Golden hamsters - a suitable environment

A safe and comfortable home 

How big should a golden hamster’s cage be? 

You should get as large a cage as possible for your golden hamster so that they can get plenty of exercise (at least 75cm x 30cm x 30cm). Hamsters can travel up to 5 miles a night in the wild, so they need lots of exercise. 

Where should I put my golden hamster’s cage?

Your hamster’s cage should be indoors, out of draughts and direct sunlight. It should be away from busy or noisy areas, such as near a TV or music system, as noises and vibrations are stressful for hamsters. The temperature should stay between 18° and 21°C. If temperatures stay below 10°C they will become sleepy and start hibernating. 

A hamster can be good at escaping so the cage should be well secured. 

What type of material should I use on the cage floor? 

Hamsters are naturally burrowing animals so a deep layer of shavings or potting compost should be provided at the bottom of their cage. 

Does my hamster need a nest box?

Yes. Hamsters need a quiet and secluded nest box where they will sleep during the day.

What type of bedding should I give my hamster?

Shredded paper (e.g. clean white kitchen roll), or cloth-based materials, should be provided as nesting material. Avoid newspaper because the ink can be toxic. Cotton wool shouldn’t be used because it can cause dangerous blockages if eaten and can become wrapped around legs, causing constrictions.

How often do I need to clean my golden hamster’s cage?

The cage should be thoroughly cleaned once a week. It is recommended to leave a small amount (unsoiled) of their old bedding behind at each cleaning so that their familiar scents aren’t completely removed during cleaning.

Hamsters dislike any rapid change, so try not to alter their environment too much.