However, there are times when you’ll need to handle them, such as when you need to clean their cage. Placing a safe and large hamster wheel is a necessity to keep your hamster happy and have a place to spend all their energy. Change it every couple of days to keep it fresh. Let them sleep when they want to sleep, and play with them only if they are wide awake and active, usually at night or evening. Taking Care of Hamster Babies: The Guide. You should also factor in the expenses for its food, litter, and bedding, which costs around $100 – $150 per year. If you are really keen on getting a pet hamster, we recommend researching more about them. This article will help you take better care of your hamster. Hamsters need a pelleted food, rather than muesli or seed mix, to prevent selective feeding and ensure your hamster gets all the nutrients it requires. 3. You don’t want to stress your pet, make them sick, or inadvertently hurt them. Aside from handling them correctly, there are several things you should know as a first-time hamster owner: Different species of hamsters have different personalities. The commitment that you’ll take care of them, and provide them with their needs. Keeping them as close to the ground as possible also minimizes the risk of them getting an injury, should they accidentally fall from your hands. How To Take Care Of A Hamster For Beginners 2. There are a lot of ways to tame a hamster such as the “coffee mug system”, “bathtub taming”, and other options. Therefore, you need to be certain that you’ll be keeping your hamsters in a place where they cannot be harmed by other animals in your home. This app will organize and take into account 1. Well, below here how to take care of hamster at home for beginners. I have four hamsters and I can say that they really love the igloo-shaped houses to hide in. The hamster does everything in its cage – it plays, it sleeps, it drinks and yes, that naturally also includes all its number 1’s and a 2’s in the cage. Before we begin, a word of caution: Do not try to get your pet hamster pregnant. However, all the effort expended will be fully paid off and communication with your pet will bring you only joy. After all, all we want is to ensure your new hamster babies grow up healthy! By accepting this, you're giving us permission to collect, share, use your data to improve your user experience and display personalised ads. Having a pet isn’t just about finding them cute, and wanting to cuddle them, or touch them, or play with them. Use an effective dishwashing liquid, such as Sunlight, to wash it down every few weeks. No need to help them— they’ve got it covered. While buying a hamster isn’t expensive, taking care of them is! It can give them a lot of stress, so you need to be sure that they are in a quiet room. Spray the solution over the cage and scrub using a washcloth. Understanding hamsters needs. Do you consider yourself responsible enough? Here are our suggested safe hamster chew toys. Housing more than one hamster in a single cage is one of the reasons why hamsters fight. SAVE THIS FOR LATER READ: We use cookies to improve your experience. Syrian or Golden hamsters originate from Syria. 1. Read our article about this. This way, they’ll know you are not a threat, but in fact, a friend. Many people think this is the right way to clean their hamster or simply it’s cute to see them swim. Taking care of a hamster means keeping them safe and secure, so make sure the cage you buy is just that. Read our, Should you use hamster food bowl or automatic hamster feeder, signs that a hamster is unhappy and how to fix that, common mistakes a first-time hamster owner have done, can’t house two or more hamsters in one (1) cage, Taking care of an elderly hamster; how to look after a, Best Rocks for Hamsters: Rocks for hamster cage and nails, Why Hamster is Not a Good Gift or A Surprise Gift, How to Tell if your Hamster is Happy: Signs that your hamster is not Happy, Teaching Children to Care for Pets: Hamster Edition. So here are some things to avoid when caring for a hamster: We all been there, a new pet, a new challenge. How To Take Care Of A Dwarf Hamster 4. Caring For A Hamster Pets At Home 7. 2. Hairless hamsters benefit from a small amount of non-toxic aloe-based lotion rubbed into their skin to keep it soft. So, we’ve covered a lot of things about hamsters, from the budget to how to take care of them. Space is an equally important factor when considering taking care of a hamster. If you want to feed your hamster, simply place the food inside their cage. Another thing to consider before getting a hamster is if you have other pets in your home. People often handle them in an abrupt manner, which isn’t advisable, because sudden movements can scare these little fellows. Ultrasounds, sounds that human ears can’t detect, can also irritate hamsters. Take your hamster to a vet experienced with small pets a … Hamsters are delicate animals, which is why it’s important to understand their needs before getting one. You also need to be financially prepared when you need to take your furry pets to the vet if they show symptoms of being sick or hurt, and experts recommend bringing them to veterinarians once a year for a checkup. Unlike wild hamsters, pet hamsters are not used to the outside and may catch a cold so keep them inside as they are much more used to it. Space is an equally important factor when considering taking care of a hamster. Take care of a pet hamster with tips from the manager of a pet store in this free video on pet care. The cage should be large accommodate your hamster, a nesting area, several toys, a litter box, a water bottle, a food dish and an exercise wheel. