How To Take Care Of Your Hamster

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Hamsters are regarded as low-maintenance pets - they don't need a lot of living space and are considerably cheaper to own than other luxurious pets. These domesticated rodents are usually housed in a tank or cage and don't need a large house to thrive.

Native to Europe and some regions of Asia, hamsters are known to form a strong bond with humans, often demanding attention from their owners. While these mammals don't mind being touched or petted, they are delicate creatures that should be handled with extreme caution.

Here, we discuss an effective approach to taking care of hamsters to keep them happy and healthy.


Where To House Hamsters?

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As Hamsters spend most of their lives in enclosed spaces, the size and living conditions inside the hamster cage play a huge role in determining their quality of life and longevity. The general rule is that a single hamster should be provided at least 900 square inches of living space, with the tank reaching a height of 25 inches. If you're raising more than one hamster, add an equivalent living area.

How To Choose A Hamster Tank?

A good-quality hamster cage can cost over a hundred dollars, so it's prudent to look at multiple options before committing to purchasing one. Normally, the cage's durability and safety are the first two features to consider.

Wire cages are popular among hamster owners due to their ventilation and visibility, while also making sure that the pet doesn't escape from the gaps between the bars. On the contrary, plastic cages often come with tunnels and accessories but are usually poorly ventilated.

Similarly, the tank should also come with multiple levels or platforms; this doesn't just allow the hamster to climb and explore, the different levels inside the cage correspond to an increased living area for the pet.

Bedding For Hamster Cage

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Due to their burrowing nature, hamsters should be provided a minimum of 10 inches of bedding. The bedding is usually created by mixing different substrates in a way that provides a soft texture but stiff enough for the hamster to burrow.

Combining the different materials is the key to suitable bedding. For instance, mix paper-based bedding with hay or aspen shavings. The softer bedding provides comfort, while the firmer materials support tunnels.

Cleaning A Hamster Tank

Hamster tanks tend to get dirty easily, especially as the rodent spends all its time inside the cage. Spot clean the tank daily to remove soiled bedding, leftover food, and waste, thus reducing odor. At the same time, a deep cleaning is recommended every 1-2 weeks.

Before cleaning a tank, transfer the hamster to another secure temporary enclosure. Next, remove all bedding and toys before washing the tank thoroughly with warm water and a pet-safe detergent. Rinse everything well and dry completely to prevent mold or bacteria growth.

Simply cleaning the tank is not enough; you should also disinfect all accessories, including the wheel, hideout, and food dishes. Once the tank and items are dry, add fresh bedding but retain a small amount of the old bedding to mix with the new one; this step will help identify the tank as a familiar place.

What Do Hamsters Eat?

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Hamsters, as omnivorous animals, survive on a diet of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and other vital nutrients. Normally, a hamster's diet should comprise around 15-20%  of protein, further supplemented by the nutrients mentioned earlier.

In the wild, hamsters survive on small insects, seeds, grains, fruits, and vegetables; they have a diverse natural diet that provides these rodents with opportunities to chew and forage. Wild hamsters often hoard food in their burrows, a behavior that remains ingrained in domesticated hamsters.

In captivity, a high-quality commercial hamster mix serves as the foundation of their diet. These products usually contain a blend of seeds, grains, and pellets. While fresh fruits and vegetables can be added in moderation, avoid acidic or sugary items. Likewise, protein-rich foods, such as mealworms or boiled eggs, are also appetizing to hamsters.

Additionally, hamsters also enjoy occasional treats like unsalted nuts, sunflower seeds, and small pieces of cheese. However, sugary treats increase the risk of obesity, only feed them in limited quantities.

Portion Size And Feeding Schedule

On average, an adult hamster should be fed about 1-2 tablespoons of high-quality commercial hamster food per day. Syrian hamsters, being larger, may require closer to 2 tablespoons, while smaller breeds like dwarf hamsters may need only 1 tablespoon daily. While small portions of fresh fruits, vegetables, or protein-rich treats can be offered a few times a week, Limit these extras to about 10% of their total consumption.

Unlike most rodents that should be fed twice a day, hamsters only need one meal per day. As nocturnal or crepuscular animals, they are most active during the evening and early morning hours. Feed them in the evening, typically around dusk, when they are waking up and ready to forage.

Hamster Grooming And Cleaning

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Hamsters are self-cleaning - they don't require much assistance from humans to maintain their personal hygiene. Still, some long-haired hamsters will need to be regularly brushed to remove dirt and tangled hair.

Besides brushing, nail trimming also constitutes a vital part of a hamster grooming routine. Hamsters’ nails grow continuously, and if they become too long, they can curl or snag. These little rodents are known to shorten their nails by repeatedly scratching rough surfaces; however, not all hamsters self-trim their nails.

For most hamsters, trimming every 4-6 weeks is sufficient. Using a small animal nail clipper, trim only the tips of the nails to avoid cutting the quick, which is the blood vessel inside the nail.

How To Clean A Hamster?

Water baths can strip a hamster of its natural oils, while also causing significant stress and weakened immunity. Additionally, hamsters are prone to hypothermia, and even slight dampness can make them vulnerable to cold temperatures.

