Here are key guidelines for caring for hamsters, combining practical advice on housing, diet management, health monitoring, and more:
1. Housing Setup
Cage Selection
Syrian hamsters (golden hamsters) need a cage of at least 60 cm in length; dwarf breeds (such as Winter White or Roborovski hamsters) require a minimum of 47 cm. Avoid using cardboard boxes or plastic containers.
Bedding should be at least 5 cm thick (wood shavings or paper-based bedding). Replace all bedding completely once a week, and clean surface waste daily.
Essential accessories: A running wheel (minimum 20 cm in diameter), a hiding house, a chew stick, and a sand bath container (excluding golden hamsters).
Temperature & Humidity Control
Maintain an environment between 20–30°C. Avoid direct sunlight or cold drafts. Young hamsters may need extra warmth (e.g., a heating pad).
2. Diet Management
Staple & Supplementary Foods
Choose a specialized hamster food with grains and low protein (12–15%). Avoid high-fat foods (e.g., sunflower seeds no more than twice a week).
Limit fruits and vegetables: 1 teaspoon daily of carrots or apples; high-fiber veggies (broccoli, pumpkin) once a week.
Protein supplements: Cooked egg whites or dried mealworms (3–5 per week). Increase portions for pregnant or young hamsters.
Water Safety
Use boiled or purified water, changed daily. Avoid tap water, as chlorine can irritate their digestive systems.
3. Health & Grooming
Daily Observation
Check for normal appetite, healthy droppings (firm pellets are normal; soft stools need attention), and smooth fur.
Seek veterinary care for symptoms like hair loss or lethargy.
Grooming Methods
Hamsters should never be bathed with water. Dwarf breeds use sand baths (2–3 times a week); golden hamsters groom themselves via "saliva baths."
Clean the cage weekly with a 1:10 vinegar-water solution to avoid chemical residue from cleaners.
4. Interaction & Safety
Building Trust
Let new hamsters settle for 3–7 days before interaction. Gradually bond by hand-feeding treats; avoid forced handling.
Do not touch baby hamsters within their first 2 weeks to prevent the mother from abandoning them.
Housing Alone
Hamsters are solitary animals. Separate young hamsters into individual cages by 4 weeks of age to prevent fighting.
5. Handling Special Situations
Traveling: Use automatic feeders, provide ample dry food and chopped veggies (e.g., carrots), and ensure a steady water supply.
Mother Hamster Giving Birth: Keep the environment quiet, offer high-protein foods (e.g., dried insects), and avoid disturbing her while she nurses.
Following these steps will help ensure your hamster lives a healthy, happy life. For more details on breed-specific traits (e.g., differences between golden hamsters and dwarfs), refer to breed-specific guides.