How to Keep a Hamster in Your Room

Hamsters are an ideal pet for younger children as they require regular care and cleaning, but are easy to look after. A child is most likely to want to keep their pet in their room and this is certainly not a problem. The basic care routine stays the same, but the cleaning procedure must be more vigorous to stop the room smelling of damp sawdust and mold.

Things You'll Need

  • Cage
  • Bedding
  • Water bottle
  • Toys
  • Cardboard tubes
  • Cardboard box
  • Hamster food
  • Sawdust
  • Fruit
  • Vegetable
  • Disinfectant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the hamster cage in an area of the room away from drafts and direct sunlight. The drafts will make the hamster ill and the sunlight will cause dehydration.

    • 2

      Fill the bottom of the cage with a 2-inch layer of wood shavings or sawdust. Replace it at least one a week.

    • 3

      Attach a water bottle to the side of the cage using the clips provided. Change it every day.

    • 4

      Provide entertainment for the hamster, especially if you will be away most of the day. A hamster wheel, toilet roll tubes and chews are all great fun for a hamster.

    • 5

      Cut a 2-inch doorway into a closed cardboard box and place in a corner of the cage for the hamster's sleeping area. The hamster will fill its bedroom with bedding from the floor of the cage and the toilet rolls.

    • 6

      Feed the hamster prepared hamster food mix once or twice a day and supplement the diet with fresh fruit and vegetables. Avoid leaving the food in the cage for more than two days and be sure to clean the bowl before every feeding.

    • 7

      Disinfect the cage once a week. Remove all bedding, toys and feeding bowls and clean the cage with hot water and a household cleaner. Rinse with clean water. Pay special attention to the floor and cage bars. If the hamster is living in a room with a person, this is vital to keep the room from smelling.