Datasets:

gursi26

/

wikihow-cleaned

like 2

examine the hamsters cage . gather your cleaning supplies . remove your hamster . take out all objects in the cage . discard old bedding . wash every object that was in the cage . clean the cage itself . dry the cage and anything that was in it . put everything back together . schedule the next cleaning . keep up with daily cleaning . understand the risks of a dirty cage .

how to clean out a hamster cage

before you start to clean , you should take a look at the hamsters cage to see what state it is in . look for anything that needs cleaning at least once everyday , even if its not a scheduled cleaning day . cleaning your hamsters cage too often or too little can cause them undue stress , so make sure you are cleaning the right amount when needed . look for any droppings or wet areas in the bedding material . you can spot remove some areas . however , if there are a lot of them you should change the bedding . pick out any leftover food that your hamster may have left laying around the cage . change the water daily . if the bedding material has become soaked or damp near the water dispenser , you may want to change the bedding out . if the walls of the enclosure are looking dirty or smudged , it may be time for a full cleaning . if the cage smells you must clean it fully . hamsters have a very sensitive sense of smell and can fall ill if the cage is unclean or the air quality is too poor . before you get started cleaning , it is a good idea to assemble everything you will need . this can make the process much easier and less stressful for both you and your hamster . collect the following items to get startedwash cloth . this will be used for scrubbing and cleaning the cage and anything in it . disinfectant . you can use mild , antibacterial hand or dish soap . avoid harsh chemicals like bleach as these can harm your hamster . pet stores will often carry safe and approved cleaning solutions as well . new bedding to place in the cage after youve cleaned it . you wont be able to clean the cage properly unless you have removed your hamster from it . place your hamster in a secondary cage , exercise ball , or other safe enclosure while you work . handle your hamster gently as you remove them from the cage . cup your hamster in your hands , fully supporting their entire body . dont leave your hamster in the exercise ball for more than half an hour as they will need fresh air and a break from the activity . wash your hands before and after handling your hamster to protect both of you from spreading germs and getting sick . you can use regular hand soap for this . after you have removed your hamster and have placed them in a secure environment , you will need to take out any objects in the cage . leaving anything in the cage will make cleaning it more difficult and not as effective . remove all food and water bowls or dispensers . take out any toys or exercise equipment . the last thing you need to remove from the cage will be the bedding . the bedding is where your hamster leaves its waste , resulting in what can be a strong ammonia scent which can cause respiratory problems for your hamster . make sure to remove all of the bedding to make the most of the cleaning . you may want to seal the old bedding in a waste bag of its own to lock in any smells . although it may not appear dirty , you will want to clean every toy , exercise station , food and water bowls , and any other thing that is housed in your hamsters cage . clean them throughly to ensure that your hamsters house is as fresh as it can be . spray or soak cage items in your cleaning solution to disinfect them . use your washcloth to clean the cage items as throughly as you can . make sure to get all corners or any tough to reach spots . cleaning the cage is the main focus of the regular maintenance of keeping your hamsters home tidy and hygienic . make sure you clean every surface completely and throughly . hamster cages may vary in their construction , however , the same general cleaning tips apply to all types of hamster cages . use your disinfectant solution and cloth to scrub the cage clean . some areas may have bedding stuck to the cage wall . these may need to be scraped away or scrubbed vigorously to remove . soaking problem areas of the cage can help break them up and allow for easier removal . if your cage is a wire or mesh cage , make sure to clean each bar . some cages are aquariums and these will require you to completely clean each surface and corner . before you can put the cage back together , you will need to let the cage dry . adding new bedding before the cage is fully dry can cause the bedding to become wet , resulting in it needing to be cleaned again faster than normal . you can towel dry the cage and items if you want to hurry the process up . leaving the cage in the sun can help it dry faster . sunlight can also help to disinfect the cage , due to its uv light rays . once everything has been disinfected , cleaned , and allowed time to dry you can reassemble your hamsters cage . do a final check as you place items in the cage to make sure they are fully cleaned . place fresh , clean bedding in the cage first . put any toys or exercise equipment back in the cage , on top of the bedding . add fresh food and water to your hamsters bowls or dispensers and place them back in the cage . place your hamster back in the cage and allow it time to adjust and relax before interacting with it again . try giving it a few hours to get used to the cage again before interacting with it . keeping up with the cleaning of your hamsters cage will make cleaning it easier and will help keep your hamster happy and healthy . after you clean the cage mark the date down and schedule the next cleaning exactly one week later . regular cleaning of your hamsters cage is necessary . clean the cage fully at least once a week . marking down the cleaning schedule on a calendar can help serve as a reminder . once a week , you will want to fully clean your hamsters cage . however , this doesnt mean that you should clean only once a week . there are a few things you should do daily to help keep the cage as clean as can be in between more thorough cleanings . remove any visible droppings . remove , clean , and refill your hamsters water dispenser . take out any fresh food that your hamster didnt eat . add more bedding if needed . cleaning your hamsters home is an important aspect of maintaining your hamsters health . hamsters are sensitive creatures that require a clean home to stay healthy . if you neglect to clean your hamsters cage , you might be responsible for it falling ill . avoid some of the following illness that result from a dirty cage and keep your hamster healthypododermatitis affects the foot , causing raised red patches and results from extended exposure to urine and feces . wet - tail is an illness that is caused by stress , which a dirty cage can produce in your hamster . wet - tail is a serious disease that can kill your hamster . your hamster may also show signs of illness if it has a runny nose , weakness , or diarrhea .

let your dwarf hamster get used to his new environment . spend quiet time with your dwarf hamster . talk to your dwarf hamster . pick a good time to tame your dwarf hamster . wash your hands . lower your hands into your dwarf hamsters cage . lift your dwarf hamster up and let him explore you . hold your dwarf hamster each day . learn the difference between biting and nibbling . react properly if your dwarf hamster bites you . do not stick your hand in your dwarf hamsters cage .

