There are several types of hamsters in the world and most of them can live for about 2-3 years. Hamsters are nocturnal animals, so they usually sleep all day long. Unlike other types of hamsters, dwarf hamsters are crepuscular animals that are active, especially, in the morning (dawn) and in the afternoon, before sunset. To make sure your pet hamster is happy and healthy, you need to give it the right food, encourage it to get enough activity and play, and clean its cage regularly.
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Part 1 of 6: Buying a Hamster
Step 1. Find a place that sells hamsters
If you want to have a hamster as your pet, go to a pet store, a hamster breeding center (if you are looking for a hamster with a specific coat color) or an animal shelter. Hamsters are sold at relatively low prices. However, you may need to dig deeper into the health care costs, the cage, and the toys.
Step 2. Choose a healthy hamster
A healthy hamster has clean ears, a clean and dry anus, a small, round belly, and no bald patches or bumps on the skin (except for the odor glands on the thighs which are often mistaken for sores or scabies). In addition, healthy hamsters also have clear eyes and healthy teeth, which do not grow lumpy or curved.
If your hamster has wet hair around his anus, you need to be careful. This can be an indication of wet tail disease, a bacterial disease that can spread quickly through direct contact with other hamsters. Make sure the hair around the anus is dry and clean. While there is indeed an antibiotic treatment for wet tail disease, it's a good idea to choose a healthy hamster when you choose a hamster to keep
Step 3. Think of a hamster as big as you want it to be
The Syrian hamster can grow to reach 13 to 18 cm as an adult. Campbell's dwarf hamster and Winter White's dwarf hamster can grow up to 7 to 10 cm. Meanwhile, Chinese hamsters can grow to reach 10 to 13 cm and Roborovski hamsters are usually smaller, reaching up to 7.5 cm in height.
Step 4. Consider the color of your hamster's coat
Most Syrian hamsters have golden fur, but some have fur with a variety of colors. Campbell's dwarf hamsters usually have grayish-brown fur with a black stripe along the back and white belly hair. The White Winter dwarf hamster has white fur, with a slight purplish or grayish tinge. The Roborovski pygmy hamster has earthy brown fur with white underbelly, and the Chinese hamster is dark brown with ivory white underbelly.
Step 5. Ask permission to put your hand in the hamster cage
If the pet store clerk or hamster breeder doesn't want you to put your hand in the hamster cage (depending on the location you're visiting, of course), ask him to put his hand in the hamster cage. Do not choose a hamster that likes to bite or scratch aggressively. Also, don't choose hamsters that are very timid (usually such hamsters will run fast, hide, and won't come back). One good choice is a hamster that is curious about you, sniffing your hand but doesn't necessarily climb into your hand. Also, a curious hamster that bites your hand a little to test if your hand is food (like a puppy) may be a good choice.
Part 2 of 6: Setting Up a New Cage for Hamsters
Step 1. Choose the right cage for your hamster
It's a good idea to keep your hamster in a cage measuring 0.2 square meters or a cage measuring 60 x 40 cm. A glass aquarium can be the right cage choice for your hamster, as long as the aquarium used has a large enough area. However, the downside is the lack of air ventilation, so make sure you use a top cap made of wire mesh to allow air circulation in the cage. Alternatively, a plastic tray hamster cage with a wire cover can be a good choice for a cage with good ventilation. Make sure you don't put the cage in direct sunlight, as your hamster will overheat because sunlight will penetrate the glass walls of the aquarium and increase the intensity of light entering the cage. Glass aquariums may be expensive, unless you buy a used glass aquarium. Alternatively, you can purchase a wire-lined cage that has better ventilation.
Step 2. Place the hamster cage in a safe place
Make sure you put it in a room with lots of ventilation. Do not place the cage directly in front of the window. Also, make sure the room you use is quiet enough and free from distractions from other pets such as dogs and cats to reduce stress levels on your hamster. Never allow your dog or cat to interact with your hamster.
Step 3. Make sure your hamster can't escape
You won't believe it if you know how clever hamsters are at escaping. Make sure the holes or openings (such as doors) in the cage are locked and that there are no loose parts of the cage that your hamster can open. If you're using a wire cage, make sure that the gaps between the wires don't allow your hamster to pass or your hamster could escape through the gaps and get caught. The gap between the wires should not be greater than 0.5 cm.
Step 4. Get to know your hamster's territorial instincts
Place one Syrian hamster in a separate cage. The Syrian hamster exhibits territorial behavior at 5 to 8 weeks of age and will fight each other to the death for a place of its own if it is placed in the same cage as another hamster. Unlike the Syrian hamster, dwarf hamsters can be placed in the same cage with each other as long as they are introduced and familiarized with each other since childhood.
