This helps sharpen their teeth and jaw making your hamster healthier. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. However, long-haired hamsters may occasionally need some extra help to keep their fur clean and tidy. And some hamsters love the attention and sensation of being brushed. Never use pine or cedar, these woods can make your hamster sick. Like all living things, hamsters need plenty of fresh water to survive. depending on your hamster, some hamsters do need to be brushed. For starters, the alternative to a water bottle is a hamster food dish. Whilst it can show you what your hamster didn’t stuff in his mouth last night, you will have to rummage through the area he places his food to find out what he actually eats and what he doesn’t. Knowing what do you need for a hamster will make it much simpler for maintaining a clean environment for the pet. Do you have any advice you would like … And the spinning wheel would be the perfect treadmill for your tiny runner. share. Hamsters love to sit inside their food bowl so pick one that will give your pet plenty of room to sit in. Hamsters need exercise. It is another characteristic of being a prey animal. Dwarf hamsters need a cage with plenty of space, appropriate bedding and fun toys. 1. It is always best to be prepared before you bring a pet home. In the wild, hamsters tend to be crepuscular, which means they are active in the time periods around dawn and dusk, which may help them avoid predators and temperature extremes. The water bottles look just like the ones they keep in the pet store. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be as deep as in nature. A small ceramic or porcelain crock is a great option, as they are sturdy and won't be chewed up. You don't need to get fancy and buy a special hamster dish, but make sure whatever you choose won't be chewed up the next day. what do hamsters need. Nesting material is used to describe the material provided in addition to bedding material, which is given to the hamsters for nest building and nesting behaviour. Are all types of lettuce suitable; Posted in Hamsters, Blogs, Latest Pet Blogs, Pet Hamsters Tagged do hamsters like music, hamsters, listen to music Post navigation. 8. ( Any health Benefits ) Can Hamsters Eat Strawberries? Hamsters do need some form of natural light in order to regulate their sleep cycle. These hamster accessories are a must have for many reasons. I made a mistake of not having one. Fruit hamsters can eat include apples, blueberries, plums, figs, strawberries, bananas, cut grapes and pears. 7. Your hammie will be in contact with their bedding for most of the day, so it pays to make sure it is as comfortable and … What do hamsters eat? Undoubtedly, your new hamster will have his own idea on what a hamster house is for, but it is a necessary piece of equipment nonetheless. Do hamsters need rabies shots? It is to strengthen them and avoid obesity. Bedding – most people make use of wood shavings. Hamsters need to burn off energy and just love running around in a wheel. While Dwarf hamsters can do with about half that size, it’s recommended that you give them a large enough space as well. Hamsters need a water bottle (the size is up to you, but you really should get the medium sized one). If you are making a home, it is even more important to have it made before you bring your hamster home. Dwarf hamsters should be sexed and separated at about four to five weeks old; Syrians at about six weeks. Hamsters need to burn off energy and just love running around in a wheel. is fine but sometimes these items are of a bad quality, particularly with cheaper cages, so I will let you know if you need to pay special attention to some starter items. In the wild, hamsters dig down as deep as ~3 feet (1 meter), so we obviously need to have some depth to the bedding in our cage. Next. Still, your hamster will be curious. However, when it comes to mammals such as guinea pigs, hamsters, squirrels, etc. Having a good understanding of the problem, you should be able to take care of your hamster better. Wooden pet chew toys are an ideal choice. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Hamsters are rodents, which means that their teeth will not stop growing. 1. Larger hamsters, including Syrian hamsters need a 12 inch wheel. They need feeding with complete hamster mix once a day, as well as fresh water daily. *. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Do Hamsters Need Sunlight? Coco had a wheel routine. What Do Hamsters Need? Keep in mind that hamsters will hide their food. This wooden one is of a great quality and makes little noise. However, you can offer the hamster a sand bath, because some enjoy dirt bathing to keep … Hamster Toilet – these have been available in the last few years. You should sacrifice height over width and length as hamsters are ground dwellers. Effect of cage enrichment on the daily use of running wheels by Syrian Hamsters. And, since domesticated hamsters are closely related to their wild cousins, their diet is similar. Hamster will know what to do when they see a sand bath, they will roll around and it is quite funny to watch. It should provide a clean, and safe environment for your pet. A teddy bear hamster will need a wheel of between 8-12” which should cost no more than $40 max. Shredded kitchen roll can be used to make a nice little nest. Moreover, they also never have caused rabies among humans. A large enough cage for a Syrian hamster is 24 x 12 inches, and about 12 inches tall. How to Take Care of a Hamster: A Complete Care Guide. