Read on Twitter
So, you want a hamster? A quick thread with a few points about hamster care!
Can I keep more than one Syrian hamster together?NO! Hamsters are seldom able to be safely kept in pairs or groups. They are solitary, territorial, competitive animals and will fight to the death.
What about dwarf hamsters?MAYBE. Dwarf hamsters like to live in pairs, but you should take care to sex them to ensure you have a same-sex pair. If you house a male and female together, babies are an issue; and the female can have up to 12 at a time!
I don't recommend cohabs.
What kind of cage should I get?NO CAGE! Hamsters need much more open, uninterrupted floorspace than any cage I've seen can provide. Additionally, they LOVE to burrow and need a lot of substrate to do so. In place of a cage, I recommend getting a large, clear plastic bin
and cutting the top or side(s) to fit with mesh. It's best to give your hamster at least 450 sq in of floor space, so make sure you're getting a BIG bin; but remember, even the largest plastic bin setup will cost you less than a wire cage setup, and your hamster will love it.
Your hamster will need a large exercise wheel (I recommend the saucer design!!!), a water bottle, and a food dish large enough for them to fit into. Save up some cardboard (toilet paper/paper towel tubes, cereal boxes, etc.) for your hamster to crawl in and chew on.
You've got the basic starters for your bin setup, so now you need substrate! I recommend aspen (NOT PINE) or paper bedding. Both are pretty affordable and come compacted, so you get a lot for your money. Be sure to give your hamster at least 6 inches of bedding to burrow in!
What kind of food should I get for my hamster?I avoid "rat blocks" (aka rodent pellets), and instead recommend buying a blend of grains, dried vegetables, and seeds. Some pet stores have dispensers for these so you can bulk buy. It's a good idea to give your hamster
small amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables (apple, lettuce, spinach, etc.) and timothy hay a few times a week. They might nibble on the hay, or even use it as part of their burrows.
My hamster freaks out when I try to pick it up?!If you reach in from above your hamster, you might be scaring it! Reach into the enclosure slowly, then rest your hand on the floor for them to investigate. You can put some food in your palm to encourage them! Take it slow; you
are a giant predator and they are meek prey-- at least, that's what they think. When your hamster is comfortable with you in their space, you can start lifting your hand when they crawl onto it. Be slow and patient so that if they jump they don't get hurt.
REMEMBER: Hamsters are typically most active at night. Try not to disturb their sleepytimes too much; after all, you wouldn't like being rudely awoken from a dream for some giant... THING to move you around at random every night, right?
My hamster, Zuzu, has always been really friendly and comfortable with being picked up, petted, and even cradled. Your hamster might not like these things, though, and that's okay! Respect their boundaries and you'll have a much happier furbaby.
This thread does NOT cover everything & only discusses bare basics. Please, please, PLEASE do your own research before buying or adopting a hamster.
I highly recommend Munchie's Place, a hamster rescuer / fosterer, for MUCH more help with hamster care! https://www.youtube.com/user/LoverGurl77983
I highly recommend Munchie's Place, a hamster rescuer / fosterer, for MUCH more help with hamster care! https://www.youtube.com/user/LoverGurl77983