The three dwarf hamster species (Campbell Russian pygmy hamster, Winter White pygmy hamster, and Roborovski hamster) can be housed alone or with a partner in the same cage as long as the hamsters are familiar with it. Do not mate with hamsters of different species. Also, mated pairs of hamsters should not always be placed in the same cage as they can fight and injure each other
Step 5. Prepare the bedding for your hamster
You will need to provide a 7.5 cm thick base for the floor for your hamster's cage. Pine or cedar shavings are not good for your hamster as they can cause many health problems. Besides being able to trigger respiratory problems, wood shavings also contain oils that are harmful to your hamster's health. Unlike pine or cedar shavings, aspen wood shavings do not contain harmful oils, making them safe to use as bedding for your hamster. Also, never use cotton as a base for the cage. Cotton is very dangerous for your hamster because cotton is indigestible. In addition, strands of cotton wool can wrap around your hamster's legs and block its blood flow, potentially killing your hamster. Even toilet paper can be used as a nesting material, but make sure you use non-smelling toilet paper.
Part 3 of 6: Providing Food and Water
Step 1. Feed your hamster every day
Provide enough food every day for your hamster so that nutritional intake is met. For Syrian hamsters, you need to provide about 15 grams of food and for dwarf hamsters, you need to provide 8 grams of food per day. Make sure there is always fresh food in your hamster's feeder every day. Hamsters are hoarders, so they will always have a secret place to store their food. However, if you throw away the accumulated food, your hamster could feel stressed. If you are concerned about the quality of the stockpiled food, make sure you replace it with new, fresher food after you throw away the old stock food and place the new food in the same place as the old stock food.
Use a pot made of pottery or metal. This type of place to eat is suitable because hamsters can bite or chew on plastic food containers
Step 2. Always provide your hamster with water
When drinking, your hamster will not drink a lot of water, but it is important that you always make sure there is water for your hamster because your hamster can feel thirsty at any time. Don't put water in the food container because the food container can get dirty and your hamster won't like it. Therefore, use a water bottle or water dispenser. If possible, change the water every day to keep the water fresh, or at least (maximum) every three days.
Step 3. Use nutritionally balanced pellets or diced pellets as food for your hamster
If given a mixture of grains, hamsters tend to choose grains that are tastier, but less nutritious. Give pellets or diced pellets as a main food for your hamster, and a mixture of grains as an additional food. Make sure before you give the grain mix your hamster has eaten the right amount of pellets.
Step 4. Spread the food around the cage and hide it in toys or tunnels
Get your hamster to find its own food. If you put the food directly in the feeder, your hamster will eat more than he does, which can lead to obesity.
Step 5. Avoid feeding your hamster human food
Some foods that should not be given include sweets, pasta, raw meat (including fish meat), sugar, and desserts (eg ice cream). Foods that may be low in sugar to you may be too sweet for your hamster and this could affect their health. Food
Step 6. Give your hamster a treat
Give snacks regularly, two or three times a week. Some types of food that are hamsters favorite snacks are carrots, cucumbers, apples, bananas, peppers, lettuce, celery, cabbage leaves, collard greens or dandelion leaves and several other types of vegetables and fruits. Some of these types of food can also be used as daily food for your hamster. Hamster treats can also be purchased at all pet stores. These snacks include yogurt chips, hamster chocolate and pieces of wood that hamsters like because they can be chewed. However, there are several types of vegetables and fruits that are not safe for your hamster, such as onions, almonds, chickpeas, potatoes, fruit seeds, avocados, chives, eggplant, leeks, spiced vegetables, leeks, garlic, round cabbage, tomatoes and deep fruits. orange family.
Step 7. Give your hamster a chew stick
Chew sticks are available in a variety of sizes, colors and flavours. Since your hamster's teeth will continue to grow, your hamster will need to trim his teeth by using them. Chew sticks can be a great tool to help keep your hamster's teeth from getting too long. Keep trying different chew sticks until you finally find one your hamster likes. Some hamsters may be reluctant to use chew sticks. If that's the case, you can let your hamster nibble on things in the cage, such as the bars of the cage.
Part 4 of 6: Helping Hamsters Adapt to a New Environment
Step 1. Leave your hamster alone to explore his new home
When you first bring your hamster home, place your hamster in its cage, provide it with fresh food and water, and leave it alone. Cover the cage with a light cloth so your hamster can explore his new home or habitat without being disturbed. Make sure there is enough food, water and toys in the cage to keep your hamster active for a few days because in the early days, you should not go near your hamster. If there are children, friends or guests in your home, make sure you remind them not to disturb your hamster.
Step 2. Gradually show yourself to your hamster
After about 3 days of leaving your hamster alone, you and your hamster can start making friends. As you approach the cage, speak softly to indicate your presence to your hamster. He may be nervous the first time he sees you, but remember that it's because he's not used to your presence, so you don't have to worry. Start doing the things you do every day like changing the food and water in the cage, as well as changing old toys and putting in new ones. Also, try removing soiled cage mats. Over time, your hamster will get used to you.
