Kaytee CritterTrail Extreme Challenge Habitat for Pet Dwarf Hamsters, Gerbils or Mice

Over a year ago, I purchased every single CritterTrail habitat and accessory in order to review the systems and observe Gerbils as they chose their personal favorite areas. SuperPet CritterTrail Extreme Challenge Habitat is the most interesting and of course has that fascinating traveling wheel feature. I posted these videos on You Tube and can share that I was thoroughly blasted by many Hamster owners who claim that this is a terrible system for hamsters... I personally don't own hamsters, so my review is from the Gerbil owner perspective. I use this system connected with two other CritterTrail cages, so my gerbils can demonstrate a preference. I also suggest that you consider having several cages and connect them. Many say that your pet will chew the slide down to nothing... my gerbils did chew the slide (comparably soft material) but stopped destroying it when provided with many other chewing alternatives. There have been complaints about the noise from the exercise wheel? That has not been my experience, the wheel and associated tube has plenty of ventilation and is quiet when properly lubricated. I use olive oil to lubricate all contact points including the tiny wheels that keep it on track. Never have had a noise problem. I LOVE that feature as do my niece and nephew who visit often. The base and top is much like other crittertrail habitats and the connections are interchangeable. Floor space is limited and definitely "could" be deeper. But the base is the same as most of the other Critter Trail habitats... fairly small and shallow. So, there will be litter material getting tossed through the bars from time to time, so a suitable catch mat or extended tray would be a help when it comes time to clean up. Water bottle is fine, but as it is inside, takes up valuable interior space.. I recommend using the exterior bottles and save that space. Easy cleaning and all parts are holding up, even after a year with two gerbils. My suggestion, add this to at least one other cage and begin your pet village.. expect the petting zone (top removable enclosure) to be used as a bedding/sleeping area, orrrrr... the bathroom. In one of the cages, I use that zone for a dust bath... makes a mess, but they love it. Expect litter and the need to clean from time to time, well designed and interesting. Gerbils or Mice will LOVE this system and so will you. I absolutely recommend this system.