Facts & Things to Know for Hamsters

Hamsters are relatively easy to care for and don't require excessive space or attention, thus making them a popular choice for pets. Before you make the decision to add a hamster to your family, be sure that you are prepared for the commitment by learning more about their behavior and needs.

  1. Types

    • There are two types of hamsters commonly used for pets -- the Syrian hamster and the dwarf hamster, also known as the teddy bear hamster. The Syrian is the larger and more common variety of the two. The smaller dwarf hamsters are more social, and the best choice if you would like to have multiple hamsters sharing the same habitat. Syrian hamsters should have their own cage as they may inflict harm on other hamsters or animals placed in the same space.

    Behavior

    • Hamsters are nocturnal, meaning they will be most active at night. When choosing a place for their home, you may want to avoid bedrooms in order to preserve your own sleep. Because of their high energy level you should be sure to provide them with an exercise wheel, bedding materials for nesting, and hard treats for gnawing on throughout the night. Hamsters are generally mild mannered and will easily get used to being picked up and held. However, when introducing hamsters to other pets, be sure to go slowly and give them supervised time to adjust, as they can inflict harm if they feel threatened.

    Habitat

    • When not living in captivity, hamsters create burrows with different areas for eating, sleeping, going to the bathroom and exercising. When choosing a home for your pet, it is important to allow enough space for all of these activities. Choices for housing a hamster include a wire cage, an aquarium or a plastic "habitat" made specifically for hamsters and similar animals. Be sure to find a place for your hamster's home that is away from drafts or excessive heat. Regardless of your choice of the type of housing for your hamster, ensure that there is access to water and food, and provide plenty of materials for nesting such as shredded newspaper or wood chips.

    Diet

    • When considering your hamster's diet, your top priority should be ensuring that your pet has access to plenty of water. You can choose a water bottle or bowl, but keep in mind that a bowl can lead to a soggy mess of bedding and extra cleaning for you. In addition, hamsters will eat a pellet or seed mix that you can purchase at any pet store. In addition, you can give your hamsters occasional treats such as greens, cauliflower, apple slices or raisins. Hamsters will also need hard treats like branches, salt wheels or even dog biscuits to help grind their teeth down.