how to tame a dwarf hamster

dwarf hamsters look cute and cuddly , so you may want to hold your dwarf hamster right away . however , when you bring him home , he will need some time to get used to his cage . give him a day or so to explore his environment and learn where things are in his cage . the more comfortable he is in his cage , the easier it will be for you to tame him . during this time , your dwarf hamster will also start learning your activities and movements around your home . as your dwarf hamster is adjusting to you and his cage , spend time near his cage without interacting with him . for example , sit by his cage and watch tv or read a book . he should be comfortable with your calm and quiet presence before you start taming him . once your dwarf hamster has settled in for a few days , start talking to him so he can get used to your voice . if you have a russian dwarf hamster , talking to him will be very important , since he cant see very well . when he knows your voice , he will be less likely to bite you when you pick him up . even if you dont have a russian dwarf hamster , your hamster will appreciate hearing the sound of your voice . when you talk to him , use a quiet and gentle voice . hamsters are nocturnal animals , meaning they are active at night . choose a time later in the day , such as after dinner , when he is most likely to be awake . if you notice he is just waking up , give him about 15 minutes to be awake before trying to hold him . if your dwarf hamster is sleeping , do not wake him up . if you do , he may be startled , think you are a threat , and try to bite you . wait until he wakes up on his own . before you handle your dwarf hamster , wash your hands to remove any food scents . if your hamster smells food on your hands , he will think your hands are food and nibble on them . use unscented soap to wash your hands . make a cup with your hands and slowly lower them into the cage . speak to him as you lower your hands so he knows you are there and are not a threat . do not make any sudden movements or loud noises as you place your hands in his cage—this could startle him . if your dwarf hamster is not readily walking onto your hands , consider putting some tasty treats in your hands to lure him to you . if treats dont work , try using a scoop or a large serving spoon . hold the item on the cage floor and let him walk onto it dont scoop him up . after you lift him out of the cage , transfer him to your hands . when your dwarf hamster is nestled comfortably in your hands , slowly lift him up towards you . if you can , turn his body in your hands so he is facing you . looking at you will help him feel less disoriented and scared about being lifted up . when you have him out of the cage , let him crawl on you . exploring you will help your dwarf hamster feel more comfortable with you . be as still as you can while he climbs and crawls on you . consider sitting or lying down so he can crawl on you more easily . taming your dwarf hamster requires daily practice . hold him a few times a day for 5 minutes each time . with daily practice , your dwarf hamster will become more tame and easier to handle . consider holding him at the same time each day . that way , he knows when to expect you . your dwarf hamster may bite or nibble on your hands as you tame him . a dwarf hamster will bite if he feels threatened or scared . he may also bite if hes bored in his cage or not feeling very well . nibbling is a dwarf hamsters way of testing and exploring things in its environment . your dwarf hamsters bite wouldnt be enough to cause bleeding , but it could startle you . a nibble would feel lighter than a bite . if your dwarf hamster bites you , blow in his face . this puff of air will be unpleasant to him but wont hurt him . hell get the message not to bite you anymore . even if the bite startles you , do not drop him—the fall could injure him . putting some more toys in his cage , such as empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls , can relieve his boredom and possibly stop the biting behavior . if extra toys or blowing in his face are not stopping the biting , take him to your vet for a checkup . russian dwarf hamsters can be very territorial . if you have a russian dwarf hamster , he may have a strong reaction to your hand in his cage and try to bite it , especially if he doesnt know youre nearby . be extra careful when putting your hands in his cage . your hand will look huge compared to his small body size . he will see your hand as a threat to his territory .

identify the sex of your hamster . note if she has been around any male hamsters . note the age of the hamster . rule out illness . look for a swollen belly . watch for nest building . see if she hoards food . look for signs that shes about to go into labor . take your hamster to the vet . do not ever touch the mothers belly to try to feel the babies . feed the mother a nutritious diet during pregnancy . leave the mother alone starting around day thirteen after mating . keep other hamsters in separate cages . do not handle the babies for two weeks . reposition sipper tubes . start placing solid food for the babies at 7 - 10 days . take the litter to the vet immediately if you notice the mother abandoning them .