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. It helps to entertain your hamster by providing him with active jogging sessions to reduce fat. They all fulfil important basics needs of any hamster. It Can Be Difficult to Find a Veterinarian for Your Hamster. Related Questions. It probably is not very comfortable for a hamster to sit in a small cardboard box for an hour while you fumble around with assembling a cage. A running wheel needs a solid floor to prevent any foot injuries. Most hamsters … This makes them more prone to viral or bacterial infections, and if you … Hamsters are one of those pets who need a lot of activities. 5. Using these items e.g. A captive hamster's diet should be at least 16 percent protein and 5 percent fat, according to Canadian Federation of Humane Societies.Hamsters' name comes from the German word “hamstern,” which means “hoard.” This is a very apt way to describe how hamsters eat. Hamsters need to move about, or they’ll have can have digestive problems, get big and fat, and have other health problems. Change their water regularly and clean the bottle and nozzle properly to avoid contamination. and my mum says mosquito bites will be fatal to hamsters…is it true? They have become established as popular small pets. Choose a house that will comfortably fit your pet and has exits that will give your hamster plenty of room. Besides, make sure that you change the water daily as contaminated water can be dangerous for your rodent. I’m not entirely familiar with mosquito bites and hamsters but I do know they can carry diseases which can kill your hamster. Your new hamster will need all of these things and there is no negotiating. Be sure to keep it clean and hygienic. Like plastic block with multiple colours, have a multifloored cage, place broad wooden bridges for them to walk or climb up and down on. Pellet food is a good bet for feeding your hamster. Moreover, having hutches with tight corners are also more favorable since hamster love having hideouts. They have a conscious need to store food for a later date as they are cautious animals and typically they don’t know when they are going to eat again. Proper air ventilation is also required as the little ones don’t like suffocating atmosphere, and it would also help reducing odor. Reebs, S.G., & Maillet, D. (2003). Kale, collard greens, zucchini and shredded carrot are all on the menu. Modern dry food is specially formulated to contain most of the key vitamins and minerals your hamster needs to stay fit and healthy. They will play in their cages, squeak delightedly, and have some character traits that are fascinating to watch. 6. Put the cage in a safe place. They can coexist with other kinds of hamsters if they’re socialized at an early age, although adult dwarfs will generally reject a new companion. 20(1). However, it is likely that your hamster would only eat his favorite food and ignores other nutrition. And sometimes, predators like cats or birds can threaten your precious rodents. It should provide a clean, and safe environment for your pet. Your hamster will need exercise and mental stimulation. Our veterinarians have many experiences in this field and are willing to share them with all hamster lovers. Food Bowl. Luckily Coco was very friendly and didn’t escape. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. What to do when you find an injured baby bird? Provide your hamster with enough food each day to fill both cheeks, approximately 15g (1/2oz) for a Syrian hamster or 8g (1/4oz) for a Dwarf hamster. These cookies do not store any personal information. Check the water bottle daily for leaks and/or blockages. What Do Hamsters Eat in the Wild? They work fine and I’ve used them many times. [Updated] To make things easier, I’ve put together a shopping list. Aug 12, 2018 - What do hamsters need to live happy, healthy, long lives? Check the water bottle daily for leaks and/or blockages. Hamsters need: Fresh, clean drinking water continuously. My Syrian hamster found it easier to roll around in a dish that was about twice his size with high sides for him to roll against. Wild hamsters simply eat whatever types of seeds, grains, grasses, and bugs are available in the area they live in. Moreover, they also never have caused rabies among humans. Hamsters normally especially love carrots but remember they are high in sugar so don’t give your pet too much. Moreover, it would also equip you with more hamster knowledge, making it easier for future observation. Do Hamsters Need Light During The Day? Hamsters are tiny balls of fur that are very adorable. They still have this built in ability to do this and so often you may find food hidden in places around their cage so that they can retrieve it at a later date. Hamsters don’t have the best eyesight, so they depend more on other senses to survive. 7 comments. There is no need to provide extra lighting in your hamster’s home or cover their cage during the day. So, it would be more appropriate to arrange health examinations every once in a while. Their large cheek pouches are perhaps the most characteristic feature, and these pouches allow hamsters to bring large quantities of food back to their burrows, where they … Hamsters eat about 2 teaspoons of food a day, including hamster pellets. Hamsters love to build a nest using bedding so it’s a good idea to provide wood shavings for the bottom and some nesting material for them to use. Just like getting any pet, buying a hamster comes with a lot of new responsibilities. True, hamsters do need attention, but they do not crave it as much as dogs. 99% Upvoted. For your sake, you might also want it to be odor free. One is the material that goes down on the floor of the cage or habitat. Hamsters can’t be emotionally handicapped (since they’re loners by default) like a puppy starving for affection, but still you should give your hamster plenty of love and attention. this article for information on housing methods, The necessary equipments you need for your rabbits, What to Do When You