How to Look After Hamsters

Russian Dwarf hamster

Pets can offer us the benefit of companionship, teach us basic responsibility, and let's face it-- they're just plain cute! All of these statements do apply to the pet hamster. Hamsters are adorable little rodents with very sharp minds and an affectionate nature. Hamsters are generally friendly if handled carefully and often.

If you want to purchase a hamster for your own pet or for your child, be sure to understand what is involved in caring for it.

Things You'll Need

• A cage (at least two square feet, with no openings larger than 1/2 inch)
• Unscented, oil free recycled wood chip bedding
• Empty tissue box (or a box similar in size)
• Bag of hamster food
• Hanging water bottle
• Miniature wooden ladder
• Sturdy food bowl
• Dust bath (if caring for a dwarf hamster)

Instructions

1. Set up your hamster's living space. Place bedding in the bottom of the cage. Provide a hiding spot by placing an empty tissue box into the cage. Add a miniature ladder for your hamster to climb on.

2. Fill a sturdy food bowl with hamster food. Keep your pet's food bowl full, he will not overeat, but may like to hide his food by sitting on it.

3. Use a hanging water bottle to provide hydration for your hamster. Keep the water bottle full, so that your hamster always has fresh water.

4. Handle your pet gently and often to keep him tame and friendly. If you neglect socializing with your pet, he may become reclusive and aggressive when approached.

5. Clean your hamster's cage by removing old bedding and replacing it with fresh recycled wood chip bedding. Wash his food bowl and water bottle, and fill them back up with fresh food and water.

6. You should not, and do not need to bathe your hamster. Dwarf hamsters use a dust bath, which can be purchased at pet supply stores. Dump the dust into a large bowl, and place your hamster in the bowl. He will wriggle around in the dust and shake himself off. This removes excess oils from his fur.

Tips & Warnings

• Children should be monitored with their pet. Exercise balls are stressfull for hamsters, do not use them.

References

• The Humane Society of the United States