Caring for Pet Hamsters
Hamsters are Perfect Pets for Small Spaces and Their Care is Simple
Apr 5, 2009
Hamsters are small rodents which make good pets, particularly for small homes and apartments. Caring for a pet hamster is fairly simple and proper care can help your hamster live a healthier life.
Basic Facts about Hamsters
Most of the hamsters kept as pets are Syrian hamsters. There are three different types of Syrian hamsters which are commonly seen:
- the common golden hamster
- the colored short-haired fancy hamster
- the long-haired teddy bear hamster
All three of these types are popular and their husbandry and care is essentially the same.
In general, pet hamsters:
- usually live for about 2-3 years.
- are fairly small animals and will normally fit in the palm of a human hand. Female hamsters are typically larger than male hamsters.
- can breed at an early age, with females reaching sexual maturity by 6-10 weeks of age and males by 10-14 weeks of age.
- remain pregnant for 15-16 days.
- usually have litters of 5 to 10 young.
- are usually weaned from their mother by 21-25 days of age.
Types of Cages Available for Pet Hamsters
There are many types of cages which are suitable for pet hamsters. Caging material should be constructed of wire, stainless steel, plastic or glass. If plastic or glass is used, at least one side of the cage should be screened to allow air circulation. Cages constructed of wood, light plastic and soft metals should not be used to house pet hamsters as the hamster may be able to chew through these materials.
The bottom of the cage for your pet hamster should be solid.
The cage for your hamster should also be escape proof so that your pet does not escape. Pet hamsters are quite accomplished at escaping.
The hamster cage should be equipped with accessories such as exercise wheels, tunnels and nest boxes to allow your pet hamster exercise and comfort.
Bedding for your pet hamster's cage should cover the bottom of the cage and should be reasonably deep. Acceptable bedding materials for your hamster include:
- shredded paper
- shredded tissue
- cotton
- wood shavings
- processed corn cobs
Your pet hamster's cage should be cleaned once or twice a week with hot water and a non-toxic disinfectant. Rinse the cage thoroughly after cleaning. However, if your female pet hamster has recently given birth, it is best to wait at least two weeks before cleaning the cage so that you do not disturb mother and babies.
Feed dishes and water containers should be cleaned daily.
Female hamsters can become quite aggressive toward other female hamsters and even toward males, so it is best to house pet hamsters separately.
Feeding Pet Hamsters
There are a number of diets available for hamsters. Ideally, the hamster's food would be plants, seeds, fruits and insects because that is what they eat in the wild. In captivity, the recommended diet for pet hamsters is a pelleted diet containing a protein content of 15-20%. Foods containing seeds should be limited as seeds contain a high fat content and can make your pet hamster overweight. Seeds can also spoil and become rancid, causing disease for your pet hamster.
The diet for your pet hamster can also be supplemented by feeding the following foods in moderation:
- sugarless breakfast cereals
- whole wheat breads
- pasta
- cheese
- cooked lean meats
- fresh fruits
- fresh vegetables
Most hamsters prefer to feed at night and many times a pet hamster will hide food in a corner of the cage.
Water should be provided for pet hamsters though sipper bottles. It is important to make sure the end of the sipper tube which the hamster drinks from is low enough in the cage to allow easy access for the hamster. It is also important to make certain the hamster is strong enough to suck water through the device. Fresh water should be provided daily, even if the bottle has not been emptied.
Handling Pet Hamsters
Pet hamsters can be held by cupping the hamster in one or both of your hands and cradling the hamster next to your body.
Hamsters who are scared or nervous can be handled with the aid of a glove or small towel.
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