Shorthair Hamster

Basic Facts

Hamsters are one of the most popular pets. They are easy to care for, inexpensive to keep, and very entertaining. They are hoarders, and use their cheek pouches to stuff food into so that they can hide it for later. Hamsters are nocturnal and spend most of the day sleeping. They have a life span of two to three years.

Recommended Habitat

There are many options when it comes to housing your hamster. You can use cages, aquariums, or various Habitrail homes. Choose a size with plenty of room for a sleeping area, a feeding area, a bathroom area, and for exercise space. Using a water bottle will ensure clean, fresh drinking water. Make sure all tops and doors are secure, as hamsters are great escape artists. A hamster can run four to eight miles in one evening, so a wheel is also a good idea. Your pet will also appreciate a sleep den. Wood chips or corncob makes a good, clean bedding for the bottom of the cage. Spot clean the corners daily and wash the bottom of the cage, the food bowl, and the water bottle, weekly.

Care and Diet

Hamsters groom themselves, and do not need baths. You can brush the longer hair hamsters (called Teddy Bear hamsters). They usually wear down their nails, but you can clip them if they grow too long. Your hamster’s teeth are always growing, so you must provide chewing material. Clean wood, mineral blocks, or hard corncob are excellent for this purpose.

A good basic diet consists of Nutrablocks and hamster seed mix. Seed and nut treats and grains such as dry, unsweetened cereal and alfalfa or timothy hay can be given as treats. After the age of three months, fresh fruit and vegetables, in moderation, can be given for added nutrition and roughage. Make sue your hamster has fresh water every day. Vitamin supplements can be added to the water.

Special Notes

After bringing your new hamster home, allow him a couple of days to get used to you and his new home before picking him up. Do not disturb him when he is sleeping, and always wash your hands before and after handling. Provide exercise opportunities such as a wheel or hamster ball. Lack of exercise leads to an obese and unhealthy pet.

For more information, or if you have any questions, feel free to come and visit one of our experienced retail associates, in-store.

Required Supplies

appropriate cage
bedding
Nutrablock/seed
water bottle
bowl

Recommended Supplies

vitamin supplement
exercise wheel
alfalfa/timothy hay
sleep hut
book on hamsters

Optional Supplies

treats
hamster ball
Sox
hamster fluff
hamster grass