A hamster aquarium. Buy a special aquarium made for hamsters or choose one designed for fish, which will do just as well. Glass aquariums protect hamsters from cold, drafty temperatures, and they provide an excellent view of the hamster’s daily activities. The aquarium should have a mesh cover on top so the hamster can’t escape. [3] X Research source A plastic hamster home. These expensive hamster cages usually have several rooms connected with plastic tubing, so the hamster can spend his days and nights running from room to room. They are hard to clean and usually way too small for hamsters. Even by connecting several critter trails (or similar cages) together your hamster will not be happy as it does not have a big running space and you can not fit a lot into these cages. Additionally, they are hard to assemble and are usually not tall enough to add big wheels or enough bedding. A wire hamster cage. Especially when your hamster is a baby, make sure that it cannot squeeze through the wires. Hamster cages make a comfortable home for hamsters. These cages are well ventilated, but you have to be careful not to put your hamster in a drafty area. The area around wire hamster cages can get a little messy, since hamsters like to dig in their bedding and pitch it through the wire. Make sure NOT to get a wire cage with a wire bottom. It can hurt your hamster’s feet. However, most wire cages sold by pet stores are way too small for hamsters. , [4] X Research source The best hamster cage is the biggest you can reasonably afford. The RSPCA recommend that the minimum size of cage for a Syrian hamster should be 75cm x 40 cm x 40 cm. (29 ½ inches x 15 ¾ inches x 15 ¾ inches). A great cage is the IKEA Detolf as it provides the hamster with a lot of space and allows you to easily see your hamster. It is also affordable for its size. Another recommendation for a wire cage is the Alexander hamster cage by Skyline. It allows enough space for toys, wooden tunnels and more, however, it may be hard to fit a wheel big enough for a Syrian hamster. The cage also may be too small for very active hamsters, depending on how much they like to run around. If you notice your hamster chewing the bars, you may need to switch to a bigger cage.
Even in the wild a female hamster will chase a male hamster out of her territory when the breeding is done. [5] X Research source
Make sure the bedding you use does not contain pine or cedar shavings. Pine and cedar contain phenols that are toxic to hamsters, since the fumes they produce are so strong. [6] X Research source Some hamsters are allergic to certain types of bedding. If your bedding contains pine, cedar, or another allergen, he may start wheezing and sneezing. If you see this happen, switch the bedding to recycled paper or another hypoallergenic bedding. [7] X Research source Never ever give your hamster cotton type bedding. It is very dangerous and can kill them. Hamsters cannot digest the cotton fibres in their digestive tract causing blockages. It also presents a choking hazard to your pets.
Don’t leave windows open in the room where the hamster lives. If you have other pets, make sure the hamster is an area where he won’t be disturbed or threatened.
After cleaning, let the cage air dry for 10-15 minutes before you add 3-8 inches of new fresh bedding. 3-8 inches is the recommended amount. Remember that your dwarf hamster is a great burrower. If you don’t give your hamster something to burrow in, it won’t be as happy. While you are cleaning the cage, make sure you put your hamster somewhere safe, so he doesn’t escape. Place him in a hamster playpen or a dry bathtub. Avoid placing the hamster in a cardboard box while he waits for you to clean his cage. Hamsters can chew through cardboard quickly.
Don’t let the water sit in the bottle for too long. If your hamster is slow to drink, refill the bottle a few times a week, and clean the bottle every now and then. Make sure the bottle doesn’t leak. Your hamster can get sick if it gets wet, which is why they take their water through a bottle instead of an open container. You may also put a water bottle outside your enclosure because if your hamster escapes, he will search for water. If he does not get enough water, he’ll become very weak.
Fortified pellets or blocks, which should be the hamster’s staple diet. Seed mixtures meant for hamsters, which may be added as a supplement. Hamsters also need to eat protein like meal worms (dried or alive), crickets etc. [11] X Research source
Hamsters can have small bits of lettuce, carrots, apples, broccoli, and tomatoes. Your dwarf hamster will also eat oats, cooked meat, and plain yogurt. Avoid acidic and citrus fruits and vegetables. [13] X Research source Avoid giving your hamster citrus fruits or sugar, which can make a hamster ill. Peanut butter is another food to avoid feeding your hamster, as it can choke on it. [14] X Research source
Exercise wheels are the classic hamster toy. Make sure the wheel is stabilized at the bottom of the cage so it doesn’t tip over when the hamster climbs on. Don’t choose a wire wheel or your hamster can hurt its feet. The wheel should be big enough that the hamster won’t bend its back while it runs on it. Hamster wheels can also be loud, so if you are a light sleeper, put your hamster’s cage in a different room. Quiet wheels, usually marketed as silent spinners, are available. For Roborovski Dwarf hamsters the minimum wheel size is 5 inches (13 cm), and for Russian Dwarves (Djungarian/Winter White and Campbell’s) and Roborovski hamsters, the minimum is 6. 5 inches (17 cm). An alternative to exercise wheels are “flying saucers. " They are basically just wheels turned sideways to allow for a flat running surface and quiet rotation. These are dangerous as it makes it very easy for hamsters to fall off and potentially injure themselves. Exercise balls are another popular choice. The hamster is placed inside a plastic ball, which rolls as the hamster runs around. Do NOT buy such a ball. The hamster is very susceptible to stress. They often panic in these balls and can hurt themselves if they run into objects.
Hold your hamster every day. If your dwarf hamster doesn’t socialize frequently, it may stop being as friendly when you want to play. Gently lift your hamster from his cage and let him scurry around your lap at least once a day. [15] X Research source
If your hamster is very dirty, get a small brush that humans use to dye their hair roots or a toothbrush. Wet it and gently stroke your hamster with it. Dab dry with a rag. Never bathe a hamster by submerging it in water. This will cause the hamster to become very ill.
Tyzzer’s disease causes diarrhea in young or stressed hamsters. This is a disease that needs veterinarian treatment. Certain antibiotics can cause and exacerbate this condition, so don’t treat your hamster on your own. [17] X Research source Rapid Review of Exotic Animal Medicine and Husbandry: Pet Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish. K. L. Rosenthal, N. Forbes, F. L. Frye, and G. A. Lewbart. March 28, 2008. CRC Press.
If you suspect that your dwarf hamster has a tapeworm, see a veterinarian. Bring a stool sample with you. With the help of a microscope, your vet will be able to properly diagnose your hamster. Your vet will prescribe a dewormer for you to use. It will come in either a topical or an oral form. Follow the instructions on the product in order to administer. [19] X Research source
