Golden hamsters - behaviour
Golden hamsters – being able to behave normally
Keeping your golden hamster active and happy
Does my hamster need toys?
As well as plenty of exercise, hamsters need things in their cage that they can climb on and explore. They should have an exercise wheel – but make sure it doesn’t have spaces between the rungs, as feet and legs can get trapped and broken between the gaps. They also need suitable toys such as cardboard tubes, as well as those made specifically for small animals like hamsters. Ladders, tubes, seesaws and untreated apple-tree branches are all available to buy.
A gnawing block should also be provided because this helps hamsters wear their teeth down.
Should I give my hamster several different toys at the same time?
So that your hamster stays stimulated and doesn’t get bored, you should offer different toys in different weeks. When a particular toy isn’t being used one week, this also gives you a good opportunity to clean it.
How can I let my hamster dig?
Hamsters are naturally burrowing animals so a deep layer of shavings or potting compost should be provided at the bottom of their cage.
Peace and quiet
When is it best to spend time with my hamster?
Hamsters are nocturnal, meaning they become active at night, so they should be left alone and quiet during the day. Regularly waking them up during the day is stressful for them and can cause them to bite. It is best to handle them during the early evening, when they have woken up and are active.
Handling
What’s the best way to handle a hamster?
Hamsters should be carefully handled from a young age so that they become used to handling and aren’t scared of it. This will reduce the chances of them biting someone.
Always be gentle. Both hands should be used as a scoop, and your hamster should be held low over a flat surface. Even a small fall can cause serious injury.
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