how to know when your hamster is pregnant

it might seem obvious , but like humans , only a female hamster can become pregnant . most people will already know the sex of their hamster , but just in case you dont , visit how to sex a hamster for more information on determining whether or not your hamster is female . safely scruff your hamster hold it by the loose skin just above the shoulders firmly but without pinching , and turn the animal gently over to check its sex . males will have prominent testicles just around the tail that make their rumps bulge , whereas female will lack this and instead have much more prominent pairs of nipples on the underside . if youve always simply assumed that your hamster is female because it had a typically female name when you bought it , then you should probably check . note that if you think your hamster is pregnant due to a swollen belly , then shes already to a part of the pregnancy where you should refrain from touching her due to the stress handling causes in the late stages of pregnancy . the average length of a pregnancy for a hamster is 15 - 21 days , so your hamster would need to have been housed with a male hamster within roughly the last three weeks in order to be pregnant . if she hasnt had company in more than four weeks , then she cannot be pregnant . hamsters can start breeding from as young as 6 - 7 weeks of age . the only way to rule out pregnancy due to sexual immaturity of the hamster is if she is even younger than six weeks . this also means you need to be careful storing hamsters from a litter together once they approach six weeks old because they will start mating together . this includes any male hamsters with the mother . a swollen belly alone isnt nearly enough to identify a pregnant hamster . a swollen belly can actually be a sign of another illness or condition affecting your hamster . possible illnesses that may result in a pregnant appearance includepyometra , which is a womb infection that distends the hamsters tummy with pus enlarged internal organs such as the liver or spleen , which are likely the result of cancer heart disease , which can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the belly bowel problems distending the belly with waste due to improper food digestion you may notice other signs of sickness with several of these , including increased thirst her drinker may empty faster than usual , decreased appetite note if youre filling her food bowl less often , and loss of body fat usually over the ribs . this may have been your first indication that your hamster is pregnant , but in case it wasnt , watch to see if her tummy begins to grow . if shes eating , drinking , and exercising as normal and has had a chance to mate , then the swollen belly is a very probable sign she is pregnant . note that a hamster likely wont show her pregnancy until the final third of the gestation day 10 , so you may be less than a week away from her delivering the litter by the time you notice the bump . she will also have enlarged nipples around the same time her belly swells . however , enlarged nipples on a small hamster can be difficult to see , so dont worry if you cant spot them beneath the fur . handling her during the late stage of her pregnancy will upset her , though , so dont pick her up to look at the nipples . a pregnant female will want to build a nest late in pregnancy , so collecting bedding material together and taking it to a secluded place in the cage can be a hint of pregnancy . the pregnant female may start to eat marginally more than usual , and also hide more food away , perhaps in the nest . obviously , in itself this does not confirm pregnancy but it does help to build the overall picture . your hamster may become even more frantic in the very late stages of her pregnancy . signs of imminent birth include becoming restless and alternating between eating , grooming , and nest building . she may also hiss at you if you reach in . if all else fails , your vet will be able to help you identify whether or not your hamster is pregnant . however , your vet will also likely warn you that even being handled by a professional animal care provider can still lead to the environmental stress that may cause the mother to abandon or cannibalize the litter . if the swollen belly lasts longer than 7 - 10 days without your hamster giving birth or if she doesnt exhibit any of the other common behavioral traits for a pregnant hamster in this time , then take her to the vet anyway since she may be presenting symptoms of an illness rather than pregnancy . pregnant females are extremely sensitive to disruption , and if they feel stressed , they are highly likely to harm the babies when they are born . having a human feel her belly is definitely stressful to a female hamster , so it puts the health of the babies at risk . be extra sure that your hamsters diet is nutritionally sound to ensure the health of the babies . feed a diet she is familiar with , as sudden changes could upset her stomach . however , an ideal diet is pelleted rat or mouse chow since she cannot selectively eat around the healthy but less tasty bits . very small quantities of milk and cheese provide calcium for the done development of the litter , and they also help the mother in lactation once the babies are born . as an additional protein source , you can feed your hamster moderate amounts of hard - boiled egg , nuts , barley , and oats . though you must provide them in very small amounts or risk gastrointestinal problems , pregnant hamsters can benefits from the additional vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables , such as broccoli , cucumber , cauliflower , apples , grapes , bananas , and strawberries . female hamsters like to be left completely alone at least a couple of days before giving birth . this means that by day thirteen after mating , you should not even interfere with her cage or bedding . be as careful as possible when putting fresh food in with her as well . failure to do this could lead to cannibalization of the newborn babies . since you may not have any idea when the mother mated , consider that she usually starts showing the pregnancy around day ten after mating . in addition to a stressed mother hamster potentially cannibalizing her litter , other hamsters kept in the same cage can lead to the same result . to ensure the safety of the baby hamsters , begin housing other hamsters you have in separate cages as soon as you know for sure that the mother is pregnant . if hamsters kept in the same cage begin fighting despite usually getting along , this is also a sign that one of them may be pregnant if it appears in association with some of the other signs . during the first two weeks , the mother will recognize her babies by scent . if you handle the baby hamsters , even by accident , the mother may attack them . it is safe to begin handling them after roughly two weeks . this also includes accidentally transferring your scent from other handling of the cage . dont try to clean the cage during this period . remember that your water sipper is probably placed at a height for your adult hamster . reposition it if you need to so that the litter can also reach it to drink . though they wont be fully weaned until around three weeks , you can start placing solid food in the cage after 7 - 10 days . you can use a standard pellet diet , but soak the pellets in water first to soften them for the litter . especially if its the mothers first litter , she is more likely to abandon or cannibalize the litter due to environmental stressors . if this is the case , separate the mother from the litter immediately and take them to the vet . he or she will likely suggest a local rescue or animal hospital capable of helping care for the abandoned litter .

make the bulk of her diet carbohydrates and fats . serve up protein . be sure you offer a variety . offer treats in addition to a healthy diet . give a small piece of vegetable or fruit daily . offer hard dog or cat biscuits occasionally . try other treats . understand natural hamster eating habits . dont worry about overfeeding . keep fresh water in the cage .

how to make your own organic hamster food

she uses these for energy and to stay warm . while this is what she will eat most of the time , dont overfeed her on just this category or she can become overweight and ill . organic bird seed , unsalted raw sunflower seeds , dried corn , unsalted nuts , unsalted and unsweetened nut butters , cooked potatoes , and grains of all kinds are great sources of carbs and fat for her diet . your hamster requires protein from a natural source , and luckily you can find most of these options in organic , pesticide - free varieties in local stores . hamsters need about a teaspoon of protein - rich foods two or three times a week . you can feed your hamster organic chicken , turkey , or eggs to provide the needed protein for her diet . cook it thoroughly but do not season it with salt or pepper . do not serve it hot as it will burn the hamster . you can also serve your hamster live insects such as mealworms or crickets . you may have trouble finding organic varieties in pet stores , but you can find them from online vendors in select countries . other great sources of protein for your hamster also happen to be good sources of carbohydrates , like beans , barley , peas , nuts , oats , or wheat . in order for your pet to get the right blend of vitamins and minerals , be sure to offer fruits and vegetables in many colors and a variety of proteins and grains . keep track of what she eats and what she rejects . in some cases , if she rejects a particular food it is because she has enough of that particular nutrient in her diet and doesnt need it . if you find that your hamster rejects all of a particular category of food for instance , all sources of calcium , you might need to invest in a hamster health supplement to prevent deficiencies . these are available at large pet stores or online . think of treats as foods that you dont offer daily but that still play a vital role in your hamsters healthy nutrition . never offer any sugary or salted foods or processed human foods . these cant be digested properly by a small rodent and could be deadly . there are many organic produce options at your local grocery store that you can give to your pet . if you already eat an organic diet with your family , it is easy to buy a tiny bit more than you need and give a small piece to the hamster when you prepare dinner or lunch for your family every day . throw away what she doesnt eat so that it doesnt go bad in her cage . fruits like apple , banana , melon , or grapes are great choices , but you should not offer them too frequently because of the high sugar content . every few days is plenty . more frequently , try pieces of vegetables like cucumber , corn on the cob , carrot , peas , celery , broccoli , cauliflower , or beansprouts . dont offer citrus fruits like lemons , limes , or oranges , and dont offer onions , leeks , chives , or garlic . these types of food are too acidic and can cause stomach issues for small rodents . you should also never offer raw potato , aubergine , or avocado , which are toxic to hamsters . hamster teeth , like other rodents , grow continually and have to be filed down in order to not overgrow . hard biscuits made for dogs or cats are perfect for hamsters to keep those teeth from getting too long . dog and cat biscuits are both available in organic varieties online , or try your hand at making your own combine two cups of whole wheat flour , a cup of rolled oats , a tablespoon of dried parsley , and half a cup of powdered milk in a mixing bowl . add a cup of unsweetened peanut butter , two large eggs , and half a cup of water , and stir to combine . shape the dough into dog - biscuit sized logs and bake for about fifty minutes at 300 degrees fahrenheit . experiment by adding different types of seed or nut butters and other healthy additions like flax seed , millet , or different types of whole grain flour . your hamster may love some of your healthy foods like whole wheat organic bread , organic unsweetened cereal , organic scrambled eggs , and organic uncooked pasta . just remember not to serve any foods to your hamster with added salt or hot from the oven in the wild , hamsters are omnivores , which means they eat both meat and vegetation regularly . they forage for food and eat a diet consisting of a variety of seeds , insects , and plants . if you want to make your own hamster food , you have to be sure that you include nutrients from all of these categories , as well as a balance of carbohydrates , fats , and other vital nutrients . the best way to ensure that your hamster is getting all the right nutrients is to serve a diet that varies every day and includes grains , seeds , herbs , vegetables , protein , nuts , and treats . you can create a hamster mix using organic ingredients , or you can simply offer a small amount from each category of foods every day . be sure that your hamsters menu includes protein , carbohydrates and fats , vitamins , minerals , and water . the first four elements of a healthy diet will be discussed in more detail in the next step . for the most part , a hamster will not eat more than he needs to survive . most eat about a tablespoon worth of food every day , so be sure to add a steady supply of fresh food to his cage daily . hamsters will also instinctively eat more of what they need and leave behind some of what they dont . if your hamster always ignores particular food , offer less of it and more of what he eats . water is a huge part of a hamsters diet , and a hamster with the healthiest organic diet will still become dehydrated and die if she doesnt have enough water . dont neglect hydration in your pursuit of a healthy and organic diet . keep a hamster water bottle full of clean water in the cage . change the water every day . dont offer other liquids . hamsters will get plenty of fluids from fruits and veggies , but straight juice or milk is too strong and contains far too much sugar for a hamster .

