Hamsters are among the most popular pets. Usually bought as a first animal so that children can learn responsibility and become familiar with the world of animals. However, many people forget the true nature of hamsters and their specific needs as a distinct species. How do you actually care for hamsters? Are they suitable for a few years old children?
Hamster races
There are a number of hamster breeds, the breeds recommended for apartments are Syrian hamsters and dwarf hamsters including:
- Djungarian hamster
- Chinese dwarf hamster
- Manchurian hamster
- Robrowski hamster
Syrian hamsters are the largest of the native hamsters and also the calmest. They reach a body weight of up to 150 g and a length of up to 20 cm. Available in a wide range of colors and different hair types, from short hair to curly to long hair.
Dwarf hamsters are much smaller, their body weight should not exceed 50 g. Their body length is about 10 cm. The smallest is the Roborowski hamster, which is only 5 cm long.
Regardless of the breed, hamsters are very sensitive and delicate animals. Be careful not to get trampled on them. It is very easy to hurt the hamsters. Before deciding on a hamster, it is worth looking for a good vet who specializes in treating small mammals.
The price of a hamster depends on the region, but above all on the species. The cheapest hamsters cost maybe a dozen PLN, more expensive animals up to 100 PLN. Added to this are the costs of purchasing all the equipment and products that are necessary for the well-being of the hamsters. When buying a hamster, you should also pay attention to the quality of the store or place that sells it. Poorly behaved hamsters are more likely to get sick, especially from a genetic point of view, they may also be predisposed to certain diseases.
The nature of hamsters – what are hamsters like?
Hamsters are very independent animals. Their cute looks can be confusing because they are really brave mammals. They lead a nocturnal life and discharge their energy as soon as it gets dark. They are interested in everything and lively, they like to explore new places, run and dig a lot. Yes, hamsters love to dig. All this makes the hamsters quite noisy at night. On the other hand, they need a lot of rest and relaxation during the day, mostly sleeping and only waking up every now and then to eat.
The hamsters live two to four years. Over time they will get used to human contact, but they are not typical cuddly pets. Rather, they avoid hugs and kisses and only tolerate holding hands or being together. When you bond with a hamster, they will be happy to ask for treats and be petted. Like all animals, hamsters experience emotions, such as fear. They may present their fears through soft hissing or nervous bragging.
It is important not to forget that a hamster is an individualist and a loner. You can only keep one hamster in a cage. For them, trying to team up with a few animals in a cage comes with a huge rudder and aggression. It doesn’t matter what gender the hamsters are or even the size of the cage, the hamsters can injure themselves or bite themselves if left unattended!
Hamster cage
Despite their small size, hamsters need a relatively large area for a happy life. These small mammals can run up to 9km a day! The bigger cage is the better. However, the width of the bars must be taken into account, the hamster must not get through them. The optimal width is about 0.5 cm. For dwarf hamsters the minimum cage size is 60×40 cm, for larger Syrian hamsters the cage size should not be less than 80×50 cm. The height of the hamster cage is not that important, they are not high-flying animals, and falling from a height can cause serious injury. However, before buying a cage, it is worth considering that the litter in the bowl should reach even 15 cm. If you decide to have an aquarium or terrarium, you cannot cover it with glass. The hamster needs good circulation and access to fresh air.
The hamster cage should be in a quiet place, away from drafts or excessive sunlight.
In a hamster cage, equipment is very important. Hamsters are lively and inquisitive animals, so all kinds of accessories and gadgets are welcome. The basic equipment of the hamster cage is a bowl, a drinker, a house. With additional accessories, you can opt for a roller, toys, tunnels, sand bath bowls.
Hamster litter
it should be gentle on the paws, with no splinters or sharp parts. A natural, preferably wooden, liner that absorbs odors well and is not too dusty. Pellets are not suitable as a substrate for a hamster cage. In one part of the cage you can mix hamster litter with hay to make it more attractive.. Remember that hamsters love to dig tunnels, so don’t skimp on the litter. The recommended height should reach 15 cm and more. Replace hamster litter regularly as needed, but about every 2 months, and wash and disinfect the cage thoroughly. It is recommended to wash the gadgets and toys about every six months.
Hamster roll
is a very popular toy and the animals like to use it. The role should be chosen well, because a poorly chosen role can lead to spinal curvature, walking problems or damage to hamster legs. The smallest diameter of the roller is 20 cm and this applies to dwarf hamsters, for Syrian and other larger hamsters the minimum roller size is 28 cm. Plastic or wooden rollers are available. The quietest type are wooden rollers, but you should keep them clean. The most important thing is that the selected roll has no gaps, that the front part is not blocked, rolls with a scissor mechanism are also not suitable here. Only a full, recessed treadmill guarantees safety for the hamster, and the lack of frontal structure will not allow the hamster to get stuck or crushed.
Houses and toys
The hamsters love all kinds of variety in their cage. They treat the house as a shelter and often build a nest there. It is best if the house does not have a built-in floor, then the hamsters can rummage through and decorate the house to their liking. The house should be easy to clean. The most recommended are plastic or wooden houses, which allow hamsters to bite and immediately grind their teeth.
A large part of the accessories for the hamster cage can be made by yourself. With paper rolls, coconuts, disinfected egg wrappers, etc. It is also a good idea to put strips of paper and cardboard in the cage. Remember that hamsters like to bite anything, so it’s good if the equipment is safe for your pet.
