The Syrian hamster is the most common hamster species. Although this species has the Latin name Mesocricetus Auratus, these hamsters are often referred to as Panda hamsters, Black Bear hamsters, and Teddy Bear hamsters. Syrian hamsters make great pets because they are calmer and more friendly than other smaller hamster species. Syrian hamsters are great for children or anyone new to hamsters, and their care is quite easy to learn and do. However, you still have to hold or rub it gently.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Preparation Before Bringing Your Hamster Home
Step 1. Buy a cage for your hamster
A suitable cage for Syrian hamsters is a cage with a minimum area of 0.24 square meters. Remember not to use a cage with an area that is smaller than this minimum, as your hamster can feel claustrophobic. Most cages sold in pet stores are too small. Therefore, you can use a 75.7 liter long aquarium, a plastic bin cage, or make your own cage for your hamster.
- Avoid using cages made of wire. If you have to use a wire cage, make sure you check the cage frequently to see if your hamster is biting on the wire. If the wire bites, you will need to buy a new cage for your hamster.
- It's a good idea not to use a 'beginner' cage as it is too small for your hamster. Therefore, buy a cage that can accommodate your hamster's size as it grows. This way, you won't have to buy a new cage again and can save money.
- Syrian hamsters should not be kept in cages with tunnels such as Habitrails, Crittertrails, or the like. Syrian hamsters should be kept in larger cages, with one floor. Cages with tunnels usually do not have good air ventilation.
- Keep in mind that the cage area of 0.24 square meters does not include the floor of the cage (if the cage has two floors).
Step 2. Prepare the base of the cage
Keep in mind that you will need to provide bedding for your hamster. Do not use sawdust, or bedding made of pine and cedar wood, as the oils in the wood are harmful to your hamster. Instead, use scraps of paper, or bedding products such as Aspen, Care Fresh, Boxo, and Katyee Clean and Cozy as bedding for your hamster. This cage mat will later cover the entire floor of the cage. In addition to the cage mat, also provide materials that are softer and softer to serve as a 'nesting' or resting place for your hamster. Instead of using cotton wool sold at pet stores, you can use toilet paper that is considered safer to use as nesting material for your hamster. Cotton or fluff products sold in pet stores can actually trap your hamster's legs and, if swallowed, can clog the respiratory and digestive tracts.
- If you're using sawdust, make sure it's from wood that hasn't been treated or treated with chemicals. When buying sawdust at a pet store, make sure it says "untreated" or natural on the packaging. Do not buy sawdust from a carpenter or carpenter because the wood used may have been treated with chemicals that can be harmful to your hamster.
- Cage bedding made of cotton or fine threads is very dangerous for your hamster. Cage bedding like this has killed a lot of hamsters, despite the 'safe' label on the packaging. The fibers in the bottom of the cage can be at risk of getting wrapped around your hamster's legs and then getting tighter, so that blood circulation in your hamster is hampered. As a result, your hamster's feet may rot and your hamster will be too sick to survive the operation. In some cases, hamsters experiencing this type of illness end up being euthanized.
- A suitable base for the cage to use is toilet paper. However, make sure you don't use toilet paper that has a scent.
- Avoid using bedding made of cedar, redwood and pine wood, as these woods contain resin dust that can irritate your hamster's respiratory system. For a safer and more comfortable option for your hamster, use an aspen wood enclosure or a product such as Care Fresh.
Step 3. Buy a 'hamster house' to fill with nesting material to make your hamster feel safe and comfortable
There are various types of hamster houses that you can buy, from hamster houses made of plastic (easier to clean and disinfect) to hamster nests made of rattan. Rattan nests do provide a more natural environment for your hamster, but are difficult to clean, so you may want to throw them out if they get too dirty.
Some people use outdoor cages for guinea pigs or rabbits as hamster cages. This cage is suitable for pregnant female hamsters who need a lot of space and will definitely not climb the cage
Step 4. Purchase a temporary box or container to carry your hamster
Most pet stores will provide a cardboard box for your hamster to carry, but your hamster can nibble and chew on the box. Therefore, buy a special container or box for Syrian hamsters. Don't choose cheap containers with lids that can be easily opened; choose a more appropriate and safer container. The options for better containers are more expensive, but at least they're better.
