Caring for a hamster
About feeding, housing, enrichment, and veterinary care for hamsters
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Nutrition for a hamster
Hamsters are omnivores. Provide fresh clean water daily, and feed appropriate diets.
Feed mostly pellets for rodents, which are formulated to meet their nutritional needs.
Supplement with seeds, grass, grain and occasionally insects.
Some fresh vegetables and fruits as treats.
Enclosure for a hamster
Their enclosures should reflect their natural behaviour as closely as possible, and provide them opportunities to do so.
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Cage
Provide enough vertical space for them to burrow.
Cages should be large enough for your hamsters to separate toileting and resting areas.
Accessories
Provide adequate hiding spaces and comfortable, paper-based bedding that is at least 3 – 5 cm deep.
Compatibility with other animals
Hamsters are solitary animals and should be housed by themselves.
Environment
Provide a sturdy, solid flooring to prevent bumblefoot
Enrichment for a hamster
Provide plenty of opportunities for your hamster to exhibit their normal behaviours such as burrowing, foraging, bathing and chewing/gnawing.
Veterinary care for a hamster
Bring your hamster to the vet for regular health checks.
Seek medical help if you observe any signs of illness in your hamster, such as:
Lethargy
Inappetence
Abnormal breathing
Abnormal or no faecal droppings and/or urine
Bloated abdomen
Head tilt/shaking
Lameness
Overgrown teeth and nails