A special exercise ball for the hamster is popular among toys. However, they are not adapted to the needs of hamsters – it is very noisy, stuffy and hot in them. The hamsters don’t really know what to do with them and usually try to run around blindly in them. Such toys are also dangerous and can be fatal if a hamster falls off the stairs, for example.
Even the best prepared hamster cage will likely not do. At least once every few days and preferably every day, it is recommended to release the hamster into the secured area. The best solution would be playpens with narrow bars between them so that the hamster cannot squeeze through. You can try to build such a catwalk yourself, or you can carefully separate the space and let your pet in there. Then all crevices, cables and holes must be secured so that he cannot escape.
What do hamsters eat?
There are many types of ready-made hamster food. The diet should be based on good quality complete feed with the addition of complementary or natural and fresh products. The hamster’s diet should consist mainly of dried herbs, grasses and flowers, grains, fruit and vegetables. Administration of wheat is not recommended. Nuts and oilseeds should only make up a small proportion of the mix. The hamsters must be given dried animal protein in the form of crickets or flour beetles once or twice a week. This allows the hamster to develop and function properly. Carrots, cucumbers and apples, sunflower seeds can be served from time to time. It’s also a good idea to give the hamsters fresh plants – sow thistle or clover.
Like other mammals, hamsters will not survive long without food and water. Fresh drinking water should always be easily accessible. The hamsters don’t eat much for a day, so if we put enough food in their bowls and also spill some over the cage and hide it in toys for example, they will be fine for two days. Then you should pour a lot more water into the drinking trough or even install two drinking troughs. Water is essential to life, and dehydration is fatal.
Hamsters are not demanding animals. They take great care of their own cleanliness, you don’t have to comb them, and you’re not even allowed to wash them. You need a lot of understanding and patience, gentle handling of people. Regular cleaning of the cage, observation of animal life and understanding of the other, more delicate creature – this is what children can certainly learn from hamsters.
How do you gain a hamster’s trust?
- Approach the cage calmly and quietly, avoiding jerky movements.
- Talk to the hamster in a low voice to draw his attention to you.
- Don’t stress the hamster by reaching into the cage.
What do hamsters not like at all?
These include cabbage, leeks, and onions. Difficult to digest are: beans, peas, rhubarb, sorrel, spinach. Raw potatoes are even poisonous to the hamster. However, you can feed boiled potatoes without any problems.
How can I show my hamster I love him?
First, start by gently offering the hamster a treat with your fingertips. If the hamster accepts this well, you can put it on your fingertips and gradually put it on your hand. Some hamsters connect their hand to food very quickly in this way.
What does a hamster checklist need?
- Terrarium or hamster home.
- litter.
- toilet with sand.
- sleeping cottage.
- Special hamster cotton.
- Wheel.
- climbing toy.
- outlet.
What do hamsters like best?
Very popular are small pieces of fresh peppers, apples, cucumbers or carrots, raisins, rose hips, thistles and some animal protein such as cottage cheese, a dried cricket or a mealworm two to three times a week.
Where do hamsters go to the toilet?
In the wild, hamsters dig underground burrows with various chambers used as a nest, for supplies, or as a toilet. Hamsters also choose a spot in their cage where they do their business.
What is the best way for hamsters to drink?
As original desert dwellers, dwarf hamsters drink very little or nothing at all. Their fluid requirement is so low that it is often covered by fresh food. Nevertheless, your dwarf hamster should of course always have fresh water available. Tap water is best.
Why does my hamster smell so bad?
There is spoiled food in the pen: spoiled food can smell incredibly bad. Apart from that, germs and bacteria can develop from it, making the hamster sick. It is therefore important that you remove the old food, clean the food and water bowls and add new food every day.
How often do you have to change the hamster litter?
If the hamster urinates everywhere in the cage, you should replace the soiled parts of the litter once a week. The hamster spreads its droppings all over the territory. However, the droppings are very dry and do not need to be removed.
Why is my hamster biting the cage?
Chewing on the bars can have many causes: In most cases it is simply boredom in a cage that is too small and often does not have enough toys and digging options. A larger cage with many digging and play options should be purchased.
Is straw good for hamsters?
If a hamster likes to dig and dig tunnels, you can also mix hay or straw with the bedding to make the tunnels and tunnels more stable and durable.
Is hay good for hamsters?
Hamsters love hay because they can hide very well in it. This natural material is also ideal for building nests and the hamsters can even eat the hay.
When do hamsters bite?
In addition to the psychological stress, there can also be physical reasons why the hamster bites. If your hamster does not normally bite, you should definitely check with your veterinarian to see if your hamster is in pain or has an illness.
Where do hamsters like to be petted most?
We stroke his back or his hind legs. He gets small eyes from it (just before he falls asleep) and stays still.
How to play with a hamster
In addition to climbing, running and exploring, hamsters also like to play. Their preferences are completely different. Basically, wooden toys are particularly suitable. It should correspond to the size of the animal and be suitable for hamsters or mice.
How many carrots can a hamster eat?
A small amount of carrots is also good for the hamster’s teeth. Regular chewing wears down the teeth well. Failure to do this can cause serious problems for the hamster as its teeth will continue to grow throughout its life.
