Guide To Caring For Hamsters
Hamsters make suitable pets for older children, providing they are taught the responsibilities of their petís routine for cleaning, feeding, and care. The average lifespan of a Syrian hamster is approximately two years.
Hamsters make good family pets. They are nocturnal, so they are more active in the evening and night, allowing the busy family time to enjoy them. They are small mammals so are ideal if space is limited.
GENERAL CARE
Hamsters are generally hardy animals and normally stay healthy throughout their lives. They can, however, suffer from coughs and sneezes and their nose and eyes may run, so keep them warm and away from any draughts if these occur. Hamsters can also suffer from acute diarrhoea, known as ‘wet tail’ – if this occurs consult with a vet immediately.
There is usually no problem with hamsters’ teeth; however, if they do not meet properly they will grow too long, making eating difficult. If this occurs the teeth must be trimmed regularly, which should be done by your vet.
Syrian hamsters do not need to hibernate but will go into a state of very deep sleep, similar to hibernation, if there is a sudden drop in temperature below 5C. If your hamster escapes from its cage, try putting a box in the corner
of the room with some of its favourite food in – you might find him it in the next morning.
If you are concerned about your hamster’s health speak to your pet shop or vet.
CHOOSING YOUR HAMSTER
A healthy hamster should be:
Bright and alert
Have no signs of discharge from eye, ears, mouth, and nose
Have a clean anal area
Have a glossy coat with no bald patches and no sores on the skin
Should have no signs of breathing problems
Should move around the cage easily with no stiffness or staggering
Shouldn’t feel too skinny or bony
HOUSING
Cages with plastic bases and a wire top are ideal as they are easy to clean and should be escape-proof. The cage should be big enough to provide adequate space to divide their accommodation into an eating, sleeping and toilet area. More space or two adjoining rooms or stories will add to their environmental enrichment. Some cages have extra rooms and tubes available, which provide good stimulation for your pet. Hamsters are indoor pets and should be kept in a stable temperature, ideally between 17C and 23C and avoid sudden changes in temperature. The cage should not be placed in draughts, direct sunlight, next to a radiator or in damp or humid conditions.
Hamsters require lots of exercise and their cage should include a suitably-sized jumbo exercise wheel. You can also purchase a hamster ball, which your pet can be placed into to roam around a safe area of your house.
Soft, dust-free woodchips make a good floor covering for your hamster’s cage. Soft shredded paper can be used as bedding and nesting material – it is recommended not to use fluffy bedding. The cage should be emptied and fully cleaned with a pet safe disinfectant at least once a week.
FOOD AND WATER
Hamsters are omnivores and so will enjoy a varied diet. A good, commercial Syrian hamster mix or pellet will provide the nutrition they require. This can be supplemented 2-3 times a week by small amounts of fresh fruit (not citrus) or vegetables (not onion). Hamsters have pouches in their cheeks, which they use to carry and hoard food, check for any uneaten fresh food and remove daily. Extra protein in the form of cooked chicken, boiled egg or mealworms can be given a couple of times a week. Your hamster will also enjoy a small bowl of milky porridge several times a month.
Additional vitamin supplements can be added to your hamster’s diet.
Feeding bowls should be gnaw-proof, easy to clean and hard to knock over.
Fresh clean drinking water must always be available. It can be provided by a gravity-fed water bottle designed to suit your hamster’s cage.
HANDLING
It is important that you handle your hamster regularly to help you build up a relationship with him.
When you first get your hamster home, leave him to settle in for 24 hours to allow him time to get used to his new surroundings.
Slowly place your hand in the cage so he gets used to your smell.
When he seems happy, gently cup one hand under him and one hand over him, and pick him up. Always concentrate on holding your Syrian hamster as they can be very quick and can slip out of your hands.
Do not try to handle your hamster if he has just woken up as they feel vulnerable at this time and may bite.
SHOPPING LIST
Book on hamster care
Cage/housing unit
Litter and bedding material
Food and food dish
Water bottle and bottle brush
Exercise wheel
Gnaw block
Treats
Toys
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 means all pet owners have a legal duty of care to their pets. Anyone who is cruel to an animal or is found not to be providing the five animal welfare needs, as listed below, can be fined and sent to prison.
The Five Animal Welfare needs:
1. Environment: Pets should be given the correct housing according to its size, this includes shelter, space to exercise and a secure, comfortable place to rest.
2. Diet: Pets should be offered the correct type and volume of food to cover all their nutritional needs alongside access to clean, fresh water.
3. Behaviour: All pets should be allowed to exhibit normal behaviour patterns and should be provided with the facilities to do so.
4. Company: Some animals require the company of their own kind, whilst others should be kept on their own.
5. Health: All animals should be protected from pain, suffering, injury, and disease, and given veterinary treatment if they become sick or injured.
