Types of Hamsters
- Syrian hamsters are the most common type kept as pets. These should be kept one to a cage (they will fight if kept together).
- Dwarf hamsters (Campbell's and winter white Russian hamsters, Roborovski hamsters) are more social and are probably better kept with others of the same species, but they should be introduced at a young age.
- Chinese hamsters are similar in size to the dwarf hamsters but is not a true dwarf hamster. Sometimes they get along with other Chinese hamsters, but often they do not.
Different species of hamsters should never be kept together.
The care of all pet hamsters is quite similar, except for whether they should be kept as solitary pets or as pairs/groups.
Picking a Healthy Hamster
When choosing a hamster, pay attention to its demeanor and
condition. Avoid hamsters that are quiet or lethargic; hamsters should should be alert, curious, and active. Being nocturnal, this can be a bit hard to test during the day, but even during the day a hamster should respond (be careful, the first instinct of a hamster might be to nip if woken from a deep sleep). Picking your hamster out in the evening might be a good idea. The coat should be smooth and the
eyes and nose free of discharge (wet or crusty). The hamster's breathing should not be labored or noisy, and the coat should be clean, dry, and free of droppings. If you observe a hamster in the cage with diarrhea or respiratory problems, be very cautious since all the hamsters in that cage may have been exposed to an
infectious disease.
Housing
There are three main types of commercial hamster housing available:
wire cages, plastic cages, and aquariums. A wire cage with horizontal
bars 1/2 to 3/4 inches apart works well for Syrian hamsters, as hamsters like to climb and
will use the walls for climbing. Avoid the kind with a grate in the
bottom as these are just more difficult to clean and uncomfortable for
the hamsters.
Aquariums are also acceptable, especially for dwarf and Chinese hamsters. They are fairy easy to clean, but have less air circulation and ventilation, and do not offer the opportunity to climb on the walls. A secure cover must be used to prevent hamster escapes and other pets from accessing the hamsters.
Modular plastic hamster habitats (the type with multiple tunnels and chambers) are nice for providing exercise and entertainment, but can be challenge to ventilate adequately and clean well. In addition, many golden hamsters get too large for the tunnels, although dwarf hamsters have no difficulties. Also keep in mind that hamsters can chew through plastic so if there are any edges or ridges they can start chewing, they could easily escape.
Bedding
Most owners use wood shavings to line the cage, but avoid cedar shavings
- aspen or other hardwood shaving are the preferred choice as even pine
shavings may emit irritating aromatic oils. Other bedding options are available (see "Top Ten Alternatives to Cedar and Pine." The bedding should be changed weekly, but most hamsters use an area of the cage for
a toilet and this area can be cleaned more frequently to help keep the
cage clean. Hamsters like to burrow, so provide a good depth of shavings
for them to dig in.
The placement of the cage in the home should also be carefully considered. Since hamsters are nocturnal, their setting should be fairly quiet during the day. However, they shouldn't be so far out of the way that they do not have opportunities for social interaction in the evening when they are active. The cage should be away from direct sunlight or heat sources, and also free from drafts, and should be raised of the floor on a shelf or table.
Furnishings
A nesting box should be provided, which can be store bought or as simple as a cardboard box (which will have to be replaced regularly). Provide soft such as strips of facial tissue or soft paper towels The nest material should
be cleaned out only every month or two as needed (more frequent changes
may be too disruptive to the hamster). However, regular checks and
removal of any stored food materials is recommended.
Hamsters need the opportunity to chew, burrow, and get exercise. Almost all hamsters will use a hamster wheel enthusiastically (a solid surface is easier on their feet). Also provide some tunnels or tubes (paper towel or toilet paper), fresh branches (willow, or fruit wood; pesticide free), small cardboard boxes, and blocks of wood etc. for climbing and gnawing.
For water, a water bottle with a dispenser is preferred as it can't tip and keeps the water clean. A shallow food bowl of ceramic or porcelain is the best choice as they are difficult to tip and easy to clean.
More Hamster Care:
Feeding Hamsters
Taming and Handling Hamsters
Hamster Wheels and Run-Abouts
