Caring for Your Hamster
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Life expectancy: 2-3 years
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Omnivore
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Solitary
The word “hamster” derives form the German word hamstern, which means to “hoard” – and they are very skilled at this! They have expandable cheek pouches that allow them to carry half of their body weight in grain.
Hamsters are one of Canada’s most popular pets. There are 24 species of hamsters found around the world, with 120 varieties to choose from. Different types of hamsters available at Petland include Chinese, Russian Dwarf, and Syrian (Golden, Teddy Bear, Panda Bear, to name a few). Hamsters are available in many colours and coat varieties.
Stress and Your Hamster
Hamsters are sensitive prey animals who can develop diarrhea during times of stress. To aid in the transition to their new home, limit handling for the first seven days as they acclimate to their new surroundings. Offer the same food that they are currently eating, as switching too abruptly can cause digestive upset. Adding Moss Hollow Adapt to the food or water can further reduce stress while also killing potential parasites that could cause diarrhea.
Handling
The hamster should be fully awake before attempting to scoop them up. They may bite if woken from their deep sleep or if they’re afraid. Due to poor depth perception, they may walk off of your hands. If a child is interacting with the hamster, it is best to place the hamster in a container to avoid potential falls.
Our pet counsellors are small animal lovers; because they are, they hold and play with all the small animals in our store. Our guests also play a big part in our small animal’s social skills. This is why Petland’s small animals are quick to bond with their new owner.
To provide a happy, healthy atmosphere for your hamster, Petland recommends the following necessary and fun accessories. We have listed them as your new pet’s 4 Basic Needs: Environmental, Behavioural, Nutritional, and Maintenance. When you meet these needs and provide a loving environment, your hamster can live a long and happy life.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Enclosure – Whether it is a multi-level cage with a removable plastic bottom, an enclosed plastic unit with tunnels and attachments, or perhaps an aquarium with a snug-fitting screen lid, do not underestimate your potential escapee! Select an enclosure that allows your hamster room to run, sleep, and tunnel.
Nesting Material – This material is specifically made for hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, and degus. One package goes a long way in giving your new pet soft bedding that they can form into a cozy bed.
Hiding Place – Every animal needs a space to call their own. A hiding place reduces stress and provides security. Choose a hamster-safe home made of ceramic, wicker, or wood. Avoid items like tissue boxes or toilet paper rolls, which can pose health risks.
BEHAVIOURAL
Chew Blocks – Your hamster’s teeth will grow throughout their life. Give them a variety of chewing aids to keep their teeth trimmed. A branch from outside may not be safe, nor will a toilet paper or paper towel roll. Small animal chews are generally made from balsa wood, which is hard enough to gnaw on, but soft enough not to splinter or cut.
Exercise Wheel – Just like us, hamsters need exercise to stay healthy and trim. As any hamster owner can tell you, the wheel is used nightly for your little one’s instinctual need to run, run, run!
Exercise Ball – An exercise ball can be a fun and safe way for your hamster to gain a little more freedom while staying in shape. Remember to keep their ball far away from stairs to prevent an accident! A ball should never replace an exercise wheel.
Harness and Leash – Hamsters enjoy an outing! Take them out for a safe walk and don’t worry, they won’t pull you over!
NUTRITIONAL
When choosing what food to purchase for your new pet, keep in mind that small animals often get diarrhea when new foods are introduced too quickly or during stressful events like adoption. Stick to familiar foods, including the same pellet brand, to support digestion. When adding new items, especially fresh foods, introduce them one at a time and watch for changes in behavior, appetite, or stool.
Hamster Pellets – Pellets are formulated to contain a correct balance of all the essential nutrients that your hamster needs each day. Follow the recommended guidelines on the bag of food to know how much should be offered daily.
Adding a teaspoon of hamster food mix to the pellets can add an enrichment experience, although hamsters have a habit of selecting the more tempting, fattening morsels, and leaving the healthy pellets behind.
