How to Care for Panda Hamsters

A Panda hamster is colored much like a panda bear and generally has a black head with a white body that has black markings. They generally live only three years and they tend to be solitary and do not like being handled often. They are generally quiet and do not require a lot of maintenance, which makes them very easy to care for. It is best to keep only one hamster per cage to prevent fighting or breeding.

Things You'll Need

  • Hamster cage
  • Bedding
  • Small animal pellets
  • Water
  • Water bottle
  • Food bowl
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a cage that is at least 16 inches long and 9 inches wide. A 10 gallon aquarium will also work well. Place at least two inches of bedding in the bottom of the cage. This can be shredded paper or wood shavings. Do not use cedar shavings as they will cause respiratory problems for the hamster.

    • 2

      Connect a water bottle to the side or top of the cage. Be sure that the bottle is not blocked by anything and is at a level that the hamster can drink from comfortably.

    • 3

      Feed your panda hamster quality small animal pellets daily. The pellets will ensure that the hamster gets the vitamins that he needs each day. Every few days, offer treats such as small chunks of apples, lettuce and grain cereal. Treats given to often can lead to obesity and other health problems. Sunflower seeds are a favorite treat but should be given sparingly as they have a very high fat content.

    • 4

      Remove all the bedding in the hamsters cage once a week. Clean any area of the cage that is stained or damp and dry thoroughly. Refill with fresh bedding.

    • 5

      Monitor your panda hamster for any signs of illness. Some signs include lack of appetite, lack of activity at night and wetness around the tail. If illness is suspected, seek advice from a veterinarian who has experience with small animals.