Hamster Preventive Care
Hamsters are rodents who derive from Europe through the Middle East. They have an average life span of 2-3 years. They can breed at around 10 weeks of age and wean their young at 3 weeks. Pregnancy lasts only 16 days!
Diet
A good quality rodent diet, such as rat chow, is suitable and provide clean fresh water at all times. Seed diets should be used sparingly as these can lead to obesity and nutritional deficiencies.
Grains, dried fruits and vegetables can be provided as treats but only sparingly. Hamsters will store food so check their sleeping areas often to prevent excessive food and waste in their cages.
Water should be provided in a sipper tube bottle and should be changed daily.
Housing
Housing should be easy to clean and well ventilated. The cage should be kept out of direct sunlight and cold drafts. Burrowing material such as shredded paper should be changed daily. “Toys” and other furniture should be removable and easily cleaned. Sanitation is critical to the health of your hamster. Wooden cages and objects should be avoided as these will be chewed and damaged.
An ambient temperature of 65-75°F is preferred.
Hamsters will tolerate group housing but females can be very aggressive towards males and injuries can be expected.
Never leave your hamster alone with dogs or cats as play can cause injury and stress.
Handling
Hamsters may generally be picked up by scooping with the palm of your hand and then carefully supporting them. Never scare them – let them know of your presence! You may scruff a hamster that tends to bite but remember to be firm and gentle.
Health concerns
Providing the best diet and proper sanitary housing will go a long way in ensuring a longer, healthier life.
Monitor activity, appetite and water intake, and stools as any changes in these can signify disease.
“Wet tail” is a disease caused by a bacterium in the gut and can be fatal in as little as one week. Antibiotics and fluids are required although some hamsters will die despite treatment. Dirt, overcrowding and stress are all factors that contribute to this disease. Quarantine any sick animals until they are treated and recover.
Hamsters can acquire parasites of their skin and this may cause hair loss and scabby, dry skin. These conditions should be treated with an appropriate medication. Separate any hamsters that are showing signs of any disease, including skin conditions, until they are treated. Hair loss can occur due to a variety of diseases.
Avoid giving antibiotics without veterinary care as they can cause a fatal endotoxemia (toxic gastroenteritis).
Remember also that rodents age rapidly and old age changes occur quickly. Give them the best food, housing and care possible!
We recommend that you purchase a good reference book for hamster care.