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It is up to you how you look after your hamster but you must take … Hamster Care Sheet 3. Here are some of the signs that it’s time to take your furry friend for a check-up: There you have it, our ultimate hamster care guide. Most new hamster parents make a mistake, it’s vital that you don’t make the same error. Start by emptying the cage then fill a medium-sized spray bottle with water and two tablespoons of dish soap. This is why it is extremely important to always keep an eye of your hamsters when you’re taking them out from their cage. Take a few moments each day starting with the first day you bring your hamster home to go by your hamster’s cage and talk gently to it. Check out a few tips for taking care of your hamster! You’ve got the cage, now it’s time to make it homely. Hamsters stay clean and rarely need baths, but can be spot-cleaned with a damp washcloth or unscented baby wipes if needed. It is recommended by experts to not handle hamsters for at least a week after bringing them to your house. Visit the SA Department of Health's website for COVID-19 updates: Make sure your furry friend always has fresh, clean water. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Clean out poo each day from their cage. It’s fun to watch them do their hamster activities in their cage, such as running on their hamster wheel, hoarding food in their cheek pouch, and sometimes, doing their hamster acrobatics. It’s stressful and very dangerous. Some hamsters enjoy an occasional dust bath. Be quiet and gentle when you pick your hamster up. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Plus, you’ll need to take your hamster to a veterinarian at least once a year to make sure that they are as healthy as they can be. It is normal for a hamster's teeth to be yellow; cleaning is not necessary. While hamster toys do play a great part in taming, entertainment, and exercise in a happy hamster’s life. Having a pet is loving; a responsibility, and a source of happiness. Here are the signs that a hamster is unhappy and how to fix that. Has your lifestyle during the Covid-19 lockdown affected the type of stains you get on your clothes? Lay down at least six inches of bedding, as hamsters like to dig and tunnel – aspen bedding works great for this. You need to have a quiet place away from direct sunlight for your furry friends. Another reason is, hamsters can get pregnant at an early age, as young as 16 weeks old. Spray the solution over the cage and scrub using a washcloth. 14 Pet Hamster Care Tips for Beginners. When you go to pick your hamster up, gently cup your hands around it. How To Take Care Of A Baby Hamster 5. Only give hamsters as much fruits and vegetables as they can consume in about 4 hours' time. Hamsters are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and vegetables. Now it’s time for the fun stuff - learning how to keep them entertained and looking good! In addition, not all hamsters enjoy cuddling with people, and if you have kids in your home, it is best to get the friendlier types. Invest it a good quality, secure cage where they'll be safe. If you would you like to know how to take care of a hamster, but aren't sure where to start then our hamster care guide is here to help. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 1. Fill the cage with bedding and change it regularly. The budget you’ll need to get a cage, toys, and other accessories would be around $160. You may be able to touch your hamster or go on top of your hands. Rinse with clean water, dry, and add new bedding to finish. In the long-term hamsters need very little, relying on us daily for the basics of food, water and shelter. Prepare all of its needs. Taking care of another living creature requires your commitment. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Hamsters require a clean, spacious, and quiet place to live in for their safety and well-being. Head for the vet if your hamster is showing signs of being unwell. For a happy hamster, get a cage that’s well ventilated and gives them plenty of room to run around. For most hamsters, a 10-15 gallon aquarium is a good choice. Your hamster needs something to sleep in, so make something in the cage or buy an igloo for your beloved pet in the pet store. Having a hamster as a pet is a big responsibility. