Caring for a Hamster
Hamsters make delightful family pets. They sleep during the day and become active in the evening, ideal for many family schedules. Most hamsters are solitary and must be kept alone. Occasionally, dwarf hamsters may be social and prefer to live in pairs or groups, however if you keep more than one hamster in a cage, you should have an extra cage available in case they need to be separated.
General Care
Most hamsters are easy to handle once they learn to trust you. Allow your new pet a few days to settle into its new home before picking it up. Offering food from your hand helps to build confidence. Regular exercise in a safe area outside the cage is important, and enjoyable for the entire family. Always wait for your hamster to wake up on its own, have a snack, and go to the bathroom before you take it out of its cage. You can gently wake up your hamster by calling them. Many hamsters learn their names and will respond when they hear it.
Housing
Hamsters need an enclosure that is secure, as they are notorious escape artists. A 40-gallon breeder tank 36”x 18”x16” with screen top or an enclosure specifically designed for hamsters are ideal. Include at least two sleeping houses/hideouts inside, filled with nesting material, and choose toys such as a solid wheel (no open rungs), ladders, and ramps. Hamsters love burrowing in a deep layer of safe bedding such as Carefresh or KT Clean and Cozy. Hamsters are most active at night and can be noisy while running in their wheels. The cage should be kept in a room where they will not keep someone awake while they are exercising.
Diet
A healthy diet is based on dry food consisting of pellets and grains, without too many non-grain seeds or nuts, such as the Kahoots hamster food. Food should always be available. Fresh vegetables and fruits can also be offered to your hamster. Servings should be small, about the size of a dime. Offer fruit and high sugar vegetables, such as carrots, not more than once a week. Fresh water should always be available in a water sipper bottle.
Cleaning
Spot clean soiled areas daily. Wash the cage bottoms, food dishes and water bottles weekly with a safe small animal cleaner. Always rinse and dry well before adding fresh bedding. Reusing some of the old nesting material will help your hamster feel comfortable and at home.
Fertility
Separate hamsters according to their sex by 3 weeks of age to avoid health risks, fighting, and unwanted babies.
Health
Be alert and consult a vet if you notice signs of illness or injury such as: lack of droppings or soft droppings, excessive drinking or urinating, dirty, wet or patchy fur, sneezing, wheezing or runny nose, limping, cuts or bumps, bleeding from any opening.
Warning
Avoid pine and cedar shavings, as they contain compounds that may cause irritation to skin and the respiratory tract.
Companion animals are potential carriers of infectious diseases that can be passed to humans. Taking these simple precautions can help prevent the potential spread of diseases:
- Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet and/or habitat contents
- Carry hand sanitizer when venturing outside of your home with pet
- Do not kiss or let your mouth come into contact with your pet
- Keep your companion’s habitat, water & food bowls, décor, and other surfaces as clean as possible and remove droppings daily
Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should speak with their physician when considering a new pet. For more information regarding pets and disease, go to the Center for Disease Control at cdc.gov/healthypets/. The information provided on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. It is strongly advised to seek further information on the care of your animal. In the event of serious health concerns please consult your veterinarian.
Recommended Supplies
- Oxbow Hamster Food
- Pelleted Food
- Super Pet and Oxbow wood Chews and toys
- SuperPet or Lixit 8oz Water Bottle
- SuperPet Igloo and/or Wooden Hide House
- SuperPet Exercise Wheel or Ware Flying Saucer
- Carefresh, Kaytee Clean & Cozy or Oxbow soft bedding
- Kahoots Organic stain and odor Cleaner
- SuperPet Crock or Spot Ceramic food bowl
- Oxbow and Kaytee Hamster Treats
- SuperPet Roam About Ball