The most common pet hamsters are the Syrian hamster or Golden hamster.
The Golden rule is one Golden hamster per cage. They are extremely
territorial - two in the same cage will fight - to the death!
Russian hamsters and Chinese hamsters, also known as dwarf
hamsters - prefer to live in pairs of the same or different
sexes. Remember - a mixed sex pair will mate!
The size of a hamster is approx. 5 - 6 inches; the size of a dwarf hamster 2 - 4 inches.
One problem in keeping dwarf hamsters is their size. A dwarf hamster is able to squeeze through
the bars of cages originally designed for the Syrian hamsters, so be certain
that you get a cage with very narrow bars, or an all plastic cage.
Multi-unit habitats are suitable for dwarf hamsters, but only if the
vertical tunnels are equipped with ladders.
Never mix Russian hamsters and Chinese hamsters
Hamsters are nocturnal. Although they sleep during the day, they really very energetic. The average hamster will have
3-4 hours exercise a night!
Hamsters should always be housed indoors. Remember that although a cage can be too small, it can never be too
big. Avoid wooden cages (as your hamster will chew his way out!) and metal
cages, which can get rather cold. Plastic or glass cages are best, but make sure the top or lid is fixed
securely. You can use the connecting plastic or perspex tubes, but these can
be very complicated to clean. You can find more about a
hamster cage or a dwarf hamster cage
on our hamster cage page.
Position the cage somewhere light and airy, away from draughts, heaters,
direct sunlight and other pets. Never put the cage on or near a fridge,
television, radio or hi-fi.
Provide plenty of warm bedding, like my favourite - Russel Bedding -
which is really soft and fluffy. Never use cotton, nylon or fibre bedding -
these could be a danger to your hamster if swallowed.
Hamster food
Golden hamsters thrive on mixed seed,
grains and nuts which can be supplemented with wholemeal bread or porridge
oats. Hamsters will eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables including apple,
tomato and cabbage. Golden hamsters also like some animal protein such as
slices of boiled egg, flakes of cooked fish or pieces of cheese.
The food requirements for a dwarf hamster are basically the same as those of the
Syrian hamster: a mixed seed and grain diet with the addition of small
amounts of peanuts, sunflower seeds and dog biscuit. The dwarf hamster will
also take small amounts of vegetables and fruit.
Hamsters have long incisor teeth that need to be worn down, so a hardwood
gnawing block is necessary. Brazil nuts and hard carrots also help to keep
teeth trim.
Hamsters need a constant supply of water so a dripping
feed bottle is required.
A food store and a nesting box are also a must and
soft straw should be provided.
Because they are energetic creatures hamsters need access to a solid
exercise wheel which must be closely secured to a wall for safety.