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Hamster Care
Keeping Your Little Hammie Happy & Healthy
Even though these little fellows are small they still require
care, a
clean cage, fresh food and water, daily handling and things to
keep
them active just like any other pet you bring into your family. If you are deciding whether a hamster
is the right pet for you keep in mind that you will have this
little
thing life and well-being entirely in your hands. So what care
is needed?
Choosing the right home
Your hamster needs a clean and safe home. One thatwill keep him dry and warm enough, allow for exercise and
comfortable sleeping. There are many choices and some willbe more appropriate depending on the type of hamster you
have chosen.
Barred/Wire Cages
This may be what you had when you were a kid (maybe I am
giving away my age here -- the plastic modulars have been around
for awhile) This type of cage is my least favorite for hamsters.
The
problems as I see it with these cages make them my last choice.
So here are some of the pros and cons as I see them.
PROS
- Space - the cages are compact and take up less
space than any other cage. They are lightweight and
can be moved easily to clean etc.
- Ventilation - You don't need to worry about
making sure your Hammie is getting enough fresh air in a
Barred cage - it is less likely to harbor dampness in
high humidity situations.
- Cleaning - these cages are because of its
more compact size and lightweight design are the
easiest to handle during the weekly cleaning.
CONS
- Space -
It is pretty obvious that they are not very spacious or
interesting for an animal that would spend its life in the wild
burrowing and climbing around.
- Wide Bars -
For the Dwarf hamster in particular, many of these cages
have the bars too far apart to contain the tiny Dwarf -- you'd
be surprised how small a space they can squeeze
through.
- Drafts - It is hard to keep your hamster away from drafts and changes
in room temperature with the open design of these cages.
Covering them doesn't work very well because hamsters love to
pull a
cloth cover between the bars to chew and incorporate into their
sleeping quarters or nest. (Also drafts go in and odor goes out,
even the cleanest hamster and cage still have a distinct odor)
 If you are set on a barred cage, get one that is made for mice
(the bars are generally closer together) and a multi-story will give your hamster more space
although it will be larger taking up more space
and making harder to move around for cleaning..
Aquariums:
These come in glass or plastic and either will work. You will
need a tank that is at
least 24 inches long and 12 inches wide (a 10 gallon is not big
enough)
for one Syrian or a pair of Dwarfs. This type
of cage also has problems but it would be my second choice for a
cage.
PROS
- Space - The rectangle shape of
these cages just like the barred cage take
up less space fitting on top of a counter
top etc. easier than the bulkier modular
model.
- Temperature - As long as you
keep the metal screen lid clear you
don't need to worry about your Hammie is
getting enough fresh air and you don't really need to worry about drafts like with a barred
cage
- Cleaning - these cages
are because of its more compact size
and design are fairly easy to work
with during the weekly cleaning. but
particularly the glass (they are
heavy and bulky) are clumsy to
handle when it comes time to give it
a really thorough scrub out.
CONS
- Space - Again, like
the barred cage, the space is
limited and doesn't allow
for natural behaviors. It is limited in where you can place
things
like the wheels etc. Any levels or platforms should not be wire,
if
you can make wire work if you cover it with mats that are
available
at most pet stores.
- Temperature - You
need to concern yourself
with sunlight coming through
the
glass, it can really heat up the
space
so as with anything, a little sun is required but too much
can harm
your hamster.
- Cleaning -
The glass aquariums
(they are heavy and
bulky) are clumsy to
handle when it comes
time to give it a really
thorough scrub out.
Plastic although lighter
tends to hold on to odor
a little
more. Another issue I have
found with plastic is that in the corner that the hamster has
chosen for his potty, the urine will eat away at some of the
plastic and make the smell hang on.
Modulars:
These are my
preferred cage as they can be designed and
redesigned in many
shapes and sizes. (There are many really cool toys etc that you
can add on also)
The different tubes and compartments are only limited by your
design ability. You can also get a combination
barred/wired cage with
modular pieces.
PROS
- Space -
These cages come in
many shapes from a
basic rectangle with
a simple tube design
that doesn't take up
much more space than
a barred cage or
small aquarium.
As for interest and
activities for your
Hamster, the
possibilities are
limited only by
space and your
budget.
-
Temperature
- As long as you
keep the metal
screen lid clear
you don't need
to worry about
your Hammie is
getting enough
fresh air and you don't really need to worry about drafts like with a barred
cage
-
Cleaning -
these
cages are
because of
its more
compact size
and design
are fairly
easy to work
with during
the weekly
cleaning.
but
particularly
the glass
(they are
heavy and
bulky) are
clumsy to
handle when
it comes
time to give
it a really
thorough
scrub out.
