Caring for your hamster
Hamsters make excellent pets, but as with any companion animal, do your research to ensure that you understand their needs and requirements for a full and happy life.
Are pet hamsters suitable for children?
According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), contrary to popular belief, hamsters may not be the best pets for children. When startled or handled roughly, hamsters can bite. Furthermore, because they are small and delicate, they must be handled with care. When holding a hamster, even older children should be supervised.
Furthermore, hamsters are nocturnal, which means they sleep during the day and play at night. Placing a hamster in a child’s bedroom may disrupt sleep: the hamster’s nightly activities may awaken the child and make sleep difficult.
What type of cage does my hamster needs?
The AAHA recommends keeping hamsters in an aquarium rather than a wire cage. According to the association, aquariums are better than cages because cages may have bars that their feet can get caught in and break. It’s best to have a well-ventilated aquarium with a top that seals so your hamster can’t push up on it and escape. Line the aquarium/cage with shredded paper (newspaper or paper towels) or recycled paper bedding (no shavings of any kind), leaving a mound in one corner – hamsters love to burrow.
Maintain a temperature of room temperature in your hamster’s living quarters. Avoid areas that are either too cold or too hot. Regularly clean your hamster’s living quarters.
Do hamsters need exercise and toys?
Yes, hamsters need a lot of exercise. Provide your hamster with a wheel to run on. Hamsters also enjoy hiding and crawling through tubes. Install tunnels in your hamster’s cage to keep him entertained and active.
Furthermore, hamster teeth are constantly growing. To keep his teeth healthy, give him chew toys or a block of untreated, unpainted wood to gnaw on.
What do hamsters eat?
Your hamster should be provided with a commercial pellet diet. These diets are complete and will meet all of your hamster’s nutritional requirements. Diets high in seeds and nuts will not work. Fresh vegetables can be used to supplement your hamster’s diet. Feed your hamster at night, when they are most active.
Hamster cheeks can hold a large amount of food. A hamster with full cheek pouches may appear strange and even frightening to a novice guardian, but this is completely normal for all hamsters.
Water is also essential for the health of your hamster. Make sure your hamster has access to clean, fresh water at all times.
Can hamsters live together?
Hamsters can be hostile to one another. If you decide to keep more than one hamster in the same living space, the AAHA recommends buying hamsters of the same sex at the same time. Avoid introducing a new hamster to other hamsters who have grown accustomed to their environment. This will result in fighting and possibly injury.
How do you tell the difference between a male and female hamster?
Reputable pet shops and other retailers should be able to sex hamsters for you before purchase; however, if you plan on keeping hamsters in pairs or groups, you may need to check the sex yourself.
Only female hamsters have nipples, but the most reliable way to check is to carefully inspect the bottom end while gently turning the hamster on its back. The distance between the anus and genital openings (the anogenital distance) is generally twice as long in males as it is in females, with the anus and genitals often appearing almost side by side.
Many shelters and rescue organizations have adoptable hamsters. Check adoptable hamster listings to see if there are any available in your area.
If you want more helpful advice on looking after your hamster, including tips on food, toys, accessories and accommodation, add a comment below to let us know!
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