Pet Owner Guide to Caring for a Hamster

Live Animals

Pet Owner Guide to Caring for a Hamster

Hamster Facts & Tips

Size

Varies by species

Lifespan

Up to 3 years

Activity

Nocturnal (they like to be active at night and may nap during the day)

Noise Factor

Generally quiet (are capable of making several unique vocalizations)

Good with Children

Not recommended for young children

Behavior & Handling

Hamsters are nocturnal by nature –this means they like to be active at night and may nip during the day if disturbed.
Hamsters will chew. Use only ceramic or metal dishes. Water bottles are best as they love to borough, bowls will get dirty. Hamsters urinate and defecate where they eat- clean and disinfect bowls daily!
An exercise wheel must be provided in the cage for exercise. Provide the hamster with an exercise ball for out-of-the-cage fun!
When picking up a hamster always use a scooping motion and place your hand down in front/under them scooping them up from below opposed to picking them up from above.
Hamsters chew so frequently make sure to check the cage thoroughly for any holes that will allow the hamster to escape.

Diet

Pet Supermarket is here to help you choose the right food for your hamster.

A hamster’s diet should consist of:

75% square meal
10% dried hay, grains, seeds & dried veggies
5% fresh fruit/veggies (spinach, carrots,apples)

Avoid: chocolate or other candy, onions and uncooked beans.

They should always have access to fresh, clean water.

Caging & Environment

Hamsters are solitary animals and should be housed alone. Dwarf hamsters may be housed in pairs, but beware, they breed quickly!
Caging should include a hide area, food bowl, water bottle, and exercise wheel.
Bedding should be about 1” deep. Offer additional nesting material to satisfy the hamster’s natural gathering behavior.

Bring Home a New Pet Hamster

Once you've decided that a hamster is best pet for you and your family, it's time to visit your local Pet Supermarket. We have an assortment of hamsters in-store.

Special orders are also available for more unique options.