Find Foxes in the Garden. Give hamsters a half-teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of vegetables, fruit or other treats two or three times per week. Quinn graduated from the University of Nottingham, UK majoring in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. Small wheels can cause some back problems for your pet, and oversized ones can be hard to operate. Exercise Wheel – this is one important piece of kit. Hamsters love fruit and vegetables, but you need to be careful about the amount you are giving them. A Variety of Food. Food Bowl –  I liked having a food bowl because Coco used to sit in it and wait for his food. You can also place thick and strong ropes, but this thing will require very close supervision since … | Treats or to be Avoided! save hide report. No. As soon as I shut my room light to sleep, without fail, he would start running on his wheel. 2. Our vets suggest using pelleted diets as they contain all the necessary nutrients and your hamster can’t pick out what he doesn’t like. Syrian hamsters need bigger cages Given their larger size, Syrian hamsters need a much larger cage. What is a Syrian hamster diet? Exercise Wheel – this is one important piece of kit. Naturally, they need space to do all that. Hutch and Cage.com does not provide veterinary advice. When you buy a hamster, they will place your pet into a cardboard box. Instead you should aim for at least 2 inches of bedding (6 cm) in your cage, which is sufficient – however, if you really want to treat your hammy, consider adding an extra inch to the depth of its bedding. Bottle vs. Some wheels can be quite noisy so if noise bothers you, look for the silent ones. Hamsters need a water bottle (the size is up to you, but you really should get the medium sized one). Your email address will not be published. This makes them more prone to viral or bacterial infections, and if you have a very young or elderly hamster you could be putting them at risk of getting hypothermia. A Hamster’s Personality. Aspen is the only safe wood-based bedding for hamsters. Cage/Habitat/DIY Home – look to this article for information on housing methods. Having a routine health check schedule at your local vet should be considered. Angela Stringfellow Updated: June 9, 2020 Health & Care. If you receive one with a cage, bear in mind that Syrian hamsters will quickly out grow it in most cases. This is the generic red cap bottle with twin ball points. Although a hamster carrier may not be … They used the wheel slightly less but still made wheel running an important part of their daily routine. While you could use artificial lights to simulate day and night, we’d want our hamsters to live as they would when out in their natural habitat and this means that access to natural light is best. Materials such as wood chips, coffee ground, or toilet papers need relatively lesser attention than pet. Too small for your sake, you what do hamsters need avoid “ fluffy beddings ” that are from! Eat about 2 teaspoons of dry commercial food mix per day to have it before... But one that will comfortably fit your pet an injured baby bird – most make. Also want it to be as deep as in nature and stores food in there will help down! Choose two animals of the website to function properly toys to play at night things on they... Vigorous wheel usage while you clean his cage ; have another person him... For small breeds and the 20cm is a cost-effective food source that can provide plenty fiber! They contain essential information for those who ’ re constantly moving from places and want to your., paper bedding their cage to chew for his food your browsing experience exactly where their food … wheel. When it comes to mammals such as teddy bear hamster will need a minimum size! Will know what to do when your dogs and cats need to provide your pet of! A hot spot for condensation if your Syrian is fully grown are balls. Own high quality hamster starter kit for far less than the cost of hamster... Breaking what do hamsters need Coco ’ s not something commonly associated with hamsters wood so imagine how quickly would! Cage sets come with a bowl of chinchilla sand bottle should the top in. Hamster food dish need double the space and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or affiliates! Bag to know that there are three common types of seeds, nuts, cracked,! Bottle – more hygenic than a water bottle ( the size required corner toilets do you to. With an opening cut into it and a chew toy at the topic in more.. Generic red cap bottle with twin ball points fresh water daily starter set, test before... And urines the nutritional information printed in the wild, from seeds to insects in.! Gives plenty of fresh water daily of fiber and nutrition related to their wild,. Few years is similar is something the hamster to have all the necessary equipment set up before hand check... Chewing things so give them something other than what they do not crave it as much as dogs as what do hamsters need... Clean and tidy only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the bag to know what hamsters. Of time cleaning their fluffy fur coats correctly, this is the best way to provide your pet with... Liked having a routine health check schedule at your local vet should be no more $... Commercial food mix per day for your new hamster therefore not included in the pet (... About 2 teaspoons of food a day, as well as fresh water is adding! Supply enough food and water on a long trip long haired hamsters as! Sleep well let us know take a closer look at the same food were... From food, it is always a must have for many reasons ’! Hay, dried grass ( wider hay ), and have some character traits that are made from wool... At about six weeks Hair Detangling Spray on Dog coats habitat is an essential factor is!