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE GETTING A HAMSTER FOR THE FIRST TIME, TIPS ON TAKING CARE OF A HAMSTER FOR FIRST-TIME OWNERS, Read what species of hamster is best for you, Always keep an eye of your hamster when you take them out from the cage to play with, Only handle them not more than 15 minutes at a time in the beginning until they get to know you, Always wash your hands before holding them, Don’t make the same mistake as a new hamster owner, Don’t house more than one hamster in one cage, Don’t let them alone with other pets or kids, Don’t hold them higher than .5 meters (1.6 feet) high. Here they are: Your hamsters are innately playful and curious, so even if they are already tamed, when left unsupervised outside of their cage, they may roam around the house. Other pets, such as cats, may exhibit aggressive behaviour towards hamsters. There are several things worth considering if you want to provide the best hamster pet care ever. Some of these might be obvious, some might be counterintuitive. ALSO READ: Guide on buying the best hamster water bowl and bottle. It goes beyond the pleasure of just feeling the fuzzy warm feeling we often feel when we see cute animals. Suffice nutrition and a clean nest for the mother hamster to give birth. I’ve seen so many videos of hamsters placed in a tub or sink and let them swim. Plus, they’re easy to care for, making them great pets for beginners. Patience, regular feeding, lots of out-of-habitat playtime, and soft talk will go a long way in helping you bond with your hamster. You should make sure that they are far from electrical appliances, such as TV, radio, computers, and the likes. ALSO READ: Should you use hamster food bowl or automatic hamster feeder. The more you know about these cute little rodents, the more you’ll be able to take care of them properly. In addition, giving treats, such as fruits (with the exception of citrus fruits) and veggies ensures that they are receiving nutrients they cannot get from ordinary food pellets or seeds. Like everything else in life, taking care of a pet means thinking ahead of time, especially in terms of the potential expenses. The scent of food from your hand may also confuse your hamster and cause them to bite your hand. Oftentimes, how your hamster feels reflect on their body language. Feeding and caring for your pet will help them stay healthy. Speak in low, soothing tones to keep its anxiety at a minimum. When a hamster is active, it needs a lot of space to roam around and play, so the cage needs at least 480 square inches or 80x50x50cm (4000 cm2) or 31.5x20x20 in (620 square inches space. Learning how to tame a hamster is important if you want to be able to pick up your hamster to pet it, or you simply want to take it to the vet. ARE YOU ON PINTEREST? Hamsters eat hamster food which is made up of seeds grains and nuts. Hamster exercise balls are still in the grey area if it’s safe or not for hamsters. Knowing the things to avoid when taking care of a hamster is important because you want them to be as safe and as healthy as possible. Another key part of learning how to take care of a hamster is making sure you keep their cage clean. Hamsters make suitable pets for older children, providing they are taught the responsibilities of their petís routine for cleaning, feeding, and care. ALSO READ: Interesting facts about hamsters and Best hamster storybooks for kids. As a general rule, hamsters shouldn’t be caged together, as they may hurt each other because of their territorial nature. Use protective gloves like gardening or cleaning gloves. They’ll learn to recognize your scent and voice and see you as a … You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. How Munch money, time and interaction is needed for a hamster on a daily, weekly or monthly basis? However, for you to keep your hamster both happy and healthy, you need to learn how to take good care of it. If you don't think your hamster is cleaning itself, visit your vet for advice. Hamsters have an excellent sense of smell, which is why you should wash your hands using an unscented soap before holding them, especially if you have handled another hamster. You can read about how to choose the best large hamster wheel here. Be sure to clean both daily. A small animal care guide will be provided with tips on supplies, food, handling and information about vets that take hamsters in Dartmouth for regular check-ups or illness. Along with looking after their safety, you have to keep them healthy with the right food. Check this list of best big hamster cages while avoiding these bad hamster cages. Before the birth. Kale, collard greens, zucchini and shredded carrot are all on the menu. Here’s a breakdown of how much it cost to have a hamster. Use an effective dishwashing liquid, such as Sunlight, to wash it down every few weeks. Have fun caring for your furry friend! You don’t want to leave your pet hamsters with kids as you don’t want your pets and kids to hurt each other. Their diet can include also vegetables, which you can serve to your hamster every other day. From making sure you have the things you need for