Dive Into Hamster Knowledge
Cages
A proper cage must have at least 450 square inches of unbroken floor space (i.e. one single enclosure of 450 square inches, not several small connected enclosures).
Wheels
A properly sized wheel will prevent a hamster from running with its back arched, and from running while constantly looking upward. Wheels must have a solid running surface with no bars or wires.
Bedding
Always use safe, unscented bedding in your hamster’s enclosure. Paper bedding is recommended, but Aspen (which is the only safe wood) bedding is also an option.
Nutrition
Providing your hamster with a balanced diet is part of keeping them healthy and happy. They thrive on a high quality lab block diet, supplemented with a diverse seed mix.
Cleaning
The larger a hamster’s cage, the less frequently it needs to be cleaned. A full-cage cleaning tends to stress hamsters out, so when cleaning the entire enclosure, leave 10-20% of the bedding in with the new bedding.
Taming & Bonding
Bonding with your hamster will take time, as bringing home a hamster is bringing them into a new environment that it is not familiar with. Your new hamster will need time to gain your trust, and it is important to be patient.
Dangerous Products
Unfortunately, not all products sold in pet stores are safe for hamsters. Even ones that are advertised as safe can be harmful. Always do your own research if you are unsure about a product’s safety.
Evacuation Plans
Whether it be tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, or wildfires, there is a possibility that at some point you will need to evacuate you and your pet, so having an emergency plan and survival kit could save your hamster’s life.
