Caring For A Hamster
Housing
Hamsters are not hardy animals and cannot live outside. Ideal housing for hamsters are cages or terraria approximately 60cm wide x 30cm wide. Hamsters can run long distances in the wild and have lots of energy, so need plenty of space. Dwarf hamsters can squeeze through tiny spaces and are better in a terraria with a tightly fitted wire lid. The cage should ideally be kept as close to a constant temperature as possible - placed out of the sun, away from radiators and sheltered from draughts.
Bedding
Wood shavings are ideal for hamsters, although sawdust is better for longhaired breeds as it doesn’t get tangled in their coats. Don't use cedar or pine shavings as they can cause allergic reactions.The cage should be completely stripped out and scrubbed, ideally at least once a week. Your hamster will enjoy having shredded paper to burrow and snuggle in to sleep. Hamsters arrange their living environment into separate areas - sleeping, playing, feeding and toilet areas - the cage will need 'tidying' everyday and the toilet area will need to be cleaned out more frequently then the weekly scrub.
Nutrition
Hamsters are omnivores and require some animal protein in their diet. The easiest way to do this is with a complete food specifically for hamsters, which provides all the nutrients in the correct amounts and proportions - check the label for how much to feed. Water must be accessible at all times and bottles are often easier to keep clean - your hamster will need this refilling with fresh water every day.
Your hamster may like an occasional treat, such as a small piece of fruit or vegetable. Don't feed too many treats as even hamsters can get overweight and remove any uneaten food at the end of the day.
Dental
Dental problems are a major health issue for hamsters. Hamsters need to eat fibre and have something to knaw to wear down their continuously growing teeth. If teeth don’t get worn down enough this can cause drooling and lack of appetite. Your vet or pet care specialist will be able to advise you on your pet’s teeth.
Neutering
Neutering hamsters is not something that many vets will do due to their short lifespan and size. Syrian hamsters and some dwarf breeds need to be kept alone. If you do keep dwarf hamsters together, to prevent an unwanted population explosion keep them in single sex pairs or groups. (See the Company section below for further information.)
Behaviour
While Syrian hamsters and some dwarfs are fiercely territorial and fight, hamsters are very social animals towards people and as such, their body language is a very good barometer of how they are feeling!
Hamsters love to gnaw and if they don’t have items to gnaw on such as wooden blocks, they may take this out on your carpet or sofa. If your hamster stops gnawing then it is good sign that there is something wrong and you should take him to a vet.
Exercise
Regular exercise, play and exploration is important to keep your pet fit and prevent boredom, which could lead to behavioural problems. Items for the cage, such as hamster wheels (choose a solid, wide one not with spokes which can cause injury), boxes and tubes are fun for both you and your pet, and also keep him busy at night while you are asleep.
Grooming
Hamsters will spend a large amount of their time grooming themselves. You can also groom your hamster with a brush or comb, if needed, and longhaired pets will need grooming daily otherwise their coat will quickly become matted. Grooming is a good idea as it strengthens the bond between you and your hamster and gives an ideal time to check him out. You should check a hamster’s eyes, ears, nose, mouth, bottom and claws daily.
Handling
Before attempting to handle your hamster, let him become accustomed to you by feeding out of your hand and stroking him. Chat away gently to him to get him used to your voice. Once he’s happy to feed from you or be stroked, gently scoop him up with both hands. It is best, once you have picked him up, to hold him against you or keep him on your lap - hamsters can move fast and you don't want to drop him.
Company
Syrian hamsters need to live alone, as they fight. Some dwarf hamsters, particularly the Russian breeds, can often be kept in social groups, as living as a pair or group of three allows them to interact and perform normal social behaviour. Make sure that they are single sex groups, otherwise you could end up with a family! And keep a close check - they can suddenly take a violent dislike to one another, fight and need to be separated. You can try a gentle re-introduction but this may not always be successful and you may just have to invest in a separate home!
Regular health checks
Your vet can carry out a ‘nose to tail’ MOT but you can play a role too by following the guidelines below to keep an eye on your hamster’s health, help him to stay in tip top condition and live a long and healthy life:
- Look out for changes in your hamster’s food consumption, drinking and toilet habits. Does he have less energy or is he slower in getting up or jumping? Monitor your hamster’s faeces for colour and consistency
- Rub your hands over your hamster’s body including his head, legs and feet to check for any lumps or bumps or anything stuck in his claws. Check your hamster’s coat quality and whether any dandruff or hair loss is evident. Is your hamster scratching, chewing or biting excessively?
- Check your pet’s nose, eyes and ears for any abnormalities or discharge. Your hamster’s nose should be moist, the corners of his eyes should be free of discharge and his ears should be clean
- Regularly examine your hamster’s mouth for signs of disease and overgrown teeth
- Monitor your hamster’s body condition by running your hands over his ribs and backbone. If he is losing weight or is overweight, it’s advisable to take him to the vet