gather your supplies . put your hamster somewhere safe . get rid of old materials . clean the cage . get in a routine .

how to disinfect a hamsters cage 1

being prepared is the first step towards giving your hamster a clean cage . make sure that you have two sponges - - one for cleaning and one for disinfecting . you should use a general household disinfectant for the cleaning . just make sure to thoroughly rinse the surfaces of the cage after cleaning . have paper towels or clothes handy so that you can dry the cage . use a brush to clean the corners of the cage . a toothbrush works well for getting into small spaces . you need to remove your hamster from his cage during the cleaning process . ideally , you should have a back - up cage for him to use while you clean . consider putting your hamster in a different room while you clean , so that the smell of disinfectant does not bother him . if you do not have a back - up cage , consider buying a different type of container for your hamster . a popular choice is a large ball made for hamsters to roll around in . check your local pet store for these items . make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling your hamster . this will get rid of any unfamiliar scents and let him get used to your natural scent . once you have safely relocated your hamster , you need to remove old materials from the main cage . your hamster cage should have a good supply of bedding material . popular choices are paper , pellets , or alfalfa shavings . empty all of the soiled bedding into the trash . empty the food and water containers , too . once the cage is empty , you can thoroughly clean it . using a clean sponge , use water and a disinfectant to clean all surfaces of the cage . make sure to follow all directions for the cleaning product you choose . use a small brush to get into tight corners . wipe down the cage with a clean , damp sponge after disinfecting . dry all surfaces of the cage with paper towels or clean clothes . add new materials . after the cage is clean and dry , replace the old bedding with new bedding . do not use cat litter or cedar shavings , as these can be harmful to your hamsters health . you should get in the habit of thoroughly disinfecting your hamsters cage once a week . make this a part of your weekly schedule . you should also do general maintenance to care for your hamster each day . every day you should remove wet or soiled bedding from your hamsters cage . you should also check daily to make sure that the cage is in good repair , with no holes or loose doors .

provide fresh food and water . clean the hamster ball . clean other toys . disinfect all materials .

how to disinfect a hamsters cage 2

when you are done cleaning the cage , make sure to clean the water bottle and the food dish . use the same method you used to clean the other parts of the cage , but use soapy water instead of disinfectant . once the containers are dry , place them back in the cage with clean water and a fresh supply of food . you can feed your hamster commercial food from your local pet store . provide about one teaspoon of the seed mix per day . use a ceramic food dish instead of a plastic one . ceramic is more resistant to chewing . place the food dish as far as possible from your hamsters bathroom corner . hamsters are creatures of habit , and also very clean . they prefer their food to be separate from other activities . many hamster owners purchase a clear plastic ball for their hamsters to roll around in . hamsters enjoy being able to move around and change their viewpoint . the ball is also a great place to keep your hamster safe while you are cleaning her cage . just make sure to keep it clean . make cleaning the ball part of your weekly routine . use a mild soap and water to cleanse inside and outside . make sure to remove any feces or scraps of bedding that got inside the ball . hamsters can be very active , so its a good idea to supply them with several toys . one of the most popular options is a running wheel . running wheels can be purchased at pet supply stores and make a great addition to your hamsters home . during your weekly cage cleaning , take a few minutes to clean the wheel . you can purchase either a plastic or metal wheel . both can be cleaned with warm water and a mild soap . take the wheel out of the cage for cleaning , so that you can easily access all surfaces . after you have washed all toys and dishes with clean soapy water , you should use a disinfectant on the toys . it is not necessary or advisable to use a disinfectant on food and water dishes . for the toys and the cage , choose a disinfectant carefully . you want a product that is strong enough to kill germs , but safe for your pet . it is a good idea to ask your vet for a recommendation . if you cannot find a suitable product , you can make your own disinfectant . make a bleach solution of 12 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water . apply this solution to all items that your hamster uses . after disinfecting everything , rinse with water . thoroughly dry all toys and accessories with paper towels or clean cloths .

give her a safe space . let him exercise . treat him with kindness .

