How to Care for a Hamster: Complete Guide for Beginners

Small, fluffy, and full of energy — hamsters have earned their place as beloved pets in millions of homes. But don't be fooled by their size: these little rodents have specific needs that, when met, ensure a long and happy life.

Know the Types of Hamsters

There are several hamster species, each with its own characteristics:

For beginners: The Syrian hamster is the best choice. It's larger (easier to handle), docile, and bonds with its owner.

Life Expectancy

Hamsters live relatively short lives:

• Syrian: 2-3 years
• Dwarfs: 1.5-2 years
• Roborovski: 3-3.5 years

This can be difficult for children, so prepare them for this reality.

The Ideal Cage

Size: Bigger is Better

The absolute minimum for a Syrian hamster is 24" x 16" of floor space. But ideal is even larger:

• Good: 32" x 20"
• Great: 40" x 20" or 40+ gallon tank

Those colorful tube cages from pet shops are usually too small.

Housing Options

Wire cage:

• Good ventilation
• Hamster can climb the bars
• Escape risk if bar spacing is too wide

Tank/aquarium:

• Prevents escapes
• Keeps bedding inside
• Needs ventilation in the lid

Bin cages (modified storage bins):

• Economical
• Spacious
• Needs modification for ventilation

What the Cage Needs

Deep bedding (6-10 inches): Hamsters are natural burrowers. Deep bedding allows them to create tunnels, an essential behavior for their wellbeing.

Use:

• Treated pine shavings (phenol-free)
• Shredded unprinted paper
• Corn cob or coconut substrate

Avoid:

• Cedar (toxic)
• Fine sawdust (respiratory problems)
• Cotton (choking and strangulation risk)

Exercise wheel: Essential! Hamsters run up to 5 miles per night.

• Syrian: 11-12 inch diameter wheel
• Dwarfs: 8-10 inch wheel
• Solid surface (no bars)

Houses and hideouts: At least 2-3 different hiding spots.

Water bottle: Bottle type with metal spout.

Food dish: Ceramic or stainless steel (won't tip easily).

Diet

Base Diet

Quality hamster food: Choose mixes with a variety of seeds, grains, and pellets. Avoid foods that are only pellets or have lots of artificial colors.

Amount: 1-2 tablespoons per day

Allowed Supplements

Vegetables (small portions, 2-3x per week):

• Broccoli, cauliflower
• Carrots, cucumber
• Spinach, romaine lettuce
• Zucchini

Protein (1-2x per week):

• Hard-boiled egg (small piece)
• Plain cooked chicken
• Mealworms

Fruits (rarely, high sugar):

• Apple without seeds
• Strawberry
• Banana

Forbidden Foods

• Citrus (oranges, lemons)
• Onions and garlic
• Chocolate and sweets
• Almonds
• Processed/salty foods
• Raw beans
• Tomato (leaves are toxic)

Eating Behavior

Hamsters have elastic cheek pouches where they store food to stash in their nest. This is normal! It doesn't mean they're hungry.

Hamsters Are Nocturnal

A crucial point: hamsters sleep during the day and are active at night.

This means:

• Don't put the cage in your bedroom (wheels are noisy!)
• Don't wake the hamster during the day
• Interact in the late afternoon/early evening
• Hamsters woken forcefully may bite

Handling and Taming

The First Weeks

1. Days 1-3: Let the hamster adjust. No handling.
2. Days 4-7: Speak softly near the cage. Offer treats through the bars.
3. Week 2: Place your hand inside the cage without trying to grab.
4. Week 3+: Let the hamster climb onto your hand voluntarily.

How to Pick Up Correctly

• Cup both hands under the hamster
• Never grab from above (looks like a predator)
• Keep close to the floor or soft surface
• Never squeeze or hold by the skin

Biting

Hamsters bite when:

• Scared
• Woken during sleep
• Your hands smell like food
• They're sick or in pain

Always wash your hands before handling your hamster.

Cleaning and Hygiene

Daily

• Remove uneaten fresh food
• Check the water bottle
• Remove visible droppings from the "bathroom corner"

Weekly

• Partial bedding change (replace about 1/3)
• Wash food dish and water bottle
• Check hideouts (may accumulate spoiled food)

Monthly

• Full cage cleaning
• Replace all bedding
• Keep some old bedding to maintain the scent

Important: Don't bathe the hamster! They clean themselves. Bathing causes stress and hypothermia.

For fur cleaning, offer chinchilla sand bath in a dish.

Environmental Enrichment

Hamsters are intelligent and need stimulation:

Toys and Activities

• Tubes and tunnels: PVC pipes, paper towel rolls
• Chew toys: Untreated wood, coconut toys
• Burrowing: Deep bedding is the best enrichment
• Foraging: Hide food in the bedding for them to find
• Playpen: Safe area outside the cage

Teeth Grow Continuously

Hamsters have continuously growing teeth. They NEED to chew to wear them down. Provide:

• Wood blocks
• Hard rodent biscuits
• Apple or willow branches

Health Signs

Healthy Hamster

• Bright, open eyes
• Smooth, shiny fur
• Active at night
• Eats and drinks normally
• Curious and alert

Warning Signs — See a Vet

• Ruffled or dull fur
• Tearing or closed eyes
• Nasal discharge
• Noisy breathing
• Diarrhea ("wet tail" is an emergency!)
• Weight loss
• Lethargy during active period
• Overgrown or misaligned teeth
• Lumps or swelling

Wet tail: Serious bacterial infection, especially in young hamsters. Without treatment, can be fatal in 24-48 hours.

Are Hamsters Solitary?

Syrians: Absolutely solitary! From 8 weeks of age, they MUST live alone. Together, they'll fight to the death.

Dwarf Russians: Can live in same-sex pairs or groups IF they're siblings raised together from birth. Still, fights can happen.

When in doubt: Keep alone. Hamsters don't "feel lonely" like humans.

Special Care

Temperature

Hamsters prefer 68-75°F (20-24°C). In low temperatures, they may enter torpor (looks dead, but is forced hibernation). This is dangerous!

Travel

Hamsters travel poorly. If you must travel:

• Use a carrier with bedding
• Bring food and water
• Maintain stable temperature
• Long trips are very stressful

Children

Hamsters are fragile and nocturnal — not ideal pets for young children. If you have kids:

• Always supervise handling
• Teach them to respect the hamster's schedule
• Prepare for the short life expectancy

How Much Does It Cost?

Initial Costs

Monthly Costs

• Food and treats: $10 - $20
• Bedding: $10 - $15
• Monthly total: $20 - $35

Where to Get One

• Responsible breeders: Best option
• Rescue/adoption: Many hamsters need homes
• Pet shops: Check the animals' conditions

Avoid very young hamsters (less than 4 weeks) or those from dubious sources.

A Small Great Companion

Hamsters may be small, but they bring immense joy. Watching them dig tunnels, run on their wheel, stuff their cheeks with food, and explore curiously is enchanting.

With the right care — adequate space, balanced diet, enrichment, and respect for their nocturnal rhythm — you'll have a very happy little furry friend.

Set up the cage, fill it with bedding, and let the adventure begin!

Sources

• PetMD. "Hamster Care Sheet"
• RSPCA. "How to Take Care of Your Hamster"
• The Humane Society. "Hamster Care"
• American Veterinary Medical Association. "Exotic Pet Care"