Step 3. Begin the process of taming your hamster
Begin a brief taming session in the second week after your hamster is in its new home. Most hamsters are active in the early morning and late afternoon, as well as throughout the night. Try studying your hamster's daily activities and doing taming sessions when your hamster is active.
- To tame your hamster, place your hand in the cage. Let your hamster sniff and pay attention to your hands. If your hamster is biting slowly and not exhibiting aggressive behavior, gently pull your hand away, but quickly let your hamster notice your hand again. This can help your hamster understand that your hand is not something he can bite or be afraid of. After that, place the hamster treat in the palm of your hand. Mixed grains can be a good choice because grains are the main food supplement that hamsters like. Your hamster will later climb up your hand and understand that it can climb your hand. Gradually, move your snack toward your arm. This way, your hamster will feel more comfortable climbing into your arms.
- If your hamster is showing progress, let him climb your hand and give him a treat after he has managed to climb your hand. This way, your hamster will find your hands nice and pleasant. This time, let him climb into your arms and gently lift your hands off the floor of the cage. He may be surprised and scared the first time, but try to talk softly and give him treats to make him feel more comfortable. Sit on the floor while you do this as your hamster may jump out of your hand. If you fall from a height of 15-20 cm, your hamster could be injured.
Step 4. Understand your hamster's sleep pattern
Although hamsters are nocturnal, they will occasionally wake up during the day looking for food or other small activities. Even if he's awake, it doesn't mean he wants to play unless you see signs of wanting to play with you. Also, make sure there aren't too many people around your hamster's cage. It's important for you to know that your hamster should only interact with you for now because he may have more friends in the future. For now, your hamster needs to make sure that you are his friend and won't hurt him.
Part 5 of 6: Encouraging Hamsters to Exercise and Be Active
Step 1. Buy a hamster wheel toy that is suitable for your hamster
The hamster wheels that are available in the cage purchase package are usually too small and are not good for the health of the hamster's spine. If your hamster bends down (its back tilts forward) while running around the wheel, the wheel is too small. Purchase a hamster wheel with a diameter of 20 cm for the dwarf hamster and 30 cm for the Syrian hamster. Don't hesitate to buy a bigger wheel.
Step 2. Make sure there are plenty of toys available for your hamster to play with
Items such as cardboard toilet paper tubes, empty tissue boxes, plastic tubes, tunnels, nest boxes, PVC pipes, and chew toys are all toys hamsters love. Most hamster owners only provide toys with wheels and balls for their hamsters. As a result, the hamster will begin to exhibit unhealthy habits such as running back and forth and/or biting the bars of the cage (if placed in a wire cage). Keep in mind that your hamster needs more than just a wheel and a ball to keep him entertained. Have enough toys on hand so you can pass them on in turns and keep your hamster interested in your toys.
Step 3. Prepare a play area outside the cage
Your hamster will love to walk around and explore the environment outside of its cage. Play areas outside of the cage are very useful, especially when you need to clean the cage or place your hamster in a safe place so it can't escape. You can use plastic baskets or buy small playpens at pet stores.
Make sure there are no dangerous items your hamster can touch (e.g. power cords that your hamster might bite). Also, make sure you seal off any exits in the room so your hamster can't escape
Part 6 of 6: Cleaning the Hamster Cage
Step 1. Place your hamster in a safe place
When cleaning his cage, place your hamster in a hamster ball or in his play area. It will take you a lot of time to clean the cage and, of course, your hands. Never try to hold your hamster with one hand while the other is cleaning the cage. This is not good for your hamster and can hinder the cage cleaning process.
Step 2. Clean your hamster's cage thoroughly
Use a mixture of dish soap and water as a washing medium. Keep in mind that even the smallest amount of soap left on the cage can make your hamster uncomfortable. Alternatively, you can use a special detergent for rodent or hamster cages, which can be purchased at most pet stores.
You can also use a vinegar mixture to clean your hamster's cage
Step 3. Rinse the cage after cleaning and dry it
Make sure the cage is completely dry (the water has evaporated) and that there is no residual washing solution adhering to any parts of the cage. Keep in mind that hamsters have a sensitive sense of smell and can be irritated by the smell of vinegar or soap.
Step 4. Replace the old cage base
Old and dirty cage mats should not be reused. Instead, you can buy cheap cage mats at most grocery stores and use them after you've cleaned the cage. Alternatively, you can use shredded tissue or paper towels. Don't use newsprint as your hamster can lick it and swallow the ink, making it sick. You also shouldn't use pine or cedar shavings as both types of wood are not good for your hamster's health. However, you can use aspen wood shavings.
