and the little den is a great utility item. instead of a window end cap. With all this good stuff, why am I only giving it 4 stars instead of 5? Well, my claims are very small, but there are several of them. First, when using a built-in plate on the steps for dining, two problems arise. The steps are high and smooth, with no steps, and sometimes my dwarves had to try several times to climb them. The Syrian has no problem, but sometimes it can be a real chore for toddlers. However, nothing can break the resolve and in the end it's still very useful. It's just not easy. The house uses a vaulted ceiling that can be opened from either the front or the back. The food tray is on the back, and the back of the dome doesn't open wide enough to easily change food or sand. I can barely get my hand in and end up spilling food all over the stairs (which my hamsters don't mind) trying to change it. However, I could easily open the front of the dome, except for the wheel impeding access to the food plate, and I worry that constantly removing and reinserting the impeller will wear down the plastic piece that connects it to the base. Another problem I saw was in the quality control department. I have bought several of these and out of three sets I have received one completely broken ring, one partially broken and the cap on one of the water bottles was accidentally taped on so I had to use a vise to get it off. If I didn't know better, I would have thought the cap shouldn't have been removed. Finally, and I don't know why, but I feel like this kit should also come with a miniature version of their 5-way connector. As I said, these are all little things that together are hardly worth deducting a star. In my opinion this is the best modular/tubular dwarf hamster, mouse and gerbil habitat on the market. It is very well made, making it easy to disassemble and clean (the tubes can be disassembled in half for washing). This is a very good deal for the price!

Pros
  • Featured
Cons
  • Ugly packaging