Do not use pine or cedar shavings because the fumes may be harmful to your hamsters. Scented bedding is also very harmful. [1] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Make sure that your hamster has plenty of bedding to dig around in. Hamsters like to burrow. Provide at least six inches.
Give your hamster a nice enclosed place to sleep. Hamsters like to hide and sleep in tight, dark spaces, so place a small flower pot or a box in your hamster’s cage. Add pvc tubes to your hamster’s cage for tunneling and playing. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Rotate toys each week so that your hamster always has different things to play with. This will help prevent your hamster from getting bored.
Limit seeds and nuts since they are high in fat and may cause your hamster to become overweight. Supplement your hamster’s diet with alfalfa pellets and fresh fruits and vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, carrots and apples. Give your hamster a large chunk to chew on rather than several small ones, or your hamster may bury them in the bedding. Remove any uneaten food after your hamster has finished with it.
Check the water bottle’s tip daily to make sure that it is working properly. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Remove and replace any soiled or damp bedding. Remove and dispose of droppings. Check the corners of your hamster’s cage for hidden food. Hamsters have a tendency to stash food for later. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
To pick up your hamster, gently cup both hands around him and lift him slowly out of his cage. Do not swoop in and grab him or you will startle him and cause him to hide from you.
Make sure to keep him in a room where you can monitor his movement. Otherwise he might hide somewhere and make it difficult for you to find him. Make sure that there are no hazards in the area, such as electrical cords, that your hamster might gnaw on. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
An unhealthy hamster may have a variety of symptoms, such as dull-looking eyes, matted fur, weight loss, shaking, runny nose and diarrhea. If your hamster is sick, take him to see a veterinarian right away. Hamsters can catch the common cold from humans. If you are sick, avoid holding your hamster until you are well again so that you don’t make him sick. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
