Congratulations! You have adopted a hamster into your family. Hamsters are quiet and clean pets that require lots of socialization to make them feel part of the family. When you first bring your hamster home, let him get used to his new environment. Offer him treats daily and let him sniff your hands. Try to pet him or let him climb into your palms. It takes a bit of time for a hamster to get used to you but once he knows he’s safe and recognizes your smell he will happily come around to see you. Hamsters are nocturnal (they sleep during the day and are very active in the evenings). Place the cage in an area where he will not disturb anyone during the night.
Housing
Syrian hamsters, also known as teddy bear hamsters, are solitary animals that must be housed individually. Even same sex pairs will fight. Russian Dwarf hamsters of the same sex and litter may be housed together but keep a close eye on them. They may get more aggressive to¬wards each other as they mature. A single hamster needs a cage that is at least 60 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm. The habitat filled with wood shavings (aspen is best) or another substrate (CareFresh). Shredded paper and tissue, toilet paper or Night E Night Bed Fluff make excellent bedding materials.
Add a box or house-like object inside that allows your hamster to hide and rest. Enrich the cage and add things like an exercise wheel, cardboard tubes, hay huts, ladders, etc.
Most hamsters will use one area for their toilet. You can purchase a
Little John Small Pet Potty and
OutHouse Potty Litter to encourage a tidy potty environment. Place some urine soaked shavings inside to encourage the hamster to use the toilet. They may not take to it but if they do it makes clean up much easier
Make sure that their bedding and shavings are always clean and dry and that no perishable food is left in the cage for too long.
The cage will need to be cleaned out at least once a week.
Signs that your habitat does not provide enough stimulation: - bar chewing or repetitive chewing in their habitat
- racing back and forth in one spot
- digging in one spot
These are not natural rodent behaviours. If your rodent demonstrates these any of the above you need to enrich their environment.
Try providing: - more space for exercise
- exercise time outside of the habitat
- more material to dig and burrow in
- more chew toys and treats for stimulation
Handling
You can pick up your hamster by putting cupped hands near him and by letting him crawl into your hands. Sometimes a sweet treat may help to lure him into your palms. Another way is to let him crawl into a large cup and then let him crawl into your hands from there. Hamsters are nocturnal which means they are active at night, so it is best to play with them in the evening. Do not wake your hamster up to play with him.
Grooming
Most hamsters keep themselves groomed but long-haired hamsters need to have their fur brushed with a toothbrush every day to keep them free from tangles. An occasional trim may be necessary from time to time.
Food
Hamsters are omnivores, which means they eat plants and animals (insects). Pre-packaged foods at your local pet supply store will supply us with the nutrition they require. They will eat the nuts and seeds that they like most and leave the rest - feed small amounts at a time to encourage them to eat all the food given to them. Fruits and vegetables can be given in small amounts as a treat. Hamsters are hoarders and will store food in their nesting area. Make sure that any perish¬able food is removed from their cage before it spoils. Also provide additonal materials for your hamster to chew on. Chew treats and homes made from alfalfa and honey called Snak Shak are available.
Avoid making any sudden dietary changes. Always introduce new foods in small amounts.
Water
Plastic sipper bottles are best for water. Be sure the tip is low enough for your hamster to reach. Change the water every day and completely clean the bottle once a week.
Exercise
Hamsters need exercise like all animals. Items like exercise wheels and clear exercise balls will give him plenty of exercise and allow hamster to run around house in a safe “bubble” and not get lost.
Medical Concerns
Diarrhea, lumps, bumps, broken legs are rodents’ most com¬mon medical problem. Broken bones are often sustained from falls so it is best to handle your hamster while sitting down. Your veterinarian should be consulted if your hamster suffers from these or any other problems, such as diarrhea, hair loss, excessive water drinking or not eating.
The best way to keep your hamster healthy is to keep his cage clean and take out any food that has spoiled.
Additional Information
Hamsters are escape artists. If your hamster runs away, set up a hamster trap. Use a deep bucket and fill it one third full of food. Set up a ramp leading to the bucket, leaving a trail or extra yummy treats to the very end. Your hamster will follow the treats up the ramp and then drop in the bucket to hoard more food. In the morning your hamster will be waiting for you.
This sheet is meant to provide minimum care guidelines for hamsters. For more detailed information contact your vet and consult a hamster care book available at book stores, pet shops or from your public library. Look for guides that discuss nutrition, health issues, and hamster behaviour.
Some recommended resources:
Websites: www.dcn.davis.ca.us/vme/DrSue/hamster.html
Books: Hamster, A Practical Guide to Caring for Your Hamster
— ASPCA Pet Care Guides for Kids Series by Mark Evans