Hamster care!
Hamsters are not just adorable, they are a lot of work to care for!
And unfortunately, most information out there is completely false.
DISCLAIMER: THERE IS MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HAMSTERS THAT IS NOT PROVIDED IN THIS POST. PLEASE RESEARCH ANY ANIMAL BEFORE DECIDING TO GET ONE.
Living arrangements: hamsters are solitary. Some will say that drawfs can be kept together, and even though they technically "can" it still is extremely risky and not as simple as some would say. Please do not try this.
Pet stores will try and sell you an expensive, cheaply made plastic cage. Don't buy it! Hamsters require a lot of space! At least 450 SQ inches of unbroken floorspace is needed, but more is always better!
Levels are also not very safe for hamsters, they have poor eyesight.
Bedding: do not use pine, cedar or softwood beddings. They are dusty and can cause respiratory problems in all small animals. Avoid cotton bedding, and any bedding that has added fragrances or baking soda.
Eco earth bedding is only recommended as an added bedding, not a soul bedding as it needs to be moistest often to keep from getting dusty.
Toys: hamsters require toys to chew on and keep them excited! But there are a few you should avoid. Any edible log or hide. They contain pine shavings and can cause blockages. Any salt or mineral blocks! Hamsters do not require extra minerals, too many and they can get bladder stones. Safe toys include safe treated sticks, regular wooden chews, and even whimzee dog treats are great for hams!
Food: in the US, the only recommend foods are higgens sunburst and Vita garden. These should be paired with a mazuri lab block.
Wheels: wheels must be solid. No wire mesh or bars. Saucer style wheels should not replace a regular wheel, but they can be used as an extra. Proper wheel size is very important! If your hamster runs on a wheel that is too small, they can develop spinal damage.
Syrians require a 12" wheel. Young Syrians can use a 10" but you will have to move up time they are full grown.
Chinese hamsters need at least an 11" wheel
Drawfs can use anything between 6.5" and 12" never use a wheel smaller than 6.5"!
As always, research your babies please! ♥️
