Choosing the right home for your hammy is very important, so shop around before you buy one! There are a few types of cages:
Plastic Cage
Plastic Cages are very fun for the hamster and the owner. They provide various connectable toys, such as the wheel and tubes. They come in an assortment of different colors and are very nice. You will find that there are numerous brands you can select from. They are light-weight and fairly easy to clean. The bad part about these cages is sometimes the hamster can gnaw their way through! But this doesn't happen often.
Glass Cage
Glass Cages tend not to be as flashy as Plastic Cages, but they serve their purpose well. Their heavy weight makes it harder for it to carry around or clean. But, they are very efficient. Hamsters that may be confused by the bright colors of plastic cages will like the clear serenity of glass. There is also no way your hamster can gnaw through glass!
Barred Cages
Barred Cages are nice because air can pass through easier and they are very light weight. But, this type of cage is the one with the most problems. First, smaller dwarf hamsters may be able to squeeze through the bars. Also, hamsters that are very active tend to be able to kick or brush bedding/poop out of the bars. This leaves a big mess for owners!
There are steps you need to take to prepare for your new hamster.
Wash out the cage with a few drops of disenfectant and water. Clean thoroughly and then dry.
Cover the cage floor with clean, absorbant, and non-toxic bedding. The best type of bedding is Pine or Aspen wood shavings. Cedar shavings tend to have a strong smell that bug hamsters, and fluffy cotton wool can be very dangerous to hamsters if they eat it. You can also use hay, paper, or cardboard.
Give your hamster a place to "hide-out". This could be a little home or a small nesting box. Plastic cage sets may sometimes offer these.
Put some food in the cage and a water bottle(Hamsters can drown in water bowls!).
Provide wood chew sticks to satisfy the hamsters natural desire to chew! A exercise wheel should also be added. Also try other toys!
After your hamster is put in it's new home, do not immediately try taming it. Its had a stressful experience and should have time alone to get used to its new home.
Keep the cage away from windows (May get hot if too sunny), radiators, or in a draft.
Keep the cage away from cats, dogs, or other creatures that may frighten your hamster!
Clean your cage about every week, or depending on your good judgement. Every month you will want to do an extensive cleaning of the cage where you actually use soapy water and mild disenfectant. Rinse and dry.