Care and Keeping of Hamsters
What type of food should I feed my hamster?
Hamsters, especially the dwarf breeds, are susceptible to diabetes. Most foods that are sold by chain stores have sugars, such as molasses, to hold the pellets together. Seeds and corn also have sugars in them. If you give a hamster the choice between junk foods (seeds, colored chunks, corn or molasses) and a high quality, high fiber food, they will overdo the junk food. Proper diet with high quality ingredients and high fiber provides the best nutrition and saves you money over time because a high quality food that supports their bodies prevents hamsters from overeating.
What food brands should I buy for my hamster?
Oxbow Essentials and Harland Teklad Lab Pellets provide the best nutritional balance for hamsters. Oxbow Essentials is the most commercially available. To find a retailer near you, visit www.oxbowanimalhealth.com. Harland Teklad Lab Pellets are only available online at www.thecraftyrat.com. Supreme Hazel Hamster Food is also a pretty good mix, but be sure to pick out the corn if you have a dwarf breed. For variety, you can add brown rice, rolled oats and barley into whichever brand you choose. Do not feed your hamster Hartz, Nutriphase, Kaytee or any other brand with colorful bits.
How much water does my hamster need?
You should provide fresh water for your hamster every day. Hamsters tend to make a mess in a water bowl, so it’s best to provide a water bottle instead.
Can I give my hamster any treats?
An occasional treat is fine. Use those junk food items as treats for your hamster. He or she will appreciate the variety just like you do. In moderation, you can also give your hamster sliced almonds, raw and unsalted pumpkin or sunflower seeds or raw pistachios.
What about fresh foods?
Since the nutrition is unprocessed, living fresh food is essential to hamsters’ health and provides excitement apart from the same boring lab block.
Fresh Foods for Dwarf & Syrian Breeds
Dark Leafy Greens (Red or Green Leaf Lettuces or Romaine Lettuce), Alfalfa, Asparagus, Basil, Broccoli, Cauliflower Leaves and Stalks, Celery, Cilantro, Green Beans, Kale, Kiwi, Parsley, Peas, Spinach, Squash and Sweet Potatoes (Red, Green, Orange, Yellow or Purple)
Fresh Foods for Syrian Breeds Only
Apples, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Carrots, Cherries (Without Stones), Cranberries, Grapes, Mangos, Oranges, Papayas, Peaches, Plums, Raspberries and Strawberries
Fresh Foods to Avoid for Both Dwarf & Syrian Breeds
Iceberg Lettuce, Dried Corn, Raw Beans, Potatoes, Tomato Vines, Garlic, Chocolate, Processed Foods, Sugary Foods, Salty Foods, Onion and Rhubarb
What type of cage do I need for my hamster?
The minimum size habitat a hamster should have is 18x24 inches. A 20 gallon aquarium with a tight fitting screen lid or a plastic tub with a well ventilated lid are the best choices. A 10 gallon tank is not big enough for any hamster. Wire cages are only safe if the bars are close together and the cage is not too tall. Hamsters have terrible eyesight and can easily fall from heights. They can also break their legs if their feet get caught in the bars of the cage. Crittertrails, Habitrails and SAM habitats are strongly discouraged as they tend to be too small and cramped. Cages with tubes are hard to keep clean and have poor ventilation, which means a higher risk of sickness and disease.
Should I put wood chews in my hamster’s habitat?
Yes. Wood chews are vitally important to a hamster’s health as hamsters’ teeth grow constantly. Wood chews help hamsters grind their teeth down so they can eat without pain.
What kind of bedding should I buy?
Aspen, Carefresh and Kaytee Clean and Kozy all make acceptable shavings for bedding. Carefresh can sometimes harbor mites, so if you choose this brand, put it in the freezer for 48 hours before placing in your hamster’s habitat. Do not use pine, cedar chlorophyll, sawdust or cat litter. These are all toxic to tiny animals like hamsters, gerbils, mice and guinea pigs. They can cause liver damage and respiratory illness and irritation.
What about a hamster wheel?
Wild hamsters run 5 to 10 miles a night foraging for food, so running is important. Just as barred walls are dangerous, so is an open wheel made of metal rungs. A solid plastic wheel provides the best running surface and lets them straighten out as they run. For dwarf breeds, choose a wheel that is a minimum 8 inches in diameter. Syrian breeds need a wheel that is a minimum 12 inches in diameter. Smaller diameter wheels cause hamsters’ backs to bend and can cause sore back or paralysis.
Fleas
Ear Mites
Skin Issues
Ringworm
Mange
Flea Bite Dermatitis
Diarrhea
- Probiotics will help as well. You can find probiotics for pets at many pet stores and feed stores. They are cheaper in bulk, so shop around. For example, one oz of Fortiflora for cats is $32 at Petsmart. 8oz of probiotic powder appropriate for all species is $11 at Tractor Supply Co!