Hamster

A Hamster is a good companion for:

Children under 5

Seniors

Apartments/Condos

Children ages 5–11

Busy People

Rural Homes

Life Span

Generally, the life span of a hamster is up to three years, if properly cared for.

Typical Behavior

Hamsters are nocturnal, sleeping during the day and becoming very lively in the evening. They enjoy active toys such as exercise wheels and balls. Hamsters are easy to handle, but may nip if startled from a nap or if they aren’t socialized at a young age. Hamsters need their own individual habitats and should not be housed together.

Care Requirements

A hamster requires daily care; its water should be changed and any wet bedding should be removed.

Once a week, a hamster's house should be completely cleaned and washed with soap and water. Be sure to completely rinse the enclosure and any accessories.

A hamster has incisor teeth that are constantly growing. It is important to provide your pet hamster with chew sticks to help maintain the length of its teeth. Without proper toys that allow a hamster to chew, health-related problems may arise.

Proper Habitat and Habitat Maintenance Requirements

A hamster's home can be a glass, plastic or metal. Be sure that there is proper air flow and that the enclosure has a secure lid. Hamsters have been known to escape from their homes if not secure. When choosing proper bedding for your hamster's home, you should stay away from cedar shavings – hamsters are allergic to cedar and the material could cause serious health issues. Look to use hardwood shavings, pellets or recycled products. Keep your hamster’s home away from direct sun and drafty rooms.

Dietary Requirements

A high quality hamster food is recommended to maintain the health of your hamster. Small amounts of fruit, grains and vegetables can be given to your hamster, but remove any leftovers within 24 hours. Always avoid giving your hamster chocolate, alcohol and caffeine. These items can cause life threatening health problems.

Financial Considerations for a Hamster:

Veterinary

If your hamster is cared for properly, you will not need to take it to see a veterinarian more than once a year for an annual checkup. The cost for a checkup on a hamster usually will be no more than $40, as long as there are no health-related issues.

Grooming

There are not costs associated with grooming.

Animal Sitter

Hamsters are pretty easy to care for, so finding a sitter should be easy. The hardest part is finding someone that isn’t afraid of them.

Food

A high quality food will usually cost $12 a bag. A bag of food can last for several months if stored in an air tight container.

Other Supplies:

Generally, a hamster requires a cage, bedding, a food bowl, a water bottle, toys including exercise toys, chew sticks and a nesting house.

Interesting Facts about Hamsters:

• Hamsters can remember their relatives.
• Hamsters can be taught how to do tricks.
• Golden and Syrian hamsters are not social animals. They do not like to live with other hamsters, but will bond with their owner.
• Hamster babies are called puppies.
• Hamsters are color blind.
• Hamsters cannot be spayed or neutered.