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For more information on hamster
care check out these websites:

• Animaland - hamster care

• ASPCA - hamsters

• RSPCA - hamster care

Hamster Care

Life Span -- 1-3 years

Picking up a Hamster

You can pick up your hamster by putting cupped hands near him and by letting him crawl into your hands.  Another way is to let him crawl into a large cup and then let him crawl into your hands from there.  Hamsters are nocturnal which means they are active at night, so it is best to play with them in the evening. 

Food

Hamsters are omnivores, which means they eat plants and animals (insects).  Give them a handful of a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds every day along with hamster food from the pet store.  Hamsters also need to gnaw on branches to wear down their teeth.

Water

All animals need water to live.  Hamsters should always have water available to them through a sipper bottle.  Change the water every day and completely clean the bottle once a week.

Shelter

Hamsters need a cage at least 60 cm by 30 cm by 30 cm for one hamster.  Hamsters should live alone unless they are the same sex and from the same litter.  Even then, Syrian hamsters are best by themselves. 

Line the cage with paper and  shavings (cedar and pine are not recommended)  to burrow in.  Add some shredded paper and hay for bedding. 

Clean the cage at least once a week to make sure their bedding is dry and clean.  Put in a box or another object so the hamster has a hiding/resting place.  Add other interesting paper tubes, ladders and boxes to liven up their space.

Exercise

Hamsters need exercise like all animals.  Making a large enclosure with tubes, an exercise wheel, ladders and burrowing material like peat moss will give him plenty of exercise.

Grooming

Most hamsters keep themselves groomed but long-haired hamsters need to have their fur brushed with a toothbrush every day to keep them free from tangles. 

Health Care

Talk to your veterinarian if you notice your hamster not moving much, not eating, has diarrhea or anything else you think is unusual. Injuries due to falls or other accidents should be treated by a veterinarian right away. Check your hamsters teeth, ears, and claws to make sure they don’t smell and are clean.

Friendship

When you first get your hamster give him a few days to get used to you before you start holding him and playing with him.  Once he get used to you spend time with him every day.  Remember hamsters sleep during the day.  Try not to disturb them when they are sleeping.