CONS
-
Space -
Again,
like the
barred
cage,
the
space is
limited
and
doesn't
allow
for natural behaviors. It is limited in where you can place
things
like the wheels etc. Any levels or platforms should not be wire,
if
you can make wire work if you cover it with mats that are
available
at most pet stores.
-
Temperature
-
You
need
to
concern
yourself
with
sunlight
coming
through
the
glass, it can really heat up the
space
so as with anything, a little sun is required but too much
can harm
your hamster.
- Cleaning - The glass aquariums (they are heavy and bulky) are clumsy to handle when it comes time to give it a really thorough scrub out. Plastic although lighter tends to hold on to odor a little
more. Another issue I have
found with plastic is that in the corner that the hamster has
chosen for his potty, the urine will eat away at some of the
plastic and make the smell hang on.
Homemade:
Of course you can build a cage, using hard-wood and wire. Just
remember you use wood you will probably need to replace parts at times --
hamster chew. I have seen plastic storage boxes used, but I worry about space
and air and the ability of the hamster to chew a hole and escape, but if you are
mindful of the problems aI am sure they will work. (just make sure if you use the plastic top that
it has plenty of air holes (small) to allow for ventilation. And avoid absorbent
materials --
No matter which cage type you choose keep this basics in mind:
Watch out what you put into, around etc. your hamster,they chew and chew and chew -- some things are dangerous when eaten and if they chew their way out -- you may never
find them.
All doors etc. need to be able to be hamster secured
No space should be big enough for a hamster to squeeze
through and escape.
For your own sanity, make sure all parts can be taken apart easily for cleaning. Spending time trying to pry or pull
something apart to clean is frustrating and will make clean a a bigger job
than it needs to be.
Ventilation,
ventilation, ventilation -- as I have stated over and over -- for a
healthy hamster they need to be able to get fresh air. But not drafts, they need to be maintained at a comfortable room temperature.
If it is winter and you like your house cold, (or the cost of
heating has overtaken your budget like mine) make sure the cage is somewhere that
your tiny Hammie's body temp can be maintained, the same with
goes for heat, keep the cage out of direct sun, a little
sunlight daily is good but he needs to be able to get out of the heat.
Toys and Stuff
The toys and things you provide for your hamsters amusement
doesn't have to be expensive and elaborate, they need to provide
interesting safe activites for your little pet.
The basics:
Clean wood shavings -- Do not use pine, cedar, sawdust,
corn cob, bedding, chlorophyll or cat litter, any materials that
contain scents or oil.
PINE AND CEDAR SHAVINGS ARE TOXIC TO HAMSTERS!!
Water bottle
Bowl for food and treats
Nesting box or compartmentv - a plastic igloo works great for
this, or a wooden box
made for this can be work.
nesting material for a bed (avoid fluffy bedding material as it
can
cause intestinal problems) Plain unscented toilet tissue works
great.
Wheel for exercise (solid wheel or one with rung close together
avoid injuries) The wheel should be large enough so they can
run without arching their backs.
Other fun stuff:
Ladders
Seesaw (Teetor Totter)
Ropes for swinging on
Toilet paper/paper towel cardboard rolls
Rolling Balls - you put your hamster inside and
they roll around the house (just make sure you
never leave your pet alone in the ball)
There are many other things available for keeping your hamster
entertained and exercised. Just use care when choosing - look
for things that can harm or cause injury, could be toxic if
chewed,
or they could escape or get stuck. Just use common sense and you
should be ok.
Cage Cleaning - once a week
Please keep you hamster's cage clean! They are clean animals and
can get very sick if they are left in a dirty cage.
The cage will need to be dismantled and any build up of gunk
scraped off.
All parts should be washed with an antibacterial soap and rinsed
well and dried.
(every few times air/sun drying is a good thing to give the cage
an airing.
Don't forget the outside of the cage
Make sure you give all the things in the cage a good scrub with
the antibactrial soap and
drying. You should be washing the food bowl and water bottle
every couple of days!
What to Feed Your Hamster
This is as you can imagine a very important part in the care for
you
hamster. Simply keeping the bowl full of store bought food will
not
keep your hamster healthy and happy. Keep in mind they have an
extremely high metabolism and need high quality fuel.
Hamsters eat throughout the day and night, they are "snackers"
and
will get a bite or two each time they wake up -- which is
usually every
couple of hours -- They typically will take their food back to
their
"burrow" for storage and eating at a later time.
