There are three types of hamsters commonly kept as pets:

THE SYRIAN HAMSTER
This is the animal that most people associate with the word 'hamster', and was originally known as the 'Golden' hamster'.  This animal is solitary by nature and the golden rule is one Syrian hamster to one cage.

The animals only meet to mate, after which the female drives the male away. After a pregnancy of only sixteen days the babies are born blind and naked. However, they grow very quickly, and by four weeks old are usually fully weaned. Many different colours and coat types of Syrian hamsters are now kept.

THE RUSSIAN HAMSTER
This animal is usually known as a dwarf hamster, growing up to 8 cms in length. These hamsters like to live together - either two of the same sex or as a pair. A pair can produce a litter of babies every eighteen days, so think carefully before deciding on a pair. The babies are looked after by both parents. Although they are also born blind and naked they develop faster than Syrian babies and are fully weaned by three weeks.

There are two species of Russian hamsters commonly kept as pets. The more common and generally larger animal is the Campbell, and the other is the Winter White. Both species have several colour variations.

THE CHINESE HAMSTER
These animals also like to live in pairs or small groups. They are slightly longer and thinner than Russian hamsters, growing up to 9 cms in length. A pair may have babies every twenty one days but are not as prolific as Russians. The babies develop at about the same rate as Russian hamsters. There are already two or three colour variations available.

GENERAL CARE
All three types of hamsters make good pets. They are very easy to look after and everything you need can bought at any pet shop. A wide selection of cages are available, from the simple plastic tray and wire top to plastic sided with a full sized wire lid. Modular plastic caging (eg Rotastack) is not ideal. Cleaning many small chambers is much more of a chore than cleaning one single cage. Ventilation inside these plastic walled cages is poor and buildup of smell from the bedding and urine can cause respiratory disease. Sometimes plastic connecting tubes can split and again paws get stuck causing wounds and broken legs, These should be checked at regular intervals.

Syrian hamsters must be kept singly whereas the Russian and Chinese hamsters will live together with others of their own species. If you intend keeping the 'Dwarf' varieties in a wire top cage the bars must not be more than 6 mm apart as these animals can get through very small gaps. Glass or plastic aquariums can also be used.

Sawdust (or wood shavings) should be spread on the base of the cage and a handful of bedding put in a corner. The bedding can be of the shredded paper variety or of the cellulose based fluffy type, although this is not recommended for young hamsters as it can become entwined around their teeth, or even impacted in pouches, necessitating a visit to your vet. It is recommended that a water bottle be used, with the spout fitted to the cage at the right height for your hamster to reach. (A dish containing water is easily fouled). About an egg-cupful of dry 'Hamster Mix' per day should be given (this does vary from hamster to hamster) and 'greens' introduced very gradually and in very small quantities.  Hamsters are Omnivorous,  which literally means they eat everything!  Dry food 'Hamster mix' from the pet shop is a reasonable basic diet but it can be supplemented with lots of other things. In small amounts fruits and vegetables are good, as are small amounts of meat and occasional chicken or lamb bones. Wholemeal bread is OK but DON’T feed very sugary things like cakes, sweets and chocolate which can cause very serious diarrhoea.

Most hamsters do not smell if they are cleaned regularly, say once a week. As they normally use one corner of the cage to wet in the sawdust in this corner can be changed more often if you wish. When cleaning, the sawdust and old food should be thrown away and the cage base washed and dried, avoid using any form of household cleaners. Place fresh sawdust in the cage, along with new bedding if necessary. Rinse the water bottle and fill with fresh water. Then give your hamster its daily helping of food plus a little extra for its store.

When choosing a hamster check that it is bright eyed and holds its ears erect. It should be free from open or healing cuts and should not bite when picked up. Ideally, a hamster should be between six and eight weeks old when bought and you should be able to handle it.

When you get your new pet home, please allow them at least 24hrs to settle into their new home. Remember, they can suffer from stress just the same as us, and this may make them more prone to illness or infection.

At this age they may be fast, like kittens or puppies, so care must be taken in the first few days. Always handle only a few inches above a secure surface in case the young animal should be scared and jump.

Hamster Care