A Comprehensive Guide to Hamster Care
I. Basic Housing Setup
Cage Selection
Prioritize a spacious cage: A minimum length of 47 cm is recommended for dwarf hamsters, while Syrian hamsters (Golden Hamsters) require a cage of 60 cm or longer. Avoid wire cages (risk of foot entrapment) or fully enclosed glass tanks (poor ventilation).
Essential Cage Items:
Bedding: Use dust-free wood shavings or paper-based bedding, laid to a thickness of at least 3–5 cm to satisfy the hamster’s natural burrowing instinct.
Exercise Wheel: Choose a seamless wheel with a diameter of ≥17 cm (for dwarf hamsters) or ≥21 cm (for Syrian hamsters) to prevent spinal injuries.
Hideout: A ceramic or wooden hut to provide a sense of security.
Food Bowl and Ball Water Bottle: Fixed containers are recommended to avoid tipping.
Environmental Requirements
Maintain a temperature of 20–28°C. Avoid direct sunlight or direct air conditioning drafts. Place the cage in a quiet, well-ventilated corner.
II. Scientific Diet Management
Staple Food and Snacks
Feed specialized hamster food as the main diet. Avoid giving human foods high in sugar or salt (e.g., chocolate, cookies).
Small amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables (e.g., apple chunks, carrot dice) can be added as supplements, but be sure to dry the surface moisture first.
Offer snacks (e.g., mealworms, sunflower seeds) 2–3 times a week to prevent obesity.
Drinking Water Safety
Replace with cooled boiled water daily. Tap water or milk is not allowed.
III. Cleaning and Health Care
Cleaning Methods
Replace bedding 1–2 times a week. Regularly clean the food bowl and water bottle.
No water baths allowed! Use specialized bath sand (natural mineral sand) and let the hamster clean its fur on its own.
Health Monitoring
Normal feces should be dry, black pellets. If soft feces appear, adjust the diet.
Regularly check the length of the hamster’s teeth (overgrown teeth require grinding) and cheek pouches (prevent food residue from causing inflammation).
IV. Interaction and Important Notes
Personality Development
Hamsters are solitary animals and must be housed alone. Keeping multiple hamsters in one cage will lead to fighting.
When interacting, first feed the hamster by hand to build trust, then try gently stroking its back.
Taboos
Avoid sudden noises, bright lights, or frequent handling, as these can easily trigger stress responses.
Provide molar tools such as apple sticks to prevent overgrown teeth from affecting eating.
V. Breed Selection Recommendations
Beginner-Friendly Breeds: Syrian Hamsters (gentle temperament), Winter White Dwarf Hamsters (strong adaptability), Pudding Hamsters (cute appearance).
Breeds Requiring Caution: Campbell’s Dwarf Hamsters (some individuals are prone to biting), Roborovski Hamsters (shy and difficult to tame).
By following the above methods, you can effectively ensure your hamster’s health and build a close bond with it. If abnormal behaviors or health issues occur, it is recommended to consult an exotic pet veterinarian promptly.