Hamsters can be supplemented with additional fruits and vegetables, but these foods should not be the mainstay of their diet. Seed-based diets do not provide necessary nutrients and commonly lead to obesity and vitamin E deficiency. Seed-based diets are “formulated” and sold for hamsters, but these should be used sparingly and as a supplement only to pellets. Work with your veterinarian to determine your hamster’s caloric needs based on their size and health, but most hamsters require ⅛-⅓ cup of pellets per day. Oxbow and Kaytee are preferred pellet or block brands that hamsters thrive on. Hamsters do very well on commercial diets, pellets, or blocks, containing around 16% protein. In temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, hamsters can go into a state of torpor, which is similar to hibernation. Preferred cage temperatures are 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit, with relative humidity around 40-70%. Regular rotation of toys can keep hamsters engaged and not bored. Most veterinarians recommend blocks or chew sticks specifically designed for rodents for enrichment, as well as to help keep the teeth healthy. Make sure to only provide wheels with a solid running surface to prevent injury. Hamsters usually enjoy running in exercise wheels. Solid connector tunnels also provide for environmental enrichment but should be cleaned weekly. Many hamster owners use paper bags, cardboard boxes with holes cut out, hideaways, and paper towel rolls to provide enrichment for their hamsters. Hamsters love toys and utilize them to meet a variety of needs, from chewing, climbing, exploring, burrowing, and hiding. Hamsters seek secluded, quiet areas for sleep, so hideaways are especially important within the habitat. Commercial nesting materials (commonly called “fluff”) are not recommended because they may lead to intestinal blockages, pouch impactions, or strangulated limbs.īedding should be changed 1-2 times a week with enough depth to allow the hamster to burrow and dig, especially under hides. It is also acceptable to use plain white unscented toilet paper or paper towels on a temporary basis.ĭo not use cedar or pine shavings, as they contain aromatic oils that are very irritating to hamster skin and mucous membranes. Preferred bedding materials include Carefresh, grass hay, and Yesterday's News. Hamsters, with few exceptions, should always be housed alone, as they can be fiercely territorial and cause a great deal of damage to each other through fighting. Housing must be well-ventilated to allow fresh air this prevents buildup of odor from urine, feces, and spoiled food. Wire cages, aquariums, and plastic habitats can be used as long as they provide a safe, escape-proof home for your hamster-hamsters are escape artists! Hamster housing should provide at least a 15-20 gallon cage, with at least 150 square inches of solid (not wire) floor space, but bigger is always better. The Dwarf hamster is also a common pet variety. Syrian hamsters can have short or long hair (known as the teddy bear variety). The most common hamster species is the Syrian, also known as the golden hamster. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. The average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but they can live up to 5 years. Hamsters are small, stocky rodents that can make excellent pets if given appropriate care and veterinary treatment.
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