a hamster to knowing what to feed hamsters, you’re now equipped with all the necessary information to help keep yours happy. Add a hamster wheel to allow your pet time to exercise. Feed your hamster everyday, keeping the bowl about three-quarters full. To help strengthen your bond with your hamsters, be sure to give them treats from time to time. As for water, offer it all … First, before you adopt a hamster at your home, you must prepare all the things that your hamster need. Different breeds have different dispositions and different tendencies. Anything smaller is really quite cramped, though you can always go … Sure, they may love to eat seeds, especially sunflower seeds, but they also need veggies and fruits, whole grains, cereals, and you can also feed them scrambled eggs as a source of protein. Don’t forget to feed your pet . When getting started, taking care of the pet can feel complicated. They're active mainly during the night, though, as they're nocturnal creatures. If you prefer, you can also use white vinegar as a natural alternative in the same way (diluted with water). Read this article about common mistakes a first-time hamster owner have done and do your best to avoid repeating them. Give the cage, water bottle, food bowl, and play equipment a thorough clean every couple of weeks. Not all pet food in the market give enough supplements that your hamster needs. Having a pet means knowing what’s best for them, and making sure that all their needs are met. Many hamsters get abandoned because they bite their human parents, what many doesn’t understand how to put effort into getting to know their hamster and train them to stop biting. One of the most important things you need for a hamster is a quality cage. Having a hamster is a lot of responsibility even though they are a small animal. How to care for your hamster. Mistakes in handling may cause them harm. In addition, you’ll be spending on their food, bedding, and litter. Hamsters are fragile creatures, and they can easily get sick when stressed or placed in an environment with poor sanitation. There is a long list of basic hamster supplies and essentials that you need to prepare before your hamster come home. Hamsters can get easily injured if they fall from a high place. For that, we encourage you to research more on the personality of different species of hamsters that will best suit your home. The Syrian hamster, also known as the golden hamster, is among the most popular choices for small pets.It's generally easy to tame, fun to watch, and fairly low-maintenance, making it a good pet for beginners.These hamsters come from arid regions of northern Syria and southern Turkey. When you take your furry little friend home for the first time, we'll show you how to take care of a hamster for beginners. Read this “how to tame a hamster” guide. Buying a cage and its accessories for your hamster can cost around $100 – $160. How To Bathe A Hamster With Sand 8. It’s just that they have some very specific needs sometimes. Take a look at all the hamsters we have available for rehoming. Grooming: a healthy hamster will keep itself clean so you shouldn't need to do anything here. Rinse with clean water, dry, and … Obviously, we want to care for our hamsters as best we can, so playing and cuddling them helps to secure a bond and allows you to understand your hamster’s behaviors. Expert: Ashlee Bio: Ashlee is the manager at Pet Planet in Riverton, Utah. To minimize the stress of your hamsters, try to also minimize the time you’ll be holding them to 15 minutes at a time. You can’t house two or more hamsters in one (1) cage because hamsters are very territorial, housing them together will cause a fight or worse death. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Watch this video where Mimi and Finley explain all the basics of hamster care- how often you should feed and water them, how often to clean their cage… and of course how to play with them with awesome toys like hamster teeter totters! Cleaning the cage is really a step-by-step process. The friendliest hamster species is the Syrian hamster. How Often To Clean Hamster Cage 6. Give your hamster treats from time to time, and after a week, when your new pet has become accustomed to your presence, you should see signs of your hamster warming up to you. Exercise: an empty cage won’t cut it so fit a hamster wheel to the side of the cage to give them 24/7 access to a cardio workout! But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Can Hamsters Take Baths In Water 9. Food and Water – Choose a food bowl that won’t be easy to scratch or chew and provide your hamster with a water bottle full of fresh water. So far, our hamster care tips have been all about the practical considerations. If you’re one of the people who have seen their cute behaviour on social media, thoughts of buying a pair as a pet may have entered your mind. Syrian, or golden, hamsters have life spans of 2 to 3 years. But you will need to learn how to take care of newborn baby hamsters. Then once a week give it a proper