how to disinfect a hamsters cage 3

hamsters like room to move , so make sure the cage is large enough . bigger is better , so get the largest cage your space allows . make sure not to place the cage near a direct heat source or in direct sunlight . you should also keep your hamster in the house , not the garage . the ideal temperature for a hamster is between 65 - 75 degrees . make sure that his cage is out of reach of other household pets who might view the hamster as prey . remember that hamsters are nocturnal , so you may not want to place the cage in your bedroom . hamsters like to move around . if possible , equip his cage with a wheel for him to run on . if you do not have a wheel , make sure that you take your hamster out of the cage occasionally so that he can roam around . always supervise your hamster when he is out of the cage . do not let him scurry under furniture or out the door . remember to be gentle with your hamster . try to avoid sudden movements or loud noises when you handle him . hamsters do like interaction , and you should make time to handle and talk to your hamster every day . provide him with a clean cage , toys , and healthy food and water to keep him happy and healthy .

add some sesame seeds and oats into the bowl . crush the cheerios in a bag . add the cheerios into the mixture . get your clean tablespoon and use it to drizzle the honey onto your mixture . mix it around . use your fingers to mould the mixture into small balls for your hamster to hold . heat the oven to 190c and put your treats in the oven for 5 - 10 minutes using a baking tray . when they are done , leave them to cool . keep them somewhere cool and feed to your hamster occasionally .

how to make quick and easy hamster treats

use them when they are in small pieces , but not dust . mix around . , this will take time and patience because many of the balls fall apart . put them on your plate . when you have finished , put the plate in the fridge for 10 - 20mins . , it doesnt matter if they are a little burnt

gather the ingredients and things youll need . crush the cheerios . add the peanut butter . add honey optional . put the mix in the oven . scoop . let harden .

how to make peanut butter hamster treats

you will need a tablespoon , a bowl , a teaspoon , a box of cheerios , peanut butter , and some honey if youd like . using a spoon , crush the cheerios and place them into a bowl . add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and stir until it forms a consistent mix . for extra taste , add about a teaspoon of honey if desired , then stir until it is mixed in with the rest of the ingredients . put the mixture in the oven for 10 minutes on 350 . pre heat the oven for about 5 minutes or until hot once youve removed the mixture from the oven , scoop it into little balls using a teaspoon . put them in the freezer for about 20 minutes to harden , then serve them to your hamster .

pick ingredients that are good for hamsters . avoid ingredients that are toxic to hamsters . make sure your hamster has a balanced diet . remove uneaten treats .

how to make hamster treats 1

supplementing your hamsters basic diet with treats is fine , as long at the treats you give it are good for it . these are foods that your hamster shouldnt eat on a daily basis but that are good to give it every once in awhile . some treats that are good to give a hamster includesunflower seeds alfalfa pellets spinach lettuce apples cauliflower carrots there are some foods that we keep in our kitchens that can be very bad for hamsters , as their digestive systems are not able to process them . foods to keep away from your hamster includechocolate candy junk food onions uncooked beans potato avocado while it is very fun to give a hamster treats that it is excited to eat , your hamster needs to eat a variety of foods . your hamsters main diet should be a commercial mix that is specially formulated to its dietary needs . treats , on the other hand , should be given as a small supplement to its main diet . give your hamster treats sparingly . there is a reason they are called treats . try giving your hamster just one or two treats a day to supplement its normal diet . for example , this means only a small chunk of apple and a small piece of carrot in a day . they really dont need much , if your hamster doesnt eat all of its treat , you should take it out to the hamsters cage . your hamster is likely to hide it , where it can become moldy and spoiled . hamsters like to hide their food , so an empty dish does not mean that they have eaten everything . when you clean your hamsters cage , be sure to be on the lookout for spots where they have hidden pieces of their food .

create a dry mix for your hamster . make healthy treats . understand the drawbacks of homemade food .

how to make hamster health food 1

hamsters should eat a dry mix of food made from a variety of fruits , vegetables , and legumes . if you want to make homemade food for your hamster , mix a variety of dried foods together . hamsters , like , humans need carbohydrates , proteins , and fats . these are known as macronutrients and allow the body to function properly . a combination of nuts , seeds , and low starch vegetables are important for a hamsters physical wellbeing . dry hamster food mixes sold at the store typically contain dried maize , peas , dried fruit , beans , barely , and alfalfa sprouts . you can find dried varieties of these foods at a local grocery store and mix them together for your own homemade hamster food . hamsters generally need 10 to 12 grams a day of their mix , but your hamster may need more or less depending on his size . watch for additives . one of the upsides to store - bought food is that its specifically made for a hamster . added ingredients in processed food made for humans can be dangerous to a hamsters health . go for organic products when feeding your hamster , avoiding foods high in preservatives , saturated fats , salt , and sugar . you should always enhance any hamster food youre using , whether store - bought or homemade , with a variety of fresh fruits and veggies . this creates a similar diet to what your hamster would eat in the wild . in addition to healthy food , you should make a variety of healthy treats for your hamster . hell be happier and more satisfied if he gets a reward on special occasions . you can make a fun pudding - like treat with banana , honey , raisins , and lemon juice . mash up a single banana and add a squirt of lemon juice . then , add a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of raisins . stir together and serve to your hamster . hamster biscuits can be made with nut spread like almond butter , cheerios , a variety of finely chopped veggies , fresh bread , sunflower seeds , and a small amount of cheese . spread a bit of your nut spread on the piece of bread . stick the cereal and veggies on top . then , press the cheese around the veggies to create a cover for the food . place in your hamsters cage . if you want to feed your hamster a homemade diet , talk to your vet first . most hamsters have store - bought pellets or mixes as the staple of their diet . such food is fortified with vitamins and minerals necessary to a hamsters health . discuss your desire to feed your hamster homemade food with your vet before you attempt to do so . you want to make sure your hamster stays healthy without store - bought food . if you have your heart set on making your own food , talk to your vet about vitamins and other supplements for your hamster . this way , you can give him homemade food while making sure hes getting all the nutrients necessary for his health . you could compromise and give your hamster a mix of store - bought pellets and grains in addition to homemade hamster food and treats .

