Rotastak versus Habitrail - The Good and The Bad

Although very similar, Rotastak and Habitrail both have their own strong points and weaknesses. Here's a summary of their similarities and differences (strong points and weaknesses) and overall rating that may help others, like myself, choose what’s most suitable for their pet(s).

Similarities

• Both have 'modular design' cages made of plastic with wire panels that connect with tubes
• Popular choices when it comes to hamster caging
• Both very well-known and highly recommended by experienced pet owners
• Rotastak and Habitrail are both suitable for gerbils, mice and hamsters – Dwarf and Syrian
• Can be taken apart for thorough cleaning, and put back together again
• Re-arrange-able for greater variety
• Rotastak and Habitrail are both designed to simulate the natural habitat of gerbils, mice and hamsters – tubes and units simulate tunnels and burrows (as compared to metal wire cages)
• May take a fair bit of time and effort to clean but if you have given a hamster a home, you must be willing to put in the effort to give them the best environment they deserve
• Habitrail and Rotastak tubing can actually be connected together (using the new Habitrail connecting rings), which means you can combine both types of units for even greater variety

Differences - Strong And Weak Points

Rotastak Strong Points

+ Rotastak has a wider variety of shapes and sizes than Habitrail, which makes a more interesting pet environment.
+ Rotastak units and accessories come in a greater variety of colours than Habitrail to suit the tastes of both children and adults
+ Rotastak units are very durable when taken care of. I’ve come across a lady who still uses Rotastak pieces that she’s owned for more than 22 years!

Rotastak Weaknesses

- Tubes may be too large for smaller pets like dwarf hamsters to climb vertically. May have to get mice ladders to put in vertical tubes or arrange tubes horizontally instead.
- Some people find Rotastak connecting tubes less secure than Habitrail and have complained about their pets escaping. Some experienced users think that it may be due to inexperience that causes pet owners to be careless when connecting the parts back together. Those who’ve been using Rotastak for many years recommend using selotape or masking tape to secure joints for extra peace of mind.

Habitrail Strong Points

+ Have mini tubes for smaller pets like dwarf hamsters
+ Attractive looking units

Habitrail Weaknesses

- Has less variety of shapes and sizes than Rotastak
- Fewer colour choices than Rotastak
- Large Habitrail units cost more than large Rotastak units
- Some of the clear plastic might turn a milky colour after a while, even if you don't use abrasive cleaning products, which prevents you from viewing your pets as clearly as you might like

Overall

Neither cage is perfect. Both have their pros and cons so the choice usually comes down to personal preference and budget. Since both systems are compatible (Habitrail and Rotastak tubing can actually connect together using the new Habitrail connecting rings), give your pet(s) even greater variety by mixing and matching both types of units!

In fact, many people do keep their pets in combinations of both Rotastak and Habitrail units. If you want to see how, here’s a video on 'How to join Rotastak and Habitrail Housing Systems':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrLcXMcEu4I