Hamster
The most popular and best known small rodent pets, Hamsters are naturally
solitary creatures that prefer their own company, although same sex pairs can
be kept together. They generally live for 2 to 3 years and are most active
during the evening and at night.
HOUSING
There’s a vast choice of Hamster houses available, ranging from simple cages
to complex multi-level stacking systems with interconnecting tunnels. Your
Hamster’s home should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from
draughts. Shredded paper nesting material should be provided, along with
wood shavings or sawdust. The cage should be cleaned at least once a week and a
small litter tray can be provided, helping to maintain a hygienic environment
for your Hamster.
TYPES OF HAMSTER
The most common (and largest) breed is the Syrian, or Golden, Hamster.
Remember they are naturally solitary and prefer to be kept alone. Russian or
Dwarf Hamsters are smaller, growing to about 8cm while Chinese Hamsters are
slightly longer when fully grown. If you must keep a pair, make sure they are
the same sex and do not mix species.
FEEDING
A good quality Hamster mix makes an ideal core diet for your pet. This can be
supplemented with small pieces of fresh fruit and vegetables. Be aware that
Hamsters hoard food in their beds, so don’t give them too many green vegetables
(which can rot). Fresh drinking water should always be available, usually in a
gravity bottle although a small heavy bowl can be used instead. Like all
rodents, a Hamster’s front teeth grow continuously, so provide them with
something to gnaw on – dog biscuits are ideal.
EXERCISE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Most active during the evening and night, Hamsters enjoy cardboard tubes to run through and chew
on, or a wooden ledge to climb on. Wire-spoked Hamster wheels are not
recommended; solid wheels are much safer. Hamster ‘exercise balls’ should be
used with care – your Hamster can soon become exhausted.
HANDLING
Most Hamsters that have been correctly handled from an early age will usually
enjoy human contact and rarely bite. If your Hamster seems nervous, hold your
hand in the cage without touching it – this allows it to get used to your scent. As with all pets, the rule is to be
gentle and approach carefully with no sudden movements. Never put your hand
into your Hamster’s bed in case you startle it. It’s always best to wake your
hamster first with a treat, then scoop him up in your hands along with a little
bedding until it becomes accustomed to you. Long haired hamsters will require
daily grooming, which can be integrated with handling.
solitary creatures that prefer their own company, although same sex pairs can
be kept together. They generally live for 2 to 3 years and are most active
during the evening and at night.
HOUSING
There’s a vast choice of Hamster houses available, ranging from simple cages
to complex multi-level stacking systems with interconnecting tunnels. Your
Hamster’s home should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from
draughts. Shredded paper nesting material should be provided, along with
wood shavings or sawdust. The cage should be cleaned at least once a week and a
small litter tray can be provided, helping to maintain a hygienic environment
for your Hamster.
TYPES OF HAMSTER
The most common (and largest) breed is the Syrian, or Golden, Hamster.
Remember they are naturally solitary and prefer to be kept alone. Russian or
Dwarf Hamsters are smaller, growing to about 8cm while Chinese Hamsters are
slightly longer when fully grown. If you must keep a pair, make sure they are
the same sex and do not mix species.
FEEDING
A good quality Hamster mix makes an ideal core diet for your pet. This can be
supplemented with small pieces of fresh fruit and vegetables. Be aware that
Hamsters hoard food in their beds, so don’t give them too many green vegetables
(which can rot). Fresh drinking water should always be available, usually in a
gravity bottle although a small heavy bowl can be used instead. Like all
rodents, a Hamster’s front teeth grow continuously, so provide them with
something to gnaw on – dog biscuits are ideal.
EXERCISE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Most active during the evening and night, Hamsters enjoy cardboard tubes to run through and chew
on, or a wooden ledge to climb on. Wire-spoked Hamster wheels are not
recommended; solid wheels are much safer. Hamster ‘exercise balls’ should be
used with care – your Hamster can soon become exhausted.
HANDLING
Most Hamsters that have been correctly handled from an early age will usually
enjoy human contact and rarely bite. If your Hamster seems nervous, hold your
hand in the cage without touching it – this allows it to get used to your scent. As with all pets, the rule is to be
gentle and approach carefully with no sudden movements. Never put your hand
into your Hamster’s bed in case you startle it. It’s always best to wake your
hamster first with a treat, then scoop him up in your hands along with a little
bedding until it becomes accustomed to you. Long haired hamsters will require
daily grooming, which can be integrated with handling.