wait for the right time to inspect the hamster . consider working over a large bowl or box lined with a towel . scruff the hamster . pick up and turn over the hamster .

how to sex a hamster 1

to determine sex , you are going to have to look at your hamsters hind end and underside . your best bet is to wait until the hamster is alert and relaxed to examine it . grabbing a sleeping or stressed hamster is a good way to get bitten . try giving your hamster a treat and some attention . hamsters dont like being turned upside down which is exactly what youre going to do so petting your hamster and making him or her feel at ease will help this process go smoothly . this will give the hamster a soft place to land if it squirms away from you . it will also keep your hamster contained at the same time , making sure that it doesnt fall and then run away . to safely restrain the pet , approach the hamster calmly , and do not startle it . place the palm of one hand over the hamster with your thumb and forefinger resting right above the shoulder blades . gently grasp the loose skin just above the shoulders between your thumb and forefinger to control the head and keep the hamster from biting you . do not pull on the skin or attempt to lift the animal by the scruff alone . do not grip the scruff too tightly , either , as this can pull back the eyelids and causes the eyeballs to pop out of the sockets . use the rest of the hand to support the animals body . using your free hand to support the weight of the hamster , lift the hamster and turn it over so that its body is resting in the palm of the hand you are using to scuff it . its entire body should be supported at this point .

gather ingredients . mix all ingredients . mold into the shapes you want . put the treats in the microwave for 4 minutes .

how to make hamster treats 2

when making treats for hamsters , its a good idea to combine their usual food with a few additional ingredients . this recipe as it is should make enough treats to feed to a hamster for several weeks , because they should be fed a limited amount of treats . a combination of these items will give your hamster a little thrill while also giving it excellent nutrition1 teaspoon sunflower seeds 3 tablespoons hamster food , including pellets and seeds 3 table spoons wholegrain flour 3 tablespoons hot water add all your dry ingredients into a small bowl and stir until well combined . then add the hot water and mix all of this together until it forms into a sticky consistency . the mixture should be stiff enough to mold into a loose shape . if the mixture is too watery , add in another teaspoon of wholegrain flour . remember not too big , as your hamster will have difficulty munching on a treat that is too big . depending on the size you make , this recipe should make at least a dozen treats . put all your small treats on a microwaveable plate when you are done shaping them . try shaping the mix into cute little shapes , such as hearts . this will make watching your hamster eat its treats even cuter . at the halfway point 2 minutes , make sure you turn the treats over . this will assure that they are fully cooked on both sides . cooking the treats cooks the flour and makes the treat solid . be careful when turning the treats over and removing the plate from the microwave . it will be hot alternately , you could bake the treat on a baking sheet for a few minutes at a low temperature . keep a close eye on them while they are in the oven , as the goal is for them to solidify but not to brown . let cool and then youre done

gather ingredients . preheat oven to 350 degrees . because you are using eggs with this recipe , its important to cook the treats thoroughly . grate veggies . beat one large egg in a cup or bowl . put approximately one tablespoon of veggies per cup in a mini muffin baking tray . pour beaten eggs over veggies . bake for 15 - 20 minutes . the egg treats are done when the egg is thoroughly cooked .

how to make hamster treats 3

the ingredients for this treat recipe can vary quite a bit . basically , you need an egg and a combination of fruits , nuts , and vegetables that your hamster loves to eat . combining several types of veggies will make the treat extra exciting for the hamster . fruits you could use include apples , bananas , and cantaloupe . nuts you could use include chestnuts , cashews , pistachios , sunflower seeds , and walnuts . vegetables you could use include broccoli , celery , corn , cucumber , and dandelion leaves . a well cooked treat will hold its shape and will not create a gloppy mess when the hamster tries to eat it . choose 1 cup total of 2 - 3 veggies you have picked out for your hamster . shred or grate them so that they become very small pieces . this will allow them to combine with the egg easily and will be easier for the hamster to eat . use whatever type of grater you have . if you dont have a grater , take the time to chop the veggies until they are very , very small . you need to beat the egg until the yolk and the whites are thoroughly combined . this will give your hamster egg treat the right consistency . you do not need to use an egg beater to beat the egg , although this does get the job done very quickly . instead , just use a fork to whip the egg until it is combined . the baking cups that work the best are made for baking mini cupcakes , because they only hold about two tablespoons per muffin cup . these baking cups will make your treats small enough to be hamster sized . it is best to use a non - stick baking tray , as its not a good idea to give your hamster a lot of oil or butter , which would be used to grease a traditional pan . cover the veggies completely with the egg . however , you should leave some room at the top of the cup , as the eggs will puff up when cooked . feel free to give each cup of veggies and eggs a little stir so that the eggs and the veggies are thoroughly combined . this may be hard to gauge but can done by sticking a toothpick or skewer into the center of one of the cups . if the skewer comes out clean , then the cups are cooked . let cool and serve , but remember to give your hamster a limited amount of treats every day .

collect ingredients . peanut butter treats combine peanut butter , the hamsters regular food , seeds , and a hamster chew stick . apply peanut butter to the chew sticks . this can be done simply by dipping the chews into a container of peanut butter or by using a knife to apply the peanut butter onto the chews . roll the peanut butter covered sticks in seeds and regular food . combine all the seeds and food that you are using for this project on a plate or other dish that will give you enough surface area to roll the sticks around . place sticks in freezer . place the seed and peanut butter covered chewing sticks on a plate or pan that will be ok in the freezer . give one of the treats to your hamster

how to make hamster treats 4

these sticks can be bought at almost any pet store . hamster chew sticks are made to wear down the hamsters teeth , so that they dont get overgrown . this is important for your hamsters health . the amount of ingredients you will need varies . if you just want to make one or two hamster treats , then you will only need one or two chew sticks , a tablespoon of peanut butter , and one or two tablespoons of seed and food mixture . this can be a messy process , so keep that in mind before starting . then place the peanut butter covered sticks into the seeds and food , making sure to cover the whole surface . you may want to lay the sticks onto the surface of the seed mixture , then grab some mixture in your hand , and then sprinkle the mixture onto the top side of the stick , this will allow you to make sure that all surfaces are covered evenly . then place the pan in the freezer until the treats are hard . this usually takes an hour or two , depending on your freezer . freezing the treats will make them easy to handle for your hamster . otherwise , they would be a gooey mess to make treat time more stimulating , you can tie the treat up so that it dangles in your hamsters cage . the hamster then has to do a little bit of work to get to it . this could mean the hamster has to be on its hind legs to get it or it has to climb in the cage to reach the treat . if you have made multiple peanut butter treats , keep the extras in the freezer you want them to stay firm for the next time you want to give your hamster a treat .

