Hamsters are one of the most popular small pets for animal lovers. These tiny furry creatures are known for their adorable looks, playful nature, and love for activity. However, owning a hamster is not just about having a cute pet. It requires a lot of commitment, patience, and knowledge to ensure their health and happiness. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about owning a hamster, including different types of breeds, nutrition requirements, housing, mental stimulation, and some fun facts.
Types of Breeds
There are five main types of hamsters: Syrian, Dwarf, Chinese, Roborovski, and Campbell. Syrian, also known as Golden or Teddy Bear Hamsters, are the most popular breed and can grow up to 6 or 7 inches. Dwarf hamsters include Siberian, Djungarian, and Roborovski, which are all smaller in size and make great companions. Chinese hamsters are the smallest breed and are known for their agility and acrobatic skills. Campbell hamsters are social and can adapt well to living in groups.
Nutrition Requirements
Hamsters need a balanced diet that includes a mix of fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, and seeds. Offer them fresh veggies like carrots, broccoli, and cucumbers, and fruits like apples, bananas, and berries. However, avoid giving them citrus fruits as they are too acidic for their digestive system. Hamsters also need a source of protein, which can come from insects or meat. Make sure to feed them a small quantity of fresh food every day, and not just rely on food pellets. For quality food pellets, look no further than Oxbow's Hamster & Gerbil Food.
- 3 sources of high energy grains help provide energy for an active life
- Antioxidants and prebiotics help support whole body health
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors – just genuine, purposeful ingredients
- Contains 100% of your pet’s daily recommended vitamins & minerals to help support whole body health
- Formulated with the guidance of top veterinarians and nutritionists
Offer your hamster a selection of grass hay including: timothy, oat, orchard grass, or brome hay. Alfalfa is a legume hay which contains higher protein and calcium levels than its grass hay equivalents. Hay also maintains proper tooth wear, preventing malocclusion problems.
Housing
Hamsters love to dig, climb, and hide, so it's essential to provide them with a spacious and secure housing. The cage should be at least 24 x 12 inches and have enough height to accommodate a wheel and other accessories. Make sure the cage has enough ventilation and is cleaned regularly. Hamsters love to explore and create tunnels, so include a few toys and tunnels in their cage to keep them entertained. Providing soft paper bedding for your hamster will help them to stay comfortable and create a cozy environment.
- Odor Absorbent to minimize pet odors
- Moisture Absorbent for easy cleanup
- 99.9% Dust Free
- Pure, Never-printed Paper is soft, hygienic and safe
Mental Stimulation
Hamsters are curious animals and need mental stimulation to avoid boredom and anxiety. Offer them a variety of toys to play with, such as chew toys, tunnels, and wheels. You can also create a DIY maze or let them play hide and seek with treats. Spend some time outside their cage and handle them gently to let them feel comfortable and loved.
- Exploring – Satisfy your little one’s need to discover by providing ample opportunities to poke in and around toys to forage for treats and food.
- Playing – Pets also need to have fun just like us! Playing not only provides mental stimulation but also helps to build a strong bond between you and your furry friend.
- Chewing – Hamsters are excellent at chewing. They have cheek pouches that they use to store and hide pieces while they're not eating their pellets. If chewing were a sport, hamsters would be Olympic gold medalists - any hamster owner can attest to this.
- Hiding – A good way to make your hamster feel secure and safe is to place hiding accessories strategically, which supports their prey instincts.
Fun Facts
Hamsters are fascinating tiny creatures that have some unique qualities. For instance, they have pouches in their cheeks that they use to store food. They can run as fast as eight miles an hour, and they have excellent hearing and vision. Hamsters are also nocturnal, so don't be surprised if you hear them running on their wheel in the middle of the night.
Owning a hamster can be a rewarding experience, but it requires a lot of effort and love. By understanding different types of breeds, providing a balanced diet, giving them a spacious and secure housing, and offering mental stimulation, you can ensure your hamster's health and happiness. So why not get a little furry companion and bring some joy and love into your home! Stop in to our Small Animal Section for all of your Hamster needs!