Hamster Care

Proper hamster care will give you and your family a few good years (2 to 3 years) of enjoyment with your favorite little guy (or gal). And since hamsters are easy to maintain, they are great for young children learning for the first time how to take care of a pet.

The first thing that I would suggest when getting a new hamster, is to first get a home for your hamster. It's much easier (and nicer) to bring your new hamster home and place him right into his new home than it is to try putting together a hamster cage while you leave your new hamster sitting alone in a dark box far from the place he new as home.

Some initial items will keep your hamster happy and healthy. First, you'll want some bedding. Most people use either toliet paper, paper towels, or a commercial bedding made from would. If you choose the commercial bedding, stay away from pine and cedar as these will cause breathing problems with your hamster. A good bedding of this type is made of aspen.

You'll also want to make sure that your hamster has a wheel. They love to run and will run all night. So if you value your sleep, find a wheel that doesn't squeek (I learned this the hard way) or keep your hamster where the squeek won't annoy you. 

You're hamster will also like a place to sleep, so help him out here, a small plastic housing piece or old box (small) will work fine. They tend to hide during the day while they sleep and like their privacy. Don't be surprised if you find bedding covering the entrance so that they can sleep in peace. 

Once you have the hamster cage setup, you are ready to choose a new hamster to care for. Three great places to find your new hamster are from a hamster breeder, a pet store, or your local humane society. The best place of course is from a hamster breeder, since they know more about the hamsters they offer than the other two options.

Once you have your hamster home, give him a few days to get used to his cage before you start handling him. The move from the breeder or pet shop to your home can be a stressful time for your new hamster. After he is used to his home, you can work toward starting to handle him.

Some hamsters may take a little time to get used to handling, so you may need to start by just putting your hand in the cage and letting him smell you. Once he gets used to you being in his cage, then you can start picking him up.

When you do start handling him, be sure to have him over your lap and in an area that if he falls he will have something soft to land on. You don't want to have your hamster getting hurt with handling. Also, if you have small children, make sure that they are sitting and that you are with them (not across the room) while they are starting to play with and handle your new hamster. 

Also remember that hamsters are nocturnal and like to sleep during the day. If you try to get hold of your hamster while he is sleeping, he may bite because of your disturbance. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Your hamster will give you plenty of joy, just make sure that you practice proper hamster care and everything will be all right.