Basics

Feeding and watering

Hamsters need a balanced diet, and so should not be fed on a diet that has too many vegetables and sunflower seeds. They have quite a high requirement of vitamins and minerals, due to their intestinal anatomy. They should be fed once a day, with commercial hamster mix. This can be supplemented with small amounts of fruit and green vegetables to add variety, but be careful not to feed more of one type of food and give moderate amounts. Don’t add citrus fruits, such as oranges, as these are too acidic. Remember to wash any fruit and vegetables well to remove any traces of disease.

The food can be 'served' in heavy pottery, metal or plastic bowls, although hamsters do prefer to eat their food off the floor. Throw out any that is not eaten. Water should be available at all times; an adult hamster drinks about 30ml each day. The water can be in a bottle suspended from the cage, with a metal sipping tube, to avoid any danger from bitten glass. Remember to clean the bottle regularly and to check it for leaks and air locks.

Handling

Hamsters do bite if they are frightened or in pain or discomfort if not held properly. Hamsters can be held and lifted in two cupped hands, taking care not to 'swoop' from above. They will often crawl into a held plastic disposable cup, which can then be lifted out. As with all small furry animals, avoid any dangers of falls by having the cage on the floor when handling the hamster, or a wide margin of safety around it. Even a small drop can be fatal. A hamster that is sitting on its hindquarters and 'chittering' aggressively should be left alone.

It is a good idea not to disturb them when they are asleep, but hamsters that are relaxed and used to being handled may remain asleep in the warmth of a pair of familiar hands. Hamsters enjoy a free run in the evening, but be very careful that they don't escape. An empty bath is a safe place to let them exercise.

Care

A hamster will want plenty of exercise, and likes toys and tunnels. Hamsters like playing with other toys as well, such as ladders, tubes, seesaws and apple-tree branches. Any exercise wheel should be one designed specifically for hamsters, and should not have a slatted tread or 'spokes'. Their legs can get trapped between the gaps. The hair of long-haired hamsters can also get trapped in the wheel’s axle.

Long-haired hamsters need grooming with a soft toothbrush, but short-haired hamsters will groom themselves.

You should check your hamster each day for any signs of illness, such as a decreased appetite or altered water intake, weight loss, diarrhoea, hair loss, or any change in behaviour. If you are worried, always contact your vet. Hamsters can get problems with their cheek pouches; watch out for any dribbling or if your hamster stops eating. They can also develop overgrown claws and teeth. Check your hamster each day for any signs of dental problems.

If you go away, they can be left alone for a day with food and water, as they are natural 'hoarders'. A small transport cage will allow you to transfer it to a reliable friend if you are away for any longer period of time.