How to Care for Your Hamster

Equip the cage with a wheel for exercise.

Help your pet hamster thrive with the right care and equipment. The basics include a cage and clean bedding, but exercise equipment and chew toys are just as vital. Remember that hamsters are nocturnal, which means that evening and night are prime time for handling them. Reaching in to grab a sleeping hamster may result in a bite on the fingers.

Things You'll Need

• Cage
• Bedding material
• Food dish
• Water bottle
• Food and water
• Exercise equipment
• Chew toys

Instructions

1. Purchase a cage that provides room for the hamster to move around freely and prevents it from escaping. A wire cage should have a solid bottom and wire top, with space between the bars less than 1/2 inch. Glass aquarium-like cages are suitable, as long as you use a secure mesh lid. Or buy a plastic house with tubes that allow the hamster to crawl around during nighttime prowls.

2. Place your hamster away from drafts, and use recycled wood shavings or paper bedding. Clean the cage -- including all toys and food dishes -- and change the bedding at least once a week.

3. Provide a bottle with fresh water and a food dish in the cage. Purchase hamster food from the pet store to provide the best nutrition. Supplement its diet with small pieces of fruits and vegetables.

4. Supply exercise equipment, such as a hamster wheel and climbing tubes, and be prepared to hear the wheel spin at night. A hamster's teeth are constantly growing, so keep it supplied with items to gnaw on. Hamster treats, wooden toys and natural twigs are suitable.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on which breed of hamster you choose you may have to do some moving around. Syrian hamsters (the golden hamster) like to live alone, while dwarf hamsters are social, plan accordingly.

References

• Pet Place: Hamster care
• ASPCA: Hamster Care