Hamster Care
Hamster Care Checklist
Must-haves for every hamster:
Enclosure 100x50cm+ plain
Bedding 20+cm
Wheel 21-32cm; plain
Chews for teeth
Dried flowers & herbs
Substrates 3+
Sandbath A4-size, 5cm+ depth
Boredom breakers (eg. lotus pods)
Tunnels 2-5+
Cork logs, branches 2+
Sprays (eg.flax, sorghum)
Multi-Chamber Hide 1+
Hides 3+
INSPIRATION
Some setups I had over the past years.
NOTE all bendy bridges should be covered with moss! We improved as there are real cases of hamsters loosing their lives after paws being trapped.
ENCLOSURE SETUP
Here are some ideas of what should be in your hamster's enclosure. Sprays are my favourite part as they add a natural look.
FEMALE SYRIANS
Female Syrians are the largest hamsters that people have at homes. Everything in the enclosure should be large enough for them to fit, including dig boxes, wheels, tunnels and hideouts.
Female Syrians often show obvious signs on stress like bar climbing and bar chewing. I recommend you start with a bigger enclosure (120x50cm+), deeper bedding (30+cm), free roam and additional enrichment.
HEALH CHECKS & VET VISITS
A kind note and personal experience on winter vet visits.
It's important to monitor your animal's health and make sure they stay warm if you need to visit a vet during winter.
DEPRESSION
Animals also suffer from depression. There are ways to avoid it and help an animal recover from mental suffering
NEVER house hamsters together!
Hamsters are one of the few species with intraspecific conflict. They fight for territory and resources. They are extremely aggressive towards their own species.
I present extensive scientific evidence to this controversial topic because people still claim there are breeds and personalities of non-agressive hamsters.
BRAIN & ENRICHMENT
Animals have the same pathways and regions in the brain as we do. They can experience anxiety, fear, depression and stress.
Learn how cages impact their brains
ENCLOSURES
Hamster enclosures are one of the most important purchases to make. I included a couple of things to consider. My main advice - get the biggest enclosure you can.
CHEWS & dentition
Rodent teeth grow 1mm a day, and it's crucial for them to have safe and healthy chews.
You should always have chews in the enclosure. Most importantly, make sure a hamster doesn't gnaw on metal and plastic.
WHEELS
Safe & Unsafe Hamster Wheels. Which one to choose. Why wheels are so important for health and psychological wellbeing.
SAND
Please read about the danger of exposing small animals to soap and water. Hamsters use sand and grooming to maintain themselves clean. The article includes recommendations, safe and unsafe options.
BRIDGES
Bridges are one of the most popular choices among owners. However, not all of them are safe.
Please take time to ead Zucchini's story.
RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS
Respiratory infections are very common in small animals. When they are left unnoticed, they take lives, that's why it's important to monitor your animal and know how to act.
VISION & appropriate enclosure setup
Hamster vision is their least reliable sense. This section discusses how they see the world and how to make their environment safer.
WHY ADOPT
Adoption saves lives and helps animals in need. You can find any breed and any type of animal in rescues. Rescues always check for health and make sure an animal goes to a good home.
SENTIENCE
Emerging evidence shows that all mammals are sentient, including rodents. Learn about the criteria of sentience and how it is measured in a lab.
Absolute minimum
This infographic outlines the fundamental, non-negotiable needs for every hamster. To find these items, check not only the small pet section but also the reptile and bird sections in pet stores. You can also find suitable supplies at craft stores, home goods stores, and online retailers.
