We covered minimum requirement for cages and listed a few examples in our adoption page. Now, let's delve into how to calculate cage size to answer commonly asked questions.
Minimum Cage Size: 80cm x 50cm a.k.a 4000cm2
How is this calculated?
Base Area = Length x Width
4000cm2 = 80cm x 50cm
Hence, the popular citing of 80cm x 50cm and 4000cm2 as minimum cage size as they are interchangeable.
However, whilst 4000cm2 is a strict minimum, 80cm x 50cm is not.
It is simply the minimum size for the most easily accessible cage in pet stores:
1. Savic Ruffy (80cm x 50cm = 4000cm2)
2. Savic Sky Metro (80cm x 50cm = 4000cm2)
Here are other housing that surpass the minimum requirements:
1. Alaska Cage (84cm x 48.5cm = 4074cm2)
2. Savic Plaza (100cm x 50cm = 5000cm2)
3. Fish Tanks 3ft x 1.5ft x 1.5ft (90cm x 45cm = 4050cm2)
And here are other measurements that meets or surpasses the minimum requirement of 4000cm2:
Now let's answer the commonly asked questions:
Question 1: My cage is 70cm x 50cm, does it meet the minimum requirement?
70cm x 50cm = 3500cm2
It does not meet the requirement. ✗
Question 2: My cage is 113cm x 58cm, does it meet the minimum requirement?
113cm x 58cm = 6554cm2
It meets the minimum requirement. ✓
Question 3: My cage is 150cm x 20cm, does it meet the minimum requirement?
150cm x 20cm = 3000cm2
It does not meet the requirement. ✗
How about IKEA SAMLA 130L? Can we use it for Syrians? Should we use it for Syrians?
Here's the measurements of IKEA SAMLA 130L:
From what we learnt above, the base area of IKEA SAMLA 130L is 4368cm2.
In this sense, the IKEA SAMLA 130L exceeded minimum requirements.
The IKEA SAMLA 130L is used by lots of breeders overseas as well, as it is easy accessible, affordable, light and does not break easily like cages or glass tanks.
However, if you look at the design of the bin, there are some ridges curving inwards that cause the cage to be smaller than the measurements stated - some then deem it not suitable for syrians.
At Eldduc, we are partial towards the bin cage however, as it is made of plastic and with syrians being huge chewers and great escape artists, we do not think that it is suitable for syrians. Hence, under normal circumstances, we strongly discourage the use of IKEA SAMLA 130L bin for syrians.
To conclude, IKEA SAMLA 130L can be used for Syrians only if they do not chew, but should you use for Syrians? If possible, please refrain so from the risks of chewing as explained above. The bin is better suited for dwarves than syrians.
Comments