add additional fruit and vegetables . add seeds and nuts . consider dietary supplements .

how to make hamster health food 2

a healthy store - bought mix is great for a hamsters wellbeing . however , hamsters need fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to their regular food . non - starchy root vegetables and leafy greens are great for your hamster . try carrots , squash , broccoli , cauliflower , cucumber , lettuce , and spinach . always wash any produce before serving it to your hamster . in terms of fruit , go for apples , pears , bananas , and berries . provide your hamster only small servings of fruit . never give a hamster citrus fruit , like lemons or oranges . they can be toxic to hamsters . in addition to fruits and vegetables , hamsters need the healthy fats found in seeds and nuts . add things like sunflower seeds , cashews , almonds , and mixes of various seeds and nuts to your hamsters diet . hamsters tend to eat nuts and seeds fast because theyre drawn to fattier foods . you may be tempted to give your hamster more sunflower seeds because he seems to like them , but seeds are higher calorie in content . stick to feeding your hamster nuts in moderation and do not feed him more simply because he finishes a serving . if you choose a high - quality hamster food , your hamster should get all the vitamins and nutrients he needs . however , many hamster owners grind up vitamins and mix them into their hamsters food . this might help your hamster have better overall health . if youre concerned about your hamster getting all his necessary nutrients , look for vitamin , mineral , and calcium supplements safe for rodents at your local pet store .

watch for diarrhea or constipation . avoid overfeeding your hamster . talk to a vet about your hamsters dietary needs .

how to make hamster health food 3

if youre feeding your hamster homemade food , you want to keep an eye on his droppings . hamsters can have sensitive stomachs and certain foods may not sit well with them . if you notice your hamster is experiencing diarrhea , try altering his diet . if youve recently started feeding him a particular type of food , remove that from the mix and see if it helps . when using homemade food , it can be tough to judge how much is enough for your hamster . as stated , most hamsters eat about 10 to 12 grams of a dried food mix a day . invest in a small scale for your kitchen and try to feed your hamster around that much . if your hamster gains or loses weight on a homemade diet , talk to your vet . your vet can give you advice on how to alter your hamsters diet to make sure hes getting enough food . before starting any new feeding regimen with a hamster , talk to your vet . hamsters need specific vitamins and nutrients to be healthy . if youre trying to make food yourself , youll need some professional guidance . you want to make sure your hamster can live a long , full life .

assess the size of the hamster . look at the hamsters underside , near where the tail is located . examine your pets abdomen for nipples , and assess the area just under the tail .

how to sex a hamster 2

males are generally larger than females . if you dont have another hamster to compare with , than this may not help you determine the sex of your hamster . however , if you have other hamsters , you can compare their sizes . while this is not a definitive test , it will give you a good idea whether your hamster is male or female . when you look at an older male hamster from above , you may notice that his back end is more pointed and hiked - up , whereas female hamsters have a rounded bottom . hamsters usually reach sexual maturity by around 35 days of age , and in adult hamsters , sex differences are often fairly easy to see . males have prominent testicles that make their rumps bulge and take on an almond shape , while females have fairly blunt rear ends . , if you see testicles , it is male . if you do not see testicles and can see prominent nipples , it is female . females have six prominent pairs of nipples . in dwarf hamster species , the male also has a very prominent scent gland . in the mature male , this gland usually has a noticeable yellow color and is located in the umbilical area . this area is in the middle of the abdomen about where you would expect a belly button to be . if you cannot tell whether you have a male or female hamster , the animal may not be sexually mature yet .

locate the two openings on the underside of the hamster . assess the distance between the anus and the urogenital opening . recheck the hamster at another time if you are still not sure .

how to sex a hamster 3

these usually look like small pink circles and may appear slightly raised around the edges . the anus is just under the tail , and the urogenital opening , the location of the urinary and genital organs , is above the anus toward the center of the abdomen . sex differences are more difficult to spot in very young pups , but it is possible to sex a pup by looking at the distance between its anus and its urogenital opening . in females , the openings are very close together . you may actually have trouble telling them apart so that the urogenital opening , which in this case is the vulva , and the anus almost seem to be a single opening or structure . in males , the openings are farther apart , so there is very clear separation between the anus and the urogenital opening . you may also see small swellings in the groin area if you have a male . these are the growing testicles . if you can only find one opening , especially if it seems rather large , you should suspect you are dealing with a female , but recheck the animal often or consult an experienced exotics veterinarian just in case you missed the second opening . this opening can be subtle in a very young male , especially if the animal you are working with is a tiny dwarf hamster . the most common pet hamsters , syrian hamsters , are solitary and need to be kept in individual cages , so early sexing is not very important . dwarf hamsters , on the other hand , are kept in single - sex groups . if you have pups in a single - sex group , you need to recheck them often until sex is obvious . this will help you avoid accidental pregnancies in your group .

mix flour and water until it forms a paste which isnt sticky . take a little piece of the dough and flatten it into a pizza shape . crush up your raspberries . put some of the sauce onto the pizza . add the yogurt . cut up some tiny pieces of carrot and use them as the topping . feed to your hamster

how to make homeade pizza treats for your hamster

if its too dry , add more water . if its too sticky , add more flour . do this until you are happy with the paste . , this is going to be your sauce .

research hamster cages . buy a big cage , as big as possible , or , use a second - hand cage . decide where to put the cage . buy a wheel . buy a water bowl or a bottle . decide whether to get a food bowl or scatter - feed . choose a house for your hamster . buy some toys . choose a substrate . choose some nesting material . make sure you have enough and change it regularly . keep adding new things to stimulate them . handle your hamsters daily . give your pet a weekly home check - up .

