The Hamster Guide

Hamsters are omnivorous rodents. They are solitary animals, so every hamster needs a separate enclosure. The two most common types that are kept as pets are Syrian hamsters and dwarf hamsters. They are nocturnal, colorblind, and nearsighted. They are cuddly and love to explore.

Choosing the Right Cage: Select a spacious, well-ventilated cage with horizontal bars for climbing. Ensure it’s escape-proof and easy to clean. 

It is important that hamsters have a lot of room to roam around, dig, burrow, and hide in their habitat. Unfortunately nearly all of the hamster cages sold at pet stores are too small. We recommend something similar in size to a 100 qt storage container if possible. 

Bedding: Opt for safe bedding materials like aspen shavings or paper-based products. Avoid cedar or pine as they can be harmful.  Hamsters enjoy different textures. Some of the essentials are fragrance-free paper bedding, hamster sand (NOT chinchilla dust), soft hay, wood shavings, coco peat (ground up coconut) fuzzy cotton, etc. They also need hiding spots, a medium/large sized wheel, and wooden objects to chew on (think cardboard boxes and sticks). 

Regular Cleaning: Clean the cage at least once a week, replacing soiled bedding and washing accessories. This prevents odors and keeps your hamster healthy.

Nutritious Diet: Provide a balanced hamster food mix and supplement with fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional treats. Ensure a fresh water supply at all times.

[In order to have a balanced diet, in addition to the basic mix, vegetables, fruits, fibers and proteins will be periodically added.]

🥦 Good vegetables for hamsters (every 1-2 days, one piece at a time): basil, asparagus, bean sprouts, bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, green beans, parsnips, peas (without pods), potatoes (boiled or baked), pumpkin, sweet corn, zucchini.

🍤 Meat and animal protein: egg (boiled), chicken (boiled without spices), cow (boiled without spices and fat), mealworms (from pet-shop), shrimp, pork (boiled without spices or fat), turkey (boiled without spices or fat). Simple vegetable tofu, contains protein and fiber.

🥜 Nuts and seeds: hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, cashews, lentils, peanuts, pecans, pistachios, soybeans, chia seeds, sesame seeds, hemp seeds.

🍎 Fruits (rarely given - 2-4 times a month for Syrians and 1-2 times a month for dwarfs): apple (without seeds), banana, blackberry, blueberry, melon, cherries (without tail or pit) , grape (seedless), mango, papaya, peach, pear, plum, strawberry, raspberry, watermelon.

❤️ Healthy rewards: baby food (without additives or sugar), brown rice (boiled-without spices), cheese (low-fat and not very salty), pasta and spaghetti (boiled without spices), wholemeal bread possibly without salt (maybe be fried too), plain tofu, 1 teaspoon of plain yogurt, wheat germ.

If possible, it’s important to handle your hamster at least once a day. It may take a hamster a little bit of time to get to know you. Let them explore outside their cage if you can.

Exercise Wheel: Hamsters love to run, so provide a suitable exercise wheel. Choose a solid surface wheel to prevent injuries.

Hideouts and Toys: Enrich the environment with tunnels, hideouts, and chew toys. This helps keep your hamster mentally stimulated.

Social Interaction: Hamsters are generally solitary, but providing social interaction through gentle handling can create a bond. Avoid waking them during the day as they are nocturnal.

Maintain Proper Temperature: Keep the cage in a draft-free area with a temperature range of 65-75°F (18-24°C). Extreme temperatures can be harmful.

Health Monitoring: Watch for signs of illness like lethargy, changes in appetite, or fur loss. If any concerns arise, consult a vet familiar with small animals.

Proper Handling: Handle your hamster gently and with care. Allow them to come to you, and support their body while holding. Avoid sudden movements.

Maintain a Routine: Hamsters thrive on routine, so try to feed, clean, and interact with them at the same time each day. 

Medical Care: Schedule regular check-ups with a veterinarian, and be proactive about health care. Discuss vaccinations, if necessary.