Instead of using water, offer them a sand bath. This cleaning is relatively simple; place dust-free sand in a shallow dish or container and allow the hamster to roll and dig in it.

If spot cleaning is needed, use a damp cloth to wipe specific areas, but avoid soaking the hamster. While this process doesn't cause much stress, it's best to use as little water as possible.

Protection From Common Health Issues

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The average life span of a healthy hamster is estimated to be only around 2-3 years. Their lives can be further shortened by health issues and illnesses that are frequent in rodents.

Below are some health issues that can plague hamsters, along with the necessary measures to treat them.

1. Wet Tail

Also referred to as proliferative ileitis, wet tail is a bacterial infection that affects the intestines. Although the condition is most common in young hamsters, especially those under 12 weeks old, it also can occur in adults. The condition is highly contagious and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Wet tail is primarily caused by stress, which weakens the immune system and allows harmful bacteria in the gut to multiply. Similarly, an unsanitary cage can also contribute by promoting bacterial growth.

Without treatment, the condition can lead to rapid deterioration and death within 48-72 hours. Normally, treatment involves antibiotics prescribed by a vet to fight the infection and fluids to prevent dehydration. Due to the disease's contagious nature, the affected hamster should be quarantined alone to prevent the spread of infection.

2. Dental Problems

Hamsters, with their evergrowing teeth, are more likely to suffer from dental issues than other rodents. In the wild, these mammals handle the problem by naturally wearing down the issue through chewing and gnawing.

On the other hand, domesticated hamsters aren't as active as their wild cousins. The reduced activity means their teeth are not getting worn down. While continuous growth is a normal feature of rodent biology, it can become a challenge for the owners.

In addition to overgrown teeth, hamsters are also vulnerable to other dental issues - including misaligned teeth and tooth abscesses. Misalignment occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly, whereas tooth abscesses are often caused by infections.

To maintain your hamster's dental hygiene, provide chew toys made from safe materials like wood or mineral blocks, as these help naturally wear down their teeth. Also, avoid soft foods that don’t promote chewing.

3. Cheek Pouch Impaction

When food or bedding materials get stuck in the hamster's cheek pouches, the condition is called cheek pouch impaction. These rodents have expandable cheek pouches that they use to store food and transport it to their burrows. If these pouches become overfilled or impacted, it can lead to swelling and difficulty eating. In some cases, hamsters may stuff their pouches too full, and the food or debris may not be expelled. 

Cheek pouch impaction can be serious if left untreated. In severe cases, it can even become life-threatening. If you suspect your hamster has cheek pouch impaction, observe for swollen cheeks and unusual behavior. If the pouch is impacted with food or debris, carefully remove the material with a soft tissue or cotton swab.

Exercise And Mental Stimulation

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As naturally active creatures, hamsters need at least 1-2 hours of exercise daily to stay healthy and prevent obesity. Their nocturnal nature means they sleep for about 12-14 hours during the day and are active during the evening and night. While awake, they exhibit bursts of energy, often running and climbing.

An exercise wheel is a great way to meet their exercise needs, as hamsters can run several miles in one night. However, the wheel should be appropriately sized - at least 8 inches in diameter for Syrian hamsters and 6 inches for dwarf breeds.

While a wheel is essential, it’s not enough on its own. Hamsters benefit from additional activities, like climbing toys, tunnels, and time in a safe playpen outside their cage.

Toys For Mental Engagement

While most hamster toys offer them opportunities to chew, climb, and explore, they can also be used to keep them mentally relaxed and stimulated. Chew toys made from safe materials like untreated wood or natural fibers satisfy their instinct to gnaw, while climbing toys are great for promoting physical activity.

Similarly, tunnels and hideouts mimic their natural burrowing behavior, offering them a sense of security and a place to explore. Alternatively, puzzle toys or treat-dispensing items work by challenging their problem-solving skills and keeping them mentally engaged.

Do Hamster Need Companions?

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Generally, hamsters are solitary creatures and don't get along with other animals. In fact, they are not even good with other hamsters. In the wild, they live alone in burrows, coming together only for mating. Their solitary instincts make them territorial, and keeping two hamsters together often triggers aggression.

Syrian hamsters are particularly intolerant of companions and should always be housed alone. Dwarf hamsters, such as Roborovski or Campbell’s, are slightly more social and can sometimes live in pairs or small groups, but even these arrangements require careful monitoring. Conflicts can arise suddenly, even between siblings or previously bonded hamsters.

If you are raising two hamsters, make sure they are housed in separate cages. Each hamster needs its own space, food, water, and exercise wheel; forcing them to cohabitate can result in injury or stress.

Can Hamsters Bond With Dogs?

Though hamsters and dogs can coexist in the same household, they generally can't form a bond due to their vastly different nature. Hamsters are prey animals, while dogs are natural predators, and their interactions must be carefully managed for the hamster's safety.

Some well-trained dogs may tolerate the presence of a hamster without showing aggression or excessive curiosity. However, most dogs may become overly excited or see the hamster as a toy or prey - direct contact is usually not recommended.

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