how to set up a hamster cage

first of all , you need to think about what kind and size of cage you need to make your hamster as happy and content as possible . the minimum amount of floor space required for hamsters is 360 sq inches . keep that in mind , as most pet stores sell hamster cages that are far too small and costly . bin cages are cheap and big look up how to make a hamster bin cage and a lot of videos and articles will show up . they are easy and cheap to make , and definitely worth the time . be sure that whichever cage you choose it is one which has a solid floor so that you can provide ample bedding material for digging and burrowing . wire or mesh floors can also cause a painful disease called bumblefoot . connecting many smaller cages that end up being 360 sq . inches doesnt count , as is done in habitrail ovo or crittertrail . hamsters run miles and miles in the wild , so they need a continuous running space , not a lot of tiny compartments connect together . syrian and chinese hamsters can not be kept together in one cage as they are very territorial and will fight . they could seriously injure or kill each other . there are three most popular minimums , and although it is not the law , you should get a cage that is big enough . the american minimum is on the small side . the german minimum is best , but the rspca minimum will do . you cannot connect multiple smaller cages to make the minimum , as hamsters need the space to run around as they would in the wild . the minimums are americanhamster hideout forum minimum - 360 sq . in rspcaunited kingdom minimum - 80x50cm german minimum - 1 sq . m although recommendations vary , the basic principle is the bigger the better . its best to start with a new cage , but if you buy or use an old one , clean it with mild baby soap , and rinse throughout . to take away the smell of the of the previous occupant , you can also use a mixture of white vinegar and water but only do this occasionally . you can also get some pet - safe disinfectant spray or wipes you should take care when deciding where you will put the cage , as this will contribute to the overall wellbeing of your hamster . you want to avoid extremes of heat , so keep it out of direct sunlight and dont put it next or a radiator or other heat - source . equally , dont put it somewhere very draughty . if you dont want to keep it in the house you can put it in a frost - free garden shed or garage , but provide more bedding if you do this . hamsters are very sensitive to light and high - frequency sound . dont put it in a room that will have lights going on and off at night , and keep it away from things such as televisions , computer screens , sources of running water and vacuum cleaners . these generate ultrasound which can be distressing for hamsters . if you have a wire cage and want to avoid your floor getting too messy from the flying substrate , cut down a cardboard box , which the cage can comfortably sit in with a few centimetres of clearance around the sides , so that its sides are not higher than 10cm , and place it in that . hamsters are very active and need lots of things to exercise in their cages , getting a wheel is a good place to start . dwarf hamsters need a 6 . 5 - 8 inch wheel and chinese hamsters need an 8 inch wheel . larger hamsters , including syrian hamsters need a 12 inch wheel . its very important to get a wheel that is big enough for your hamster . flying saucers cannot replace a normal upright wheel , as it encourages an unnatural way of running . never use barred or mesh wheels , as your hamster can trap a limb or get bumblefoot . one way to tell if it is too small is to look to see if your hamster is running with an arched back , like a smiley face . if they are , then the wheel is likely too small . if you buy a bottle , buy a good one that doesnt leak too much . if you get a bowl , buy something like a small bendy log bridge to put over it so that your hamster doesnt bury it or get wood shavings in it , or you can place the bowl on a small shelf . using a bowl enables you to keep a good track on how much they are eating , and can be cleaner and easier . however , using scatter feeding brings out the hamsters natural foraging skills . if you have a pair of dwarves , then scatter feeding is advisable as it can prevent fighting . if you have a chinese hamster note not dwarf hamsters . despite what a pet shop may have told you , theyre solitary like syrians , even the males or a syrian hamster then it is advisable to get a food bowl so that you can check their eating habits . if you get a bowl , buy a small one so it doesnt take up too much cage space . most houses are suitable for dwarf hamsters and chinese hamsters , but many are much too small for a syrian hamster . bendy bridges can be turned into lovely cave - style houses if you bury them under the substrate some hamsters make nests , but they need somewhere to hide and store food anyway . hamsters are very energetic and need lots of toys . make sure to get chews as their teeth never stop growing hamsters love toys that they can climb and hide - and - seek style toys . get some tubes , too - theyre no replacement for digging but hamsters love running through them make sure that theyre big enough , though - many tubes arent big enough for syrian hamsters . also check that they have ventilation , as if they are long tubes your hamster may have trouble breathing in them . the substrate is the disposable material you fill out the bottom of your cage with . its important to get a good one as it will absorb your hamsters urine and be what they dig into . there are a number of options other than the traditional wood shavings or sawdust , and some specialist websites have reviews of different types . stay away from substrates such as pine or cedar , as they can cause severe respiratory problems use 6cm , or 3in , or more of substrate , as hamsters love to dig . carefresh is a nice bedding and so is aspen . , as well as substrate , getting some separate bedding or nesting material is important . while bedding is like the carpet , nesting material is like the blankets . avoid material that can separate into small strands like fluffy bedding and cotton wool . this can cause serious problems for your hamster through ingestion . they could also become entangled and get a limb trapped . their instincts would be to pull on the limb until it was dislocated , although some very desperate hamsters have been reported to chew their own limbs off and die of blood loss shredded tissue paper , in this case , is the best nesting material . its good to have a nice stock of substrate and bedding at home , so you are prepared and can change it regularly . you will need to keep a close on the cage and keep it clean . its recommended to scoop out substrate that is wet from urine every week , called spot cleaning , which will only take a few minutes . the amount of times you clean your cage completely will depend on how large your cage is . 1000 sq . inches or larger cages can withstand a year or more without a full cage cleanout , but smaller cages may need to be cleaned once a month . its a good idea to have a regular cleaning schedule , as your hamster could be distressed if the cage is cleaned too often or too seldom . spot clean the cage to remove poo daily to prevent wet - tail . in addition to keeping the cage clean , its important to keep it refreshed with toys and things to chew on and dig in . try giving them empty cereal or granola bar boxes with the printed outside removed to prevent exposure to inks . hamsters like empty toilet - paper tubes , too , and will love to play in them until they chew them to shreds . hamsters love attention they each have their own personalities , but handling them regularly will help you get used to each other . but of course , you should be careful at all times . for example , dont hold them by the legs and wheelbarrow them . it strains their little legs and can hurt them or in severe cases break their limbs . make sure you give them a chance to get comfortable with their new cage before handling them . moving into a