Hamsters

Hamsters are popular pets and, as with all of our pets, they have five welfare needs to keep them healthy and happy. Do you know what they are?

PDSA pet care tips for hamsters
Watch a video of PDSA vets and nurses caring for pets
Downloads for you

PDSA pet care tips for hamsters

Here’s a quick check list of things I need:

A large, clean cage kept in a quiet place inside. Remember, I like to sleep during the day and don’t like to be woken up!
Plenty of fresh drinking water from a bottle and hamster mix containing seeds, grains and nuts. I also like small amounts of washed fruit and vegetables
An exercise wheel without gaps as my feet and legs can get trapped
Toys - like cardboard tubes so I don’t get bored
A gnawing block to wear my teeth down
Company or being on my own - golden hamsters like to live alone and dwarf hamsters like to be kept together
A brush to keep long-haired coats healthy
Remember, to gently handle me from a young age so I can get used to people

A vet to treat me if I am sick or injured

Watch a video of PDSA vets and nurses caring for pets

We have lots of really good video's showing our vets and nurses caring for pets, why don't you watch today.

Below is a video that shows PDSA vet, James, speaking about some of the things you should consider before getting a new pet. Having a pet is a big responsibility and he says that pets like dogs, cats and rabbits should all be vaccinated, neutered and insured. He says that pets need our time and love, with time spent playing and taking them for walks every day, and that anyone thinking about getting a pet also needs to fully consider all the costs that will be involved.

We have lots more video’s you can watch on our Watch page.

Downloads for you

We have a great poster you can download and print out to keep at home.

Just click on the link below to download your copy today

Download our Pet files page on Hamsters (PDF - 5.77 MB)

1 link on this page is in in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format. In order to view it you will need the free Acrobat Reader software installed on your computer.