Hamsters

Hamsters are generally nocturnal animals, although in the wild they often become active shortly before dusk. They usually sleep during the daytime and in the wild construct deep, dark, underground burrows for this purpose. They are extremely good diggers and for such a small and fairly rotund animal, can be very active. There are several different breeds and varieties of hamster, varying in size and temperament. Typically, hamsters live for up to 2 years, although some may live for longer.

Hamsters are often a child’s first pet, principally because they are small, charming animals with a great deal of character. However, their needs are actually very complex and they can be easily injured by incautious handling.

Each hamster has their own personality and preferences, but the general principles of care are common to most species. They need a warm, safe environment and should be kept indoors rather than outdoors.

Owning and caring for a hamster can be very rewarding, but it is also a big responsibility and a long-term commitment in terms of care. If you own or are responsible for a hamster, even on a temporary basis, you are required by law to care for them properly.

If you are ever unsure about anything to do with the care of your hamster, you should always seek advice from a vet or other expert (for instance an animal welfare organization).
If you are unable to care for your hamster at any time, you must make arrangements for another suitable person to look after them on your behalf. That person will also be legally responsible for your hamster’s welfare in your absence.

Wild hamsters live in warm, arid climates. Hamsters are sensitive to bright sunlight. Hamsters are very sensitive to high frequency sounds which we cannot hear, and can find this stressful. Wild hamsters live in deep burrows. Pet Hamsters prefer to occupy a cage with a solid floor covered by a suitable litter material. Hamsters naturally build nests. They quickly dig burrows, and can escape easily from poorly constructed cages.

Things you should do

Provide your hamster(s) with a comfortable, dry, draught-free, clean place to live, in a quiet place where they can rest undisturbed. Make sure they are not exposed to draughty or damp conditions. Make sure that you house your hamster(s) in a room where the lights go off at more-or-less the same time each night. Try to avoid erratic hours of lighting. Make sure you house your hamster(s) away from items in the home which can generate ultrasound, such as television sets, computer screens, vacuum cleaners or sources of running water. Provide your hamster(s) with a suitable home cage, and appropriate bedding and nesting material. Make sure your hamster has a suitable place to hide. Make sure their cage is clean with dry bedding and nesting material.

Diet

Hamsters should always have access to clean fresh water. Hamsters love to hoard food in a private larder. They carry food in their cheek pouches (large pockets inside their cheeks), and can often be seen retreating from their food with bulging cheeks. In nature, hamsters eat a mixture of seeds, cereals, insect larvae and larger insects such as crickets (when they can catch them!). They like to sit up and hold pieces of food to gnaw.

Things you should do

Make sure that there is always fresh, clean drinking water available, Water should preferably be provided from a bottle with a valveless sipper tube.
- Hamsters are not able to apply strong suction and therefore may have difficulties in overcoming the resistance from the water flow in a traditional ‘ball-valve’ sipper tube.
- Provided the sipper is of a relatively small diameter, or has been manufactured with a pinch in the segment, they will find it far easier to drink than from one with a mechanical obstruction in it.
- This may be particularly important for young or old animals, or animals that are sick. Check the water bottle daily for leaks and/or blockages. Change their water regularly and clean the bottle and nozzle properly to avoid contamination. Make sure that you provide a good quality, balanced diet containing all the nutrients and minerals they need- either a compound pelleted ration or a mixture of different seeds. Commercial rations are formulated to meet their biological needs. Food may be placed in a flat dish or directly on the cage floor. If in a dish, expect your hamster(s) to turn it over or to transfer the contents to their larder. For variety, small quantities of greens, cleaned root vegetables or pieces of fruit such as apples can supplement the ration. Avoid giving your pet grapes or rhubarb as these can be poisonous to rodents. Only give wet or powdered food if a vet advises this, for example because of a dental problem.
- Wet food can be difficult to clean up from the cage and is susceptible to mould or bacteria growth which can be harmful to the hamster.
- If a hamster is sick and required wet food, it is important that all traces are removed at least twice a day to ensure that the food does not start to degrade. Do not make sudden dietary changes, or allow food to become stale, as this can upset your hamster’s stomach. Monitor how much your hamster eats and drinks. If food consumption falls, the faeces become moist or your pet’s hind-quarters become soiled, take your animal to the vet straight away.

Behavior

Wild hamsters are usually active only at dusk and night time, i.e. just before and shortly after the lights go out. Hamsters rest and sleep during the day. Hamsters are very active at night, and can run up to 5 miles a day. Wild hamsters hibernate during the winter but wake up periodically to feed. In a warm house artificial light and temperatures usually suppresses hibernation. The hamster’s whiskers are very important for exploring objects, because their sight is very poor.

