Leuke Raadsels

How do you take care of your hamster?

How do you take care of your hamster?

Hamsters are small rodents and they have become popular small pets. The most popular pet is the golden hamster or Syrian hamster. Other hamster species that are also commonly kept as pets are the dwarf hamster, Campbell's dwarf hamster, the winter white dwarf hamster and the Roborovski hamster.

Your hamster is a dusk and nocturnal animal. He likes to sleep during the day. Dwarf hamsters are most active at dawn and dusk. A hamster has a sturdy body and large cheek pouches that reach up to its shoulders. It has a short tail and fur-covered feet.

Hamsters have scent glands on their flanks. Chinese and dwarf hamsters also have scent glands on their bellies. They rub this scent gland against the floor and walls to leave a scent trail. Hamsters are also very sensitive to high tones and can hear and communicate in the ultrasonic range.

Hamster in tunnel A special behavior of your hamster is hoarding food. He carries the food in his spacious cheek pouches to his underground hole. If his cheeks are full, they can make his head two to three times bigger.

Syrian hamsters usually live as pets for two to three years. Russian hamsters live for about two to four years as pets and Chinese hamsters for 2 1⁄2-3 years. The smaller Roborovski hamster often lives as a pet for up to three years.

What do you need to care for a hamster?


What cage is best for my hamster?

It's best to keep a single hamster per hamster cage. The cage for your hamster should be at least 70 x 35 cm in size so that your hamster can move freely.
A glass aquarium is also a great home for your hamster. Make sure there is sufficient ventilation at the lid. Make the cover from wire mesh, for example.
Make sure his cage is not in direct sunlight. Place the hamster cage in a place that is quiet and free from other pets such as dogs and cats. Make sure your hamster cannot escape.

What do you put on the floor of a hamster cage?

Hamster sawdust

Bedding: On the cover of his cage there should be a layer of at least 15 cm of hamster sawdust. This may seem like a lot, but hamsters dig large tunnels in the wild. It is best to use hamster sawdust as bedding. You can buy this at the pet store.

How often should I clean my hamsters cage?

It is best to clean the hamster cage every day. Remove old food scraps. Feed him fresh food. Remove dirty corners in the bedding. Change his drinking water.
Replace all the bedding in his cage every week. During this major cleanup, place your hamster in a safe container or other hamster cage from which it cannot escape. Do not use chemical cleaning agents when cleaning.

How much water does my hamster need?

Your hamster does not drink much water. But if he gets thirsty, it is important that there is always fresh water available. You better not use a scale. Use a water bottle and replace it every day to keep the water fresh, or up to once every three days.

What's the best food to give my hamster?

What's the best food to give my hamster?

Your hamster prefers to eat seeds, fruits and plants. Sometimes they eat insects. Give your hamster fresh food every day. Hamsters need pelleted food. Give your hamster enough food every day to fill both his cheeks.
Use a pottery or metal bowl. Use fortified pellets or block foods. With seed mixes, your hamster can be picky and select the tastier, less healthy items. Do not feed your hamster food that is for humans such as sweets, pasta, raw meat / fish, sugar and desserts.

Fresh foods and treats for your hamster

Your hamster loves carrots, cucumber, apple, banana, bell pepper, lettuce and celery. This is also very healthy for him.

Does my hamster need to have a hamster wheel?

Always give your hamster a hamster wheel. This allows him to lose his energy. He can also move more so that he stays healthy. There are several hamster wheels for sale. Metal wheels make the most noise. There are also flying saucer wheels and extra quiet hamster wheels. Give your hamster a hamster wheel of at least 11 inches.

Choosing toys for your pet hamster

Toys for your pet hamster

Make sure you have lots of toys for your hamster to play with. He loves to play with toys such as toilet paper rolls, empty tissue boxes, tubes, tunnels, PVC pipes.

Do hamsters like music?

Hamsters tend to like music that is instrumental and peaceful. This includes vocals and alternative. This music can even lull them to sleep as it helps them to relax.

Do hamsters like to cuddle?

Yes, hamsters love cuddles. Most hamsters like to be held, cuddled and played with now and then. Hamsters are known to even fall asleep in the laps of their owners.

What type of hamster is the friendliest?

Syrian hamsters are the most friendly once hand-tamed.