What to Expect With a New Hamster

Hamsters, because of their easy-care reputation, are often starter pets for many families. They can be lovable and entertaining, if you'll put some effort in. You should expect to spend time each day working on the bond between you and your new pet, as well as attending to his dietary and exercise needs.

  1. Time to Adjust

    • When a new hamster joins your home it will be inundated with new sights and smells; it may take the little booger a little while to get accustomed to the environment. You can expect your pet to be somewhat scared as he gets a feel for his habitat. It may be the first time the hamster has lived away from his littermates; settling in won't happen overnight. The Humane Society of the United States recommends having your pet's cage all set up before bringing him home, and using the same type of bedding and other accessories he was exposed to in his prior home, to help ease the transition. Even if you have existing hamsters, you'll never put two in a cage together, except in some cases with dwarf varieties.

    Handling

    • Your new hamster may not have experienced much interaction with humans before joining your household, particularly if he is very young. You can expect him to be cautious as you attempt to handle him. He may even become so scared by the set of hands reaching into his cage that he bites. Don't be alarmed, don't worry about the bite, and don't punish the critter. Patience is necessary to successfully bond with your new pocket pet. You will slowly coax him into your hand over time using edible treats to gain his trust. Diligence pays; practiced at least daily, this process could take a few days or months, depending on the individual hamster. Expect to spend a handful of minutes with the hamster each day coaxing him to step up onto your flat palm to take a treat. Once he accepts you, he will welcome the time you spend interacting. Ultimately a well-socialized hamster will climb into your hand as soon as you place it inside his cage.

    Daily Needs

    • All hamsters have certain basic needs: fresh food and fresh water daily, a clean living space, a cage large enough for play, and regular exercise in and out of the habitat. Expect to spend a few minutes each day discarding old food and adding new store-bought hamster ration to your hamster's dish, providing him with fresh water and supplying him with the occasional fruits and vegetables for added nutrition. Provide an exercise wheel for in-cage exercise. Spend time supervising him each day as he explores your living quarters via an exercise ball on the floor.

    Nocturnal Nature

    • The hamster's nocturnal nature can come as a surprise. A hamster sleeps most of the day and gets active around twilight, staying busy through the evening and overnight hours. You should expect your pet to awaken you by running on his exercise wheel. That makes the placement of his habitat an important decision if you are a light sleeper. Don't expect young children to spend time with the hamster; you shouldn't awaken him so the kids can enjoy his company. If you do, he'll be perturbed and you'll risk his well-being.