Things you should do

Ensure that your hamster(s) always has plenty of space to play during the night time. Do not disturb your hamster(s) when they are sleeping. Make sure the lighting times are more or less predictable in the room that you house your hamster(s)– for example keep your hamster(s) in a room where the lights are not left on till late in the night, or where regular hours are kept. If possible, give your hamster(s) a deep layer of litter in which it can dig and construct a burrow. Make sure that your hamster(s) has space to exercise and has appropriate enrichment. A running wheel can help with this, but additional opportunities are also necessary and the wheel should not be the only enrichment provided. If a wheel is provided it must be of good quality with a large diameter– for example one intended for rats; it must be a solid structure and axel free for the safety of your pet; and should ideally have a non-slip running surface. If your hamster develops sore feet, remove the wheel temporarily and seek veterinary advice. If your hamster goes into hibernation during the winter don’t disturb them unless you believe that they are unwell. Hamsters can wake up during hibernation to feed so make sure that they have plenty of fresh water, fresh food and nesting material, and check them regularly. If you are at all unsure contact your vet for advice. When your pet has become tame, you can allow them out of their cage but keep a close eye on them to see that they don't stray, or get up to mischief. If you have another pet such as a dog or cat, make sure that your hamster is safe. Never leave a hamster out of their cage unattended or overnight. Never trim your hamster(s)’ whiskers.

Health and welfare

Hamsters are small animals with a high metabolic rate and can loose condition very quickly if they are not well. Hamsters are good at concealing outward signs of pain, and may be suffering greatly before you realise. Hamsters can be affected by many diseases. They can become infected by contaminated food, water or litter material. Hamsters that are stressed are particularly likely to become ill. Tumours are not uncommon in hamsters, especially along the underside of the abdomen. Hamsters’ teeth grow continually throughout their lives, and they gnaw objects to keep their teeth sharp, and regularly worn down.

Dental problems are not uncommon and if one incisor tooth becomes damaged, the other tooth can keep growing and eventually may stop the animal eating.

A barren environment, stress, frustration and/or a lack of mental stimulation can lead to hamsters developing repetitive behaviours (such as gnawing the bars of their cage for long periods of time) known as stereotypes.

Some varieties of hamsters have long hair.

Things you should do

Only get a hamster if you can care for them properly. You will be making a commitment to care for an animal which will be entirely dependent upon you. Make sure you are familiar with your hamster(s) and how they normally behave. This will help you notice if they are behaving differently and can be an early sign that something is wrong. Observe your hamster(s) closely. Take them to the vet immediately if they show any signs of illness. Have an empathetic attitude towards your hamster(s). They rely upon you for their care and well-being. If you are unsure about anything to do with your pets always seek the advice of a vet. Make sure your hamster(s) cannot access poisonous materials (including but not exclusively poisonous food, plants and chemicals). Always contact your veterinary surgeon immediately if you are concerned. Only use medicines that have been specifically recommended for your hamster(s) by a vet. Human and other animal medicines can be very dangerous to hamsters, and some oral antibiotics can lead to serious digestive disorders. Always check your hamster(s) regularly. They can find being handled stressful, but it is important to regularly check them for health and welfare reasons. A good balance should be reached. Never startle or frighten your hamster(s), they are naturally very timid and loud or threatening noises can frighten them and cause them distress. Always handle your hamster(s) carefully and considerately, in a confident but gentle manner. Watch your hamster(s) for the development of stereotypical behavior, and seek veterinary advice if they show any repetitive behavior. Provide your hamster(s) with suitable gnawing material to keep their teeth sharp and prevent their teeth from growing continuously and causing health problems and pain. Regularly check your hamster’s front teeth, and ask your vet to check their teeth to make sure that they are growing properly. If the teeth become overgrown, take your hamster(s) to a vet. If your hamster(s) are long-haired make sure their coat is kept clean and un-matted by regular combing or brushing. For advice on how to groom they speak to a pet care specialist.

If you are going away, make sure that your pets are cared for by somebody who understands their needs and introduce your animal to them beforehand. It is important that you choose someone who is responsible and who you trust to care for your hamster(s). Give that person all the information they need to care for your pets, keep them in their familiar cage and leave their usual food for the carer to give them. Never leave your hamster(s) unsupervised with another animal or person who may deliberately or accidentally harm or frighten them.

Do not transport your hamster(s) unless absolutely necessary. If you have to transport your hamster(s), make sure you reduce stress wherever possible.