It's also a good idea to prepare a practical container or cage in your home, in case you have to take your hamster to the vet at any time
Step 5. Purchase a hamster wheel and accessories for your hamster cage
Keep in mind that cage wheels and accessories, such as the Hideaway Hut (a kind of toy hut as a hiding place), made especially for dwarf hamsters or mice are too small for Syrian hamsters. Therefore, make sure there is plenty of wiggle room for your hamster, and buy a hamster wheel that is 20 to 30 centimeters in diameter. Hamster wheel products such as Wodent Wheels can be the best choice.
When buying a hamster wheel, consider the size of your hamster as it grows. When running on a wheel, your hamster should do so with a straight back. If the wheel is too small, the center spoke of the hamster wheel will cause your hamster's back to form a 'U' shape. If you're still unsure of the right wheel size, buy the largest hamster wheel that can fit into your cage. Mouse wheel can be the right choice to use. Also, make sure you buy a wheel that isn't made of wire or net so that your hamster's legs don't get swollen
Step 6. Place your hamster's cage in a quiet room
Your hamster needs a quiet place so it doesn't feel pressured by loud or sudden noises. Keep the cage out of areas with full sun, and do not place the hamster cage in a food-serving area (for example, the kitchen).
Step 7. Prepare to care for your hamster for 2 to 3 years
The average hamster lives for 2 years. As they grow, allow your hamster to sleep well and be prepared to take your hamster to the vet as older hamsters are more susceptible to disease. If you have children and your pet hamster is old and sick, try explaining to your child that your hamster is very old and may not be cured of the disease rather than giving your child high hopes.
Method 2 of 4: Making Your Hamster Cozy in Its New Home
Step 1. Take your Syrian hamster home immediately from the store, without visiting other places beforehand
Move your hamster from the bag or temporary cage to its cage, which must be prepared in advance. Leave your hamster alone after you've moved him to his cage so he can explore his new home and get used to his new environment.
Step 2. Start interacting with your hamster
After about 2 days, slowly figure out how your hamster likes to be held or touched. Start by sitting down and talking to your hamster in a soft, quiet voice to get him used to your presence. When your hamster is awake and alert, try to put your hand in to pet your hamster (usually late afternoon is a good time to do this).
- Hamsters are not aggressive by nature and usually don't attack unless they feel provoked. However, hamsters have poor eyesight, so if your hand smells of food your hamster may bite your finger thinking it is food. Therefore, wash your hands before you try to touch your hamster. Also, for this reason it's a good idea not to feed it directly with your hands, as your hamster may be confused about where the food is and accidentally bite your finger.
- One trick you can do is to place the food or treat in the cage (put the treat on a spoon) and, while your hamster is eating the treat, gently stroke it. Don't touch it too much and let your hamster get used to you.
Step 3. Let your hamster get used to you before trying to pick it up
Have short, non-aggressive interactions with your hamster several times a day until your hamster is comfortable with your presence. Once your hamster is willing to be petted by you, try to lift it up by picking it up from below with the palm of your hand. For aggressive female hamsters, this process may take some time. However, for tame male hamsters, usually after a few days you can pick them up and carry them in the palm of your hand.
- The ideal time to wait for your hamster to be picked up and removed from its cage for play is two to three weeks.
- To pick up your hamster, tuck one hand under its body and use the other to cover the front of its body. Make sure you do it gently and carefully.
- You shouldn't take your hamster right away! Try giving him a snack first. If your hamster is too scared to take it out of your hand, just place the treat in his cage and wait for him to pick it up.
Method 3 of 4: Feeding Your Hamster
Step 1. Give your hamster the right food and snacks
Your hamster needs to be given a variety of foods, as well as side snacks. Hamster food products sold in pet stores, such as the Hazel Hamster (in the UK sold under the Harry Hamster brand), can be a good choice of diet. Since hamsters love to stockpile food, give your hamster food in small amounts, but ensure that it can be used up quickly and not hoarded.
