How to Take Care of a Hamster

Hamsters are tiny, stocky rodents that may make wonderful pets if properly cared for and treated by a veterinarian. The normal hamster lifetime is around 1-2 years, although they may live up to 5 years. Hamsters are usually nocturnal creatures that burrow and hoard food. As a result, understanding how to take care of a hamster is critical.

The Syrian hamster, popularly known as the golden hamster, is the most prevalent hamster species. Syrian hamsters’ hair may be short or lengthy (known as the teddy bear variety). A frequent pet variant is a dwarf hamster.

Table of Contents

Hamster Diet

Hamsters’ diets consist of commercial feeds, pellets, or blocks containing roughly 16 percent protein. Oxbow and Kaytee are two popular pellet or block brands for hamsters. Working with your veterinarian to evaluate your hamster’s calorie requirements depending on size and health is recommended. However, most hamsters need 18–13% of a cup of pellets every day.

Seed-based meals for hamsters are “formulated” and marketing, but they should be used sparingly and only as a supplement to pellets. Seed-based diets are low in nutrients and can lead to obesity and vitamin E deficiency.

Additional fruits and vegetables may be fed to hamsters, but they should not make up the majority of their diet.

Hamster Medical Need

Annual veterinarian checkups are critical to your hamster’s wellbeing. Your vet will do a full checkup, weigh your hamster, check for dental issues, and go through nutrition and husbandry with you. They may also help with nail trimming and detect medical concerns early.

Hamsters vary anatomically from other rodent species, which might be perplexing to their owners. On their hips, hamsters have elevated, pigmented glands that resemble hair loss or tumors. This is a fragrance gland, not a disease or dermatitis. If these glands are not symmetrical or have additional issues, it is usually a good idea to get them evaluated by a veterinarian.

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Hamsters, like many prey species, may conceal disease until it is well advanced. Healthy hamsters have bright eyes and are alert. They will be curious about their environment and will have a clean, lustrous coats.

A healthy hamster will have normal nail and tooth length and no nasal or ocular discharge. Always contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following symptoms: lethargy, trouble breathing, nasal discharge, sneezing, reduced appetite, behavioral changes, or other concerns.

Hamster Cleaning Needs

Both the food dish and the water sipper should be cleaned and replenished on a regular basis. Most hamsters will drink from a water bottle with a lick spout attached to the side of the cage. Cages should be cleaned on a weekly or as-needed basis.

Constant exposure to filthy circumstances is unpleasant for hamsters and may lead to skin, eye, and respiratory system illnesses. Keep 1-2 corners of the cage-free for urination and defecation away from the sleeping and dining areas.

In order to keep your hamster safe, you should use diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to clean and dry your cage. This will keep your hamster safe from respiratory and skin irritation.

Brushing hamster coats on a regular basis is recommended, particularly for long-haired varieties. Hamsters’ nails must also be trimmed on a regular basis. If your hamster’s nails grow out of control or seem strange, consult a veterinarian. Owners should keep an eye on their hamsters for any abnormal growth, dental illness, fecal accumulation, or urine discoloration.

Unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian, hamsters normally keep themselves clean and do not need further washing with soap and water. Some hamsters, particularly dwarf strains, do appreciate frequent sand baths using chinchilla sand products. It is critical to remove the sand from the cage after the hamsters have bathed so that it does not become a continual respiratory irritant.

Hamster Handling

In order to keep your hamster safe, you should use diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to clean and dry your cage. This will keep your hamster safe from respiratory and skin irritation.

Frequently Asked Question

Is it easy to take care of a hamster?

Hamsters are generally easy to care for, but they do have special housing and husbandry needs. To wear down his ever-growing incisors, your hammy will need a clean home and lots of things to chew on.

Do hamsters like to be held?

They dislike being held. If they are startled or awakened from a deep slumber, or if your hands smell like another animal or food, they are more likely to bite. Handle your hamster with care.

Are hamsters stinky?

Hamsters don’t stink, but their cages will if you’re not careful. A hamster’s cage should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a week. Take out all of the bedding and thoroughly clean the enclosure with a mild detergent and warm water. Then, re-line the enclosure with new bedding.

Conclusion

Hamsters are rather popular home pets. These little rodents live for roughly two years and perform best when kept alone. Hamsters come in a variety of breeds with varying sizes and features. Know your breed and its full-grown size so you can buy the appropriate cage and equipment. Because hamsters are naturally nocturnal, be prepared for some nighttime sounds and place the cage in a location that works for you and your new pet.