Caring for Hamsters

Hamsters need a single layer, large wire cage or homemade enclosure that gives lots of space for exploring. The floor should be solid to prevent injuries to their feet. There should also be a nest box for them to hide and rest, hamsters love to build nests. The ideal temperature should be 18C-21C and the cage should be in a quiet spot away from loud noises and away from direct sunlight and draughts.

Hamsters love playing and exploring. They are very active and inquisitive animals so within the cage there should be exercise wheels (large and wide enough for the hamster to run comfortably without bending their backs with no gaps or holes where their legs could get caught), chew toys and hiding places. Replaceable cardboard rolls and boxes often provide the best entertainment as hamsters can be destructive.

Food trails and hiding treats can also keep them entertained.

Hamsters spend lots of time sleeping and like to build nests in safe, dark places. Make sure there is a good deep layer of dust free bedding material so they can burrow like they would in the wild.

They use their burrows for sleeping, hiding and storing food so the bedding material must hold its structure. Paper based bedding and soft hay are useful bedding material. Avoid dusty bedding such as sawdust or any scented/coloured bedding as they can cause breathing problems. The ink in shredded newspaper can be toxic to hamsters.

Clean their cage at least once a week. Keep a bit of the old bedding that's still dry and not soiled and put it back in alongside the new bedding, so their cage still smells like home. A spot clean may also be necessary every one to two days, removing droppings and urine-soaked bedding.

Hamsters are omnivores and, in the wild, would eat a mixture of plants and insects.

There are two types of special hamster food available. One is a muesli-style mix, which allows the hamster to pick and choose different bits. Hamsters will often eat the bits that are high in sugar and leave the bits that are high in fibre, so a complete pelleted food is a better option.

Hamsters like to store food in their cheek pouches so they can carry it back to their bed.

Timothy hay is a special variety of hay that is full of fibre and ideal for hamsters. They can also be given a small daily portion of safe fruit (banana, melon, apples with the seeds removed and pears with the seeds removed), vegetables (carrot, broccoli, cabbage and spinach) and herbs (parsley, basil and coriander). Some fruit and vegetables can be toxic to hamsters - these include onion, citrus fruit, chocolate and dairy products. If you are unsure if a food is safe please contact the surgery to check.

Hamsters can be prone to putting weight on so keep treats to a minimum and avoid feeding sugary fruit/veg.

In the wild hamsters spend a lot of time searching for food, so scattering and hiding their food around the cage can keep them occupied and allow them to express normal behaviour.

Hamsters should have a continuous supply of fresh water, preferably in a bottle to prevent contamination. Water bottles should be checked twice daily and cleaned regularly to prevent algae and bacteria build up.

Blue Cross - Hamster care information

PDSA - Hamsters as pets

RSPCA - Hamsters

Even if your hamster is well, it’s still a good idea to take them for regular check-ups. Hamsters can become unwell and go downhill very quickly.

Hamsters are prey animals and as such don’t show outward signs of pain, and may be suffering before you realise.

Hamster teeth grow continuously and gnawing helps to wear the teeth down. Hamsters should be given items to gnaw, like commercially available wooden items and apple wood branches.

Wet tail (diarrhoea) is the most common problem and signs include diarrhoea, reduced appetite, lethargy, dehydration and sometimes even death. Abscesses, overgrown nails, breathing problems and fur loss are other conditions that can occur in hamsters. Hamsters can develop tumours as they get older. Some cancers are more serious than others so you should always get any lumps checked.

If you have any concerns about your hamster, please contact the surgery.

Hamsters are prey species and often don’t show early signs of being ill. If your hamster is not eating, drinking more or less than usual, losing or putting on weight, has diarrhoea, sneezing, wheezing or is breathing abnormally, has sunken eyes or any other concerns please contact the surgery.