So, you’re thinking about getting a hamster? That’s awesome! These little guys are cute, fun, and easy to care for, making them perfect for beginners. But like any pet, they do need some TLC to stay happy and healthy. Whether you’re totally new to hamster care or just need a refresher, this guide has got you covered with all the basics!
How to Look after Hamster for Beginner Pet Parent?
1. Picking the Right Hamster
First things first – choosing your hamster. There are a few different types of hamsters, so it’s important to pick the one that suits your lifestyle:
- Syrian Hamsters: These are the big guys of the hamster world, often called golden hamsters. They’re solo dwellers and make great pets because they’re easy to handle and super cute.
- Dwarf Hamsters: These little cuties are more active and smaller, which means they need a bit more space to roam. They can live with others, but you’ll need to keep an eye on them to make sure no one’s getting territorial.
- Roborovski Hamsters: The tiniest and quickest of the bunch! These hamsters are energetic and might be a little trickier to handle, so they’re best for those who don’t mind a challenge.
When you’re choosing your hamster, look for one that’s active, healthy, and has clean fur and clear eyes. They should be jumping around and looking curious – not lethargic or hiding too much.
2. Setting Up the Perfect Home
Next up, let’s talk about setting up hamster’s home. Your hamster’s cage is super important, so make sure it’s comfy, clean, and spacious. Here’s what you’ll need:
- The Right Size Cage: For a Syrian hamster, aim for at least 450 square inches of floor space. Dwarf hamsters can get by with a little less, but they still need room to run and play.
- Bedding: Go for soft, paper-based bedding or aspen shavings. Avoid cedar or pine, as they can be harmful. Change the bedding every week to keep things fresh.
- Add Some Fun Stuff: Hamsters love to explore, so add tunnels, hideouts, and ramps to keep them entertained. A hamster wheel is also a must for exercise (just make sure it’s a solid one to prevent injuries).
- Location Matters: Keep the cage in a quiet, dry spot, away from direct sunlight or drafty areas. Hamsters like to stay cool, not overheated.
A 450 square inch cage is the MINIMUM size necessary for a hamster, but larger is preferable. Cages in pet stores are rarely large enough to accommodate a hamster. Just because they are little does not mean they do not require a larger cage. It is recommended a bin cage.
Minimize the quantity of plastic in your cage, as they may bite on it, causing intestinal obstructions or constipation.
Is hamster high maintenance?
No, hamsters are not high maintenance. They are relatively low-maintenance pets that require basic care, like a clean cage, regular food, fresh water, and some exercise. Just make sure to give them enough space and attention, and they’ll be happy!
3. Feeding Your Hamster Right
Hamsters are omnivores, so they need a mix of different foods to stay healthy. You need to know the types of food hamsters can eat. Here’s what should be on their menu:
- Hamster Food Mix: There are plenty of pre-packaged food mixes made just for hamsters. Look for a balanced mix with seeds, grains, and dried veggies.
- Fresh Snacks: Hamsters love a little fresh treat now and then! Think small amounts of carrots, cucumbers, or apples. Just avoid sugary fruits or anything sticky.
- Water: Always make sure your hamster has access to fresh, clean water. A water bottle with a sipper tube works great. Make sure to change it every day.
- Chew Time: Hamsters’ teeth grow constantly, so they need something to gnaw on. Get them a chew toy or give them pieces of untreated wood or cardboard to chew.
Reducing the amount of seeds they eat is beneficial to your hamster; few people realize that seeds are high in fat and might cause health problems in your hamster. Spinach, broccoli, oats (which provide fiber), banana, apple, celery, and, on sometimes, carrots are some nutritious snacks for children. Carrots contain a lot of natural sugars, therefore consuming too many might be dangerous. Keep in mind that you should only feed your hamster snacks in tiny amounts and aim to keep their main diet as pellets with occasional treats (particularly oats). Never offer them citrus citrus fruits.
4. Exercise and Fun
Hamsters are little bundles of energy! They need a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Here’s how to keep them moving:
- Hamster Wheel: A wheel is essential for providing exercise, especially if you don’t have time to handle your hamster frequently. Make sure the wheel is large enough for your hamster to run comfortably, with no gaps that could hurt their feet.
- Tunnels and Hideouts: Hamsters love to explore and burrow. Add tunnels and hideouts in their cage to mimic their natural environment and encourage exploration.
- Out-of-Cage Playtime: Allow your hamster to explore a hamster-proofed area outside their cage. This gives them a chance to burn off energy, but always supervise them to prevent accidents.
Syrian hamsters require at least an 8.5-inch wheel; based on the size of your hamster, 12 is recommended. 6 inch wheels are frequently offered and advertised for Syrians at pet stores and online, however personal and other experiences have shown that these wheels bend their back, making them uncomfortable and painful. I would recommend a 6.5 inch wheel for a dwarf hamster, but bigger is better; many other sources recommend at least an 8 inch.
5. Handling and Bonding
While hamsters can be a bit skittish at first, with some patience, they’ll warm up to you. Here’s how to bond:
- Give Them Time: When you first bring your hamster home, don’t rush to handle them. Let them get settled in and get used to their new environment.
- Gentle Handling: Once they’re comfortable, you can start picking them up. Always scoop them up gently with both hands – never grab them by the tail or neck! And hold them close to the ground or in a safe space so they don’t fall.
- Treats Help: Offering small, healthy treats will help create positive associations with being handled. Who doesn’t love a little snack after all?
Hamsters aren’t always the most cuddly animals; they can be, but it might require them some time to warm up to you, or they may simply dislike being held. All hamsters are different, and it’s vital to accept that your hamster may not enjoy being carried; this does not imply they don’t love you!
How long does it take for a pet hamster to bond with you?
6. Health and Hygiene
Taking care of your hamster’s health is super important. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Keep an Eye Out for Illness: If your hamster has runny eyes, sneezes a lot, or seems lethargic, it could be a sign of illness. Get them checked out by a vet if you’re worried.
- Clean the Cage Regularly: A clean cage is a happy hamster! Change their bedding weekly, and clean their food dish and water bottle daily. Once a month, do a deep clean of the whole cage.
- Wet Tail Warning: This is a common hamster condition where they get diarrhea and it’s often a sign of stress or infection. If you notice this, contact a vet right away.
Hamsters shouldn’t be left wet under any circumstances. They could die as a result of the loss of oils from their fur.
7. Saying Goodbye
Hamsters typically live between 2 and 3 years, so it’s essential to understand that their time with you will be relatively short. When your hamster reaches the end of its life, it’s crucial to provide comfort and consult a vet if necessary. Signs that your hamster may be nearing the end of its life include decreased activity, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing.
Final Thoughts!
Owning a hamster can be a blast! They’re cute, low-maintenance pets that can bring tons of joy to your life. With the right care, they’ll be happy and healthy little companions. Just remember to give them space to play, healthy food to eat, and plenty of love and attention. For more information visit our blog section.