Hamster care
A home for night-time exploration
Identify the species before choosing an enclosure and accessories. Hamsters mainly explore at dusk and at night: they need to dig, store food and sleep undisturbed. Being small does not mean they need a small cage.
Bedding, nesting and exercise
Choose a large continuous floor area, a solid base, ventilation and an escape-proof lid. Provide deep, absorbent, unscented, low-dust bedding, a dark hide and plain paper for nesting. Avoid cotton wool and fibres that can wrap around feet. The wheel needs a solid running surface and must allow a straight back. Offer wide tunnels, hides and opportunities to forage for parts of the daily ration. Use a secure supervised playpen instead of an enclosed exercise ball. Do not wake a hamster to play.
Food, water and housing alone
Use a complete food suitable for the species, with small amounts of tolerated fresh foods; remove perishables before they spoil. Avoid sunflower-seed diets and sweet treats. Full stores or cheek pouches do not prove adequate intake. Check the drinker daily. Syrian hamsters live alone; sharing is not automatically safe for smaller species either. Seek advice before introducing hamsters. Let an awake hamster become used to your hand without chasing, and handle close to the floor, away from dogs and cats.
Cleaning and warning signs
Remove wet bedding and spoiled fresh food, keeping some clean familiar bedding and tunnels during routine cleaning. Monitor weight, breathing, eyes, coat and movement. Do not empty cheek pouches or clip teeth at home. Diarrhoea, a wet tail, poor appetite, difficult breathing, a closed eye, lumps or weight loss need prompt assessment. If cold and motionless, contact a vet: do not assume death or normal hibernation. Avoid intense heat, direct hot water and another pet’s medicines.