The Basic Care Of Hamsters

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If in the first few days of your Hamster coming home you are concerned about its health or well being, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are open seven days a week and often a quick phone call can put your mind at ease.

Housing

We have a very wide range of hamster cages available. This must not be placed in a draught or direct sunlight. You will then need to cover the base of the cage. From experience we have found the wood based litter far superior to shavings or sawdust which can be very dusty and can irritate your hamsters eyes. You will also need to provide some hamster bedding- either the cotton wool type or the shredded paper one is fine.

Hamsters need plenty of exercise so you will need to provide an exercise wheel if there is not already one in your cage. Another great idea is a hamster playball. You place your hamster in a clear plastic ball and watch him charge round the room. These really are fun as your hamster gets loads of exercise with out the worry of your hamster disappearing up into your settee!! Which has been known many times and as you can imagine, it is very difficult to retrieve your little friend once this happens.

Do not give your hamster cotton or nylon material as it will eat it and make itself ill. The same applies for newspaper. Clean out the cage frequently to keep it healthy.

Syrian Hamsters cannot be kept together, because as they mature they will fight. However you are able to keep dwarf breeds together but please ask for further details about this before you do so.

Diet

Paws for Thoughts own hamster mix is a superior blend of wheat, barley, rolled oats, maize, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pellets and biscuits. We also offer you other mixes which again are of a very high standard. You can also feed small amounts of celery, cabbage, carrots, swede, raisins, cress and he may even eat boiled eggs and cheese!

Do not feed mouldy or stale food. Fresh water must always be available from a bottle. Wood gnaws, a mineral stone and a salt lick are a must, as not only will they keep your hamster healthy but it will help keep their teeth in good condition and also stop your cage from being eaten! Never give sweets or salted peanuts they will make it ill. A great selection of tasty treats are now available.

Handling

Your new hamster may be nervous at first. Talk to it and handle it gently. Do not drop it or leave it on a table or other high places. Pick it up carefully by scooping it up with two hands.

General Health

All our animals are given a health check before being put on sale. If properly fed and cleaned, your hamster should remain healthy for up to three years and give you lots of pleasure.

Your hamsters teeth are growing continually and may overgrow, therefore they will need to be trimmed. Please check this regularly to avoid any discomfort. If you see signs of diarrhoea contact us immediately as this can be very serious and you may need to take it to the vet.

Further Reading

For more information check out the RSPCA's Hamster Care Sheet