Hamsters don't need much space compared with many pets, but they still need safe housing from which they can't escape, proper food, and exercise.
Housing
A hamster needs a safe home with a solid floor, deep bedding, and nesting material. This setup is similar to the underground homes hamsters use in the wild. Hamsters are very good at escaping, and once loose, they can be hard to find.
The enclosure should have enough room for nesting, eating, and exercise. It should be at least 6 inches (15 centimeters) high, though 8 inches (20 centimeters) or more is better because it allows deeper bedding. The cage should have no sharp edges and no wood parts that can be chewed apart. It should also be easy to clean, have good airflow, and stay at about 64–79°F (18–26°C).
Use a water bottle with a sipping tip. Food dishes should be sturdy and easy to clean. Ceramic bowls work well.
Choose bedding that is clean, safe, absorbent, low in dust, and easy to replace. Avoid cedar and pine because they can be poisonous. Paper bedding and shredded paper are good choices. For nesting, plain tissues or unprinted paper towels torn into strips work well. Don't use cotton balls or similar materials because they can catch on toes and cause injury.
A small nesting box made from sturdy cardboard or wood gives your hamster a place to sleep. Tubes and boxes with holes can provide fun places to explore, as long as they are large enough for the hamster to move through safely.
Hamsters are usually best housed alone. Adult females, especially, can be very protective of their space and sometimes fight. Except during breeding, single housing is the safest choice.
Household Hazards
People's homes contain many dangers for hamsters. They might chew electrical cords or furniture or crawl into small hidden spaces, like under appliances or inside vents. Because they're so small, hamsters are easy to step on. Dogs and cats can also hurt them. Always supervise a hamster outside its cage.
Diet
In the wild, hamsters eat both plants and animals. A commercial rat or mouse pellet containing 15–20% protein meets their needs. Extra vitamins are usually not needed.
Small amounts of fruits, vegetables, or commercially available treats formulated for rodents can be given, but treats should make up no more than 10% of the diet. Seeds should be limited because hamsters might eat them instead of their balanced pellets. Hamsters often store food in their cheek pouches or hide it in the cage. They also usually eat their own feces.
Fresh water must always be available. Clean the water bottle or bowl often, usually every day, and make sure the sipper isn't blocked.
Exercise
Hamsters need regular exercise to stay healthy. An exercise wheel can help, but it should have a solid (not wire) running surface to protect the their tiny feet and toes from getting caught. It should also be large enough for the hamster to use comfortably.
Exercise balls are another good option. If you choose one, make sure it's the right size, has good airflow, and is secure when closed. Even in a ball, a hamster can get into danger, so watch it closely and return it to its cage after a short time, especially so it can eat and drink. Never leave a hamster in an exercise ball unsupervised.
Tubes, boxes, and safe play areas can also encourage activity.
Temperament
Hamsters are active, curious, and interesting to watch. If handled gently from a young age, many become easy to pick up and less likely to bite unless startled. They should not be kept in groups because adults can become aggressive, even if they grew up together.
Because hamsters are nocturnal, they usually are awake at night and sleep during the day. Try to play with or clean around your hamster when it's already awake.
Because hamsters are small and delicate, handle them carefully. A safe way to pick one up is to place your hand under its whole body and lift gently, then use your other hand to help it feel secure.
For More Information
Also see professional content regarding care of hamsters.