Grass Hay – Grass hay stimulates natural foraging behaviours to help in the prevention of obesity. Hay is an excellent source of nesting material. The bonus is that they also love to eat it! All grass hays, timothy, orchard, oat, and botanical (timothy with herbs), are nutritionally similar, differing mainly in taste and texture. Hamsters especially enjoy oat hay, which often contains immature seed heads.
Treats – Only offer ½ tsp of treats daily. Treats encourage interaction between you and your pet, and build a bond between you.
Fresh Foods – These foods are considered treats for hamsters rather than a staple in your pet’s diet. Great options include romaine, kale, green leaf lettuce, bell peppers, carrots, parsley, and pea pods. Large amounts of green foods should be avoided, since they are difficult to digest and can cause health concerns.
Moss Hollow Adapt – Using Moss Hollow Adapt, while minimizing stress, can help your new pet adapt to their new home by promoting relaxation from stress caused by the environment (Echinacea), offering a prebiotic for building gut flora (Burdock Root), easing diarrhea (Psyllium Husk), increasing palatability (Wheatgrass), providing a natural dewormer (Diatomaceous Earth), and nutrient-rich clay (Bentonite). This veterinary health product uses natural ingredients which can aid all small animals before symptoms emerge.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplement – In the wild, animals can choose the foods their bodies require. Even if you give your pet a variety of foods, you may not be providing them with certain vitamins and minerals that they need. Add the supplement to the drinking water or food according to packaging directions.
Mineral and Salt Stone – Your hamster needs a mineral and salt stone available at all times. Salt will encourage them to drink enough water, and the water aids in digestion.
MAINTENANCE
Water Bottle – Choosing a water bottle helps to keep their water clean and to conserve any liquid vitamins. Fresh water must be available at all times and replaced daily. If your pet is housed in an aquarium, a bottle holder will be required.
Keep water bottles clean to prevent bacteria and sediment buildup from supplements. Use a bottle brush with dish soap and water to clean both the bottle and the inside of the stainless-steel drinking tube.
Ceramic Dishes – Ceramic dishes are easy to clean and cannot be chewed. You will need two: one for pellets and one for treats like fresh foods.
Substrate – Pine shavings, aspen shavings, or paper-based bedding is recommended for your hamster. Use a litter scoop to spot clean the cage regularly.
Cage Cleaner – Use a pet-safe cleaner, ideally one that is enzyme-based to break down stains and odours. Clean the cage weekly with the cleaner or hot water and mild soap, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid bleach and other household cleaners, as they can irritate your pet’s respiratory system or cause even worse problems.
Brush – Most hamsters enjoy a gentle brushing a few times a week. A finger toothbrush from the dog department works well for this. Don’t forget to offer them a treat after a grooming session!
Litter Box and Litter – With a little patience, your hamster can be potty trained! A small animal litter box is easy to remove, reduces the time and cost of maintenance, and cuts down on odour. Place the box in a corner and add a small amount of soiled substrate inside using a litter scoop so that the hamster can sniff it out for next time.
Dust Bath Powder – Dwarf hamsters enjoy rolling in dust bath powder to remove excess natural oils and moisture from their fur. Approximately two tablespoons of dust bath powder should be added to a shallow dish for 5–10 minutes at a time.
Cleanliness and Safety
All pets can potentially carry diseases that may be contagious to people. Young children, infants, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems and the elderly are at greater risk of infections and should use caution when in contact with pets or their environments. Regular cleaning of your pet’s environment with a pet safe cleaner may help avoid the spread of contaminants.
Hygiene procedures such as washing your hands before and after handling your pet and/or after having any contact with their habitat, is a necessary routine. Children should be assisted with hand washing and always have adult supervision when interacting with pets.
CHECKLIST
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Enclosure
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Nesting material
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Hiding place
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Chew blocks
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Exercise wheel
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Exercise ball
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Harness and leash
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Pellets
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Grass hay
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Treats
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Moss Hollow Adapt
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Vitamin and mineral supplement
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Mineral and salt stone
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Water bottle
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Bottle brush
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Ceramic dishes
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Substrate
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Litter scoop
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Cage cleaner
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Brush
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(Optional) Litter box and litter
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(Optional) Dust bath powder and shallow dish for dwarf hamsters