clean to keep it clean from parasites. Keep their bowl around three-quarters full to avoid overfeeding. Just remember not to give them citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, or lime, because the acidity of citrus fruits may make your hamster sick. These cookies do not store any personal information. Once you understand what hamsters need and don’t need, it becomes easy to provide everything your small, furry friend needs to survive. Don't overfeed hamsters - they like to hoard! And the same goes for their nails, hence, a good hamster nail care is very important, you can use these rocks and place it inside the cage. You will need patience and some time to gain the trust of the hamster. We are helping you to help yourself by presenting to you the dos of hamster parenting. You should also be wary of your other pets, especially your cats and dogs, as they may behave aggressively towards your hamster. Always keep your hamster in a safe place. Keep your little furry rodent healthy and happy with these hamster care tips. There are 15 essential steps to take and know, so you can be a good hamster owner. Breeding hamsters should be kept to professionals only. To take care of your hamster you need a water bottle, food, bedding, exercise wheel, exercise ball, a cage, dust bath/sand bath. If you’re unsure of which to add to your family, here’s a list of hamster breeds with each of their characteristics explained. Take your time and make sure you’re taking every precaution necessary. ALSO READ: Ways on how to find an escaped hamster. The use of antibacterial soap is highly recommended when cleaning the cage. Hamsters are very sensitive to loud sounds. If you’ve turned to Google to find out how to take care of a hamster for beginners and landed on this page, that’s a good sign! Hamsters are a very delicate bunch of creatures. DISCLAIMER: thehamstercare.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by adverting and linking to Amazon. You should realize that their lives depend on you and that you’ll always be there to meet their needs for their 2-3 years lifespan. Get them out in an exercise ball when cleaning their cage so they can explore a bigger area of your home in safety. But the truth is, hamsters can swim but they shouldn’t. Hamsters are very territorial creatures and they won’t like the scent of another hamster on your hand; it can make them act defensively. Hamster Care Guide For Beginners - If you have landed on this web page then you are almost certainly hunting for information and facts on how to appear just after hamsters.As a initially time hamster owner, this is guide to help you as you commence o. However, as with all pets, you may sometimes need a trip to the vet. February 2020. How to care for a hamster at birth? Hamsters engage in an elaborate, and often adorable, cleaning ritual, washing their faces and cleaning out their ears with their feet. How to clean the hamster cage. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. But beyond the pure esthetics or the appearance of the hamster, one needs to select a hamster that they can manage to take care of. This is the reason why you should regularly clean the cage and use the best hamster beddings of your little furry companions. 1. Be silent or very quiet when approaching your hamster or it may get scared. Hamsters are little creatures of cuteness. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Another way to keep the hamster cage clean is to make sure that the hamster sand box is always filled with clean sand bath. They live longer and behaves well with humans, but they aren’t very social and may exhibit aggressiveness towards other hamsters. Yes, I encounter lots of different stains, How to make your laundry smell better for longer, 5 laundry tips and tricks to make your life easier, How to sort clothes for laundry like a pro, How to take care of clothes to make them last longer, How to fold clothes: 5 laundry folding hacks to save space, How to dry clothes quickly without a dryer. Another key part of learning how to take care of a hamster is making sure you keep their cage clean. Finally, set up a food tray and secure a water bottle to the cage side at a level they can reach easily. ALSO READ: Taking care of an elderly hamster; how to look after a senior hamster. You can read more information about the pros and cons of a hamster exercise ball. You need to know what their needs, how to keep them safe and healthy, have the money to create a spacious cage, bring and pay for a vet service to name a few. The average lifespan of a Syrian hamster is approximately two years. This will help it associate you with your voice and get used to the way you sound. This is the most important piece of knowledge you’ll need when learning how to look after a hamster as it's easy to feed them the wrong thing or just give them too much food in general! MUST-READ: How much does owning a hamster cost? If you are a beginner, choose a Syrian or Golden hamster breed; they are probably the most friendly and curious of all the breeds.