- Make sure the food provided has the following nutritional content: protein (17-22%), fat (4-6%), and fiber (8-10%).
- Some experts say that most mixed food products for hamsters have a protein content that is too low for the average Syrian hamster nutritional needs. That's why it's a good idea to give your hamster some unique treats like hard-boiled eggs or cheese, cat food, or mealworms. You can also provide chicken (shredded and in small portions) and scrambled eggs daily as a source of protein for your hamster.
- If your hamster doesn't pick up or hoard any leftover treats in a day, throw them away immediately.
Step 2. Avoid feeding your hamster bad food
For example, don't give your hamster grain with a husk mixture. The rough texture of the husks can injure the walls of your hamster's oral cavity.
Also avoid feeding foods that are high in moisture (for example, cucumbers or lettuce) as these can have a laxative effect on your hamster's digestive system
Step 3. Provide clean and fresh drinking water for your hamster
Make sure there is always drinking water for your hamster. A hamster water bottle can be a great container for storing water because, unlike water stored in a bowl, stored water will not be contaminated by bedding or food. Make sure you check the amount of water in the bottle every day to prevent your hamster from becoming dehydrated.
- Clean the inside of the drinking bottle with a bottle brush. Even though the bottle may look clean, the inside of the bottle can be contaminated with harmful bacteria.
- Use a water bottle that can be used for hamsters.
- You can use boiled water, but filtered water is a better choice.
Step 4. Provide material that your hamster can chew on to keep your hamster's teeth neat
The material can distract your hamster so he doesn't bite the bars of the cage, which could potentially damage his teeth. In addition, the material can prevent your hamster's teeth from growing too long. To reduce the risk of overgrowth of your hamster's teeth, give your hamster dog biscuits, dry wheat macaroni, or wood from fruit trees such as apples, pears, plums or cherries.
Provide salt or mineral blocks for your hamster
Method 4 of 4: Taking Care of Your Hamster
Step 1. Keep your hamster's cage clean
You should clean your hamster's cage thoroughly every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on your hamster and his needs. In addition, you should also do spot cleaning by removing leftover food and cleaning the affected area every day, depending on the size and type of cage used. To clean the cage, remove the top cover of the cage and throw all soiled cage bottoms, including wood shavings and leftover food in the trash. Scrape the dirt that sticks to the cage, then spray the cage with disinfectant liquid. Dry with a tissue or paper towel.
- When cleaning the hamster cage, also clean the food bowl and water bottle. Clean and rinse all items in the cage with clean water. Dry the items and fill the cage with clean wood shavings, new bedding, food and drinking water. Place items such as toys back into the cage and reattach the top lid of the cage. A clean cage keeps your Syrian hamster happy and healthy.
- Try providing a 'hamster toilet' for your hamster. The hamster toilet is a kind of plastic litter container with a lid that fits in the corner of the cage. Use a special material for hamster droppings that can be purchased at pet stores, and clean the toilet the next day. In general, your hamster will immediately understand the function of the toilet area because his instincts encourage him to use one corner of the cage as a place to relieve himself. In addition, the barrier on the toilet will make him feel comfortable.
Step 2. Move your hamster while you are cleaning the cage
Spray disinfectant on the cage thoroughly and change the bedding before you put your hamster back in the cage. When you clean the cage, you can put your hamster in a hamster ball and ask someone to look after it.
- Use a hamster ball that is the right size for your hamster. Most hamster balls are 15 centimeters in diameter and too small for a Syrian hamster. Therefore, buy a larger hamster ball with a minimum diameter of 25 centimeters.
- Alternatively, place your hamster in a fenced play area while you clean the cage (and of course with supervision) to prevent your hamster from escaping. However, cleaning too often can be stressful for your hamster. However, this doesn't mean you don't need to clean the cage. Instead, clean the cage every few weeks and keep on spot cleaning.