Food Dishes
The best food dish is a heavy ceramic dish that doesn't tip
over. You will
need 2 of these (remember to place the bowls far from the spot
your
hamster has chosen for her bathroom)
Your hamster is going to need whole grains, fresh vegetable and
protein. If you have a Syrian hamster a small amount of fresh
fruit
it a nice addition but do not give fruit to a Dwarf (they are
prone to
diatbetes) A small amount of fresh vegies should be given daily
JUST BE CAREFUL AND USE YOUR HEAD
WHEN INTRODUCING ANY NEW FOODS TO YOUR HAMSTER
GO SLOW AND TRY SMALL AMOUNTS FIRST.
green beans
avocado
red & green pepper
cauliflower
cucumber
spinach (not a lot - can cause stomach problems)
squash
carrots
broccoli
celery
okra
Syrian hamsters only (as a treat)
grapes
cranberries
blueberries
cherries w/o the pit
peaches,
apples
melons
strawberries
bananas
Avoid!!
chocolate
iceberg lettuce
garlic
green tomatoes or potatoes (including the eyes)
dried corn,
uncooked beans
processed foods
sugary or salty foods
Grains & Proteins
The easiest and safest way to provide this is to
use the hamster grain that you will find at the pet store
You might also add on occasion
hard-boiled or scrambled egg
spray millet sticks
whole wheat bread
unsalted pumpkin seeds
tofu
Hamsters are foragers and hoarders. Part of hamster
are is the regular removal of uneaten portions of fresh
food. This may be necessary almost daily. While food
purchased from the pet store does not need to be
removed with such regularity, it does need to be cleaned
from the nesting area from time to time.
Chews
Your hamster naturally loves to chew, providing him with
wooden chews you find at the pet store is your safest
way to provide this for your hamster, just make sure they
don't have artifical colored wood.
Dog biscuits
wood twigs from pesticide free trees
beech
hazelnut
willows
maples
paper towel or toilet paper rolls
plain cardboard boxes (without ink)
Water
Make sure your hamster has constant access to fresh
water. A water bottle that hangs from the side of the
cage is the best - a water bowl will just get tipped or
dirty. Please give your hamster a fresh bottle of water
every day -- even if there is water in the bottle -- refill
it with fresh!
Handling Your Tiny Pet
You need to keep in mind first and formost that you are
giant sized and in order for you hamster to learn to trust
you, you will need to go slow!
If you are going to have children handling your
hamster see the information below.
Important tip #1
NEVER PICK UP A SLEEPING HAMSTER, YOU MIGHT
GET BIT -- If your hamster is in a deep sleep he
will startle just like you do (hamsters have bad eyesight)
and he may choose either flight - you might drop him as
he tries to run away; or fight - she will take a bit of your
finger
tip #2
KEEP IN MIND YOUR HAMSTER IS A HOARDER. YOU WILL
NEED TO REMOVE UNEATEN FOOD REGULARLY -- Store
bought grain mixtures can be left longer -- clean uneaten
food out DAILY, before adding fresh -- It is spoiling food
that will add to the odors of the cage.
tip #3
WASH YOUR HANDS before and after you handle your hamster
clean the cage or handle items that have been in the cage.
You don't want to carry germs to your hamster that could make
the little guy sick or germs from his waste on things you touch.
tip #4
GIVE THE WATER BOTTLE, BOWLS AND CAGE BOTTOM A CLEANING WITH
A SOLUTION OF WATER AND HOUSELHOLD BLEACH periodically to kill
any
mold. mildew and germs that have built up. This is particularly
a problem
in any damp corners and in the water bottle. MAKE SURE YOU RINSE
THROUGHLY!!!
Taming
If you got your hamster from a pet store it probably hasn't been
handled
much if at all -- (this may also be the case with a breeder) So,
go slow
as you go about getting your hamster comfortable with being held
by a
giant's hand and carried about high off the ground.
The evening is the best time to handle a hamster, they are most
likely to
be awake at that time.
Particularly in the beginning he is going to have the instinct
to get away from you
so you will need to be extremely careful not to startle etc. him
into
running and/or jumping an getting seriously hurt (falling from
your hands at
waist high would be like you falling off a building many stories
high)
Handle him on th floor, but hand on to him, because if you let
go
he will head for a small hidden place and you may never find
him.
She may squeak at first, (I actually haven't heard a hamster
do this but I have been told they do) It of course is fear
response
You don't need to stop, but keep in mind the little thing is
afraid and
go slow.
Your movements should be slow and careful. Speak in a low soft
voice
Remember you are aclimating your hamster to humans, particularly
you.'
PLEASE DON'T DO SILLY THINGS WITH YOUR HAMSTER - He/she is after
all a live being -- they feel pain. Your head, shoulder and
other places where you can't
have a safe hold is dangerous, if you drop him he can be
seriously hurt
and you may not even realize it,
Hamsters are a blast to watch if they are in a mood to be busy,
running in
a wheel or a ball made to move around the room, they can be fun
to watch
stuff their cheek pouches full to bursting and the carry them
off to hoard.
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