How do I know if my hamster is in heat?

How to add lighting to a homemade tank cage for a hamster that wont harm it or heat up?

• I have a hamster and mouse and i am looking to build two cages for them so they have more room and its better for them. I will be adding ventilation for them so it will be suitable and healthy for them. In the house that i am living in the lighting isn't great and doesn't even go int there cages now. The cage will have a wooden frame and have pretty much a big tank in the frame for the hamster. I know hamsters and mice don't need a lot of light that's why i'm asking what would be the best to use. I enjoy seeing them move about so i want a little bit of light so i can at least see them. I don't want to use a heat lamp since that is a very bad idea because it can cause health issues and they don't need that much heat. My house is warm and there are no drafts by there cages. So I was wondering what kind of lamp or light could go outside there cages to add a little bit of light and also where should the lamp go?

• Answer:

  You can use a lamp i would use a flourescent lamp they may work better but just get a lamp and hang it a bit above the cage and they should be fine