Caring for Hamsters.

Hamsters can be great pets and provide a lot of fun and enjoyment for their owners. They do come with a lot of responsibility, which can be very rewarding if they are cared for well. Here are some of the main things you need to know about as a new hamster owner.

What should I feed my hamster?

Hamsters require a good quality and balanced diet. You can provide a commercial hamster food, which is specifically formulated to provide your hamster with all their needs or you can make up your own food containing seeds, nuts, grains, fruit such as apples and vegetables such as small quantities of greens or root vegetables. Uneaten food should be removed and new food should be given twice a day.

Hamsters are naturally gatherers so sprinkling the food on the floor of your hamster’s cage can allow them to use their natural gathering behaviour and provide an activity as well as providing mentally stimulation for your pet.

Grapes and rhubarb are poisonous to hamsters so these should never be fed.

What housing should I provide for my hamster?

Hamsters need a clean, dry and comfortable place to live. A cage specially designed for a hamster is ideal but it must big enough for your hamster to exercise especially at night when they are most active. Multilevel cages can provide more space and climbing opportunities for your hamster. A nesting box should also be provided for your hamster to shelter in and feel safe. It should be big enough for your hamster to move around, store food and make a nest.

Your hamster’s cage needs to be kept clean with dry litter or bedding and nesting material in the nest area. The bedding should not be allowed to become damp and should be cleaned regularly. A small amount of old bedding should be left in the cage to provide the hamster with his or her own scent. This is important as hamsters communicate through scent.

What activities should my hamster enjoy?

Hamsters tend to sleep during the day and are more active at night. It is important to keep them in an area, which is quiet during the day to allow them to sleep.

Hamsters love to dig so providing them with a thick layer of bedding to burrow in is important for mental stimulation.

Running wheels can be great to provide exercise. They wheel should have a large diameter with a nonslip surface for running. It should be fitted to ensure feet do not get trapped causing injury.

If you have any further questions you can book an appointment to speak to a vet today.