Step 3. Give your hamster lots of love
The Syrian hamster is the friendliest and most familiar type of hamster compared to other types of hamsters. Syrian hamsters should receive daily attention, but keep in mind that too much handling can stress them out, which can have a negative impact on their health. Hold and pet your hamster for 10 minutes, several times a day, then take the time to tidy up the cage and watch it run around, dig in the bedding, and rest.
- Keep in mind that your hamster will sleep all day and tend to be more active at night. Therefore, the best time to socialize with your hamster is at night.
- Make your hamster happy by giving him toys. You can buy hamster toys at pet stores or make your own. Never give rubber toys or non-digestible toys as your hamster may chew and swallow them. If swallowed, the ingested pieces of the toy can cause the intestinal tract to become blocked.
Step 4. Be careful when you wake your hamster
Almost all hamsters are crepuscular creatures, or active in the morning (at dawn) and in the afternoon, before or after sunset. If you need to wake him up, do so slowly and carefully so that your hamster doesn't startle and get scared. Some hamsters can even bite if suddenly awakened. Allow your hamster to wake up and adapt for 30 minutes, then eat and drink or pee before you take him out of his cage.
Step 5. Visit the vet if necessary
Take your hamster to the vet immediately if the fur on the underside of his tail is always wet, or if your hamster is showing signs of a cold, has lumps on his body, and has completely lost his appetite, refuses to drink and play. Also, you should get your hamster checked right away if it has watery eyes, has diarrhea (watery stools), has broken teeth, or if its nails need trimming.
Veterinarians have special nail clippers for hamsters and know exactly how to trim hamster nails. It's safer and better for you to let the vet do the nail trimming, rather than doing it yourself at home. Since long nails can actually injure themselves, your hamster can't run around on his toy wheel if he has long nails
Tips
- The type of hamster you buy doesn't matter. What's important is how you take care of it when your hamster is small, as this can affect your hamster's 'personality'.
- If your hamster is reluctant to be held or touched by you, try placing a few wood shavings in your hand and allowing your hamster to climb into your hand.
- Hamsters love to play with. When playing with your hamster, think of new games you can play to keep your hamster from getting bored.
- Your hamster's teeth will always grow and, by biting on a toy, it will keep its teeth filed to maintain its length. For toys, you can use a paper towel tube or a toilet paper tube, as long as the diameter of the hole is enough for your hamster to fit in. You can also use a clean block of wood as a toy for your hamster.
- If you have a cat or dog, make sure the crate has a secure door or lock. Hamsters are nocturnal (active at night) and can attract the attention of other pets. Of course it would be easy for you to look after your hamster when you wake up, but at night when you are sleeping, of course it is impossible for you to keep an eye on your hamster.
- You may be tempted to jump into play and pet your hamster as soon as you get home. But keep in mind that hamsters need time to adapt to their new environment. If they bite you, then you are the one to blame and not your hamster.
Warning
- Do not keep your hamster in the same cage as other Syrian hamsters. The Syrian hamster is a solitary animal and likes to rule over territory. By keeping two Syrian hamsters in one cage, you can actually get them to fight. While not all Syrian hamsters in cages together will fight until one of them dies, they can be stressed and their immunity may be compromised. Hamsters who are injured tend to be reluctant to eat and drink.
- To prevent illness, give your hamster a small amount of new food (for example, half a teaspoon). Then, watch how your hamster reacts to the new food you give him.
- Look for signs of illness in your hamster. If your hamster isn't looking as usual or isn't as active and playful as usual, or if his coat looks greasy or bald in places, it's a good idea to get him checked out by your vet to find out what's going on with your hamster.
- Some types of vegetables are actually dangerous for hamsters. Never give your hamster raw lettuce, kidney beans, onions, peanut butter, raw potatoes, or rhubarb. In general, if you are unsure about the safety of the food you want to give, don't give it.
- If your hamster is not fed often, it will become aggressive and will bite.
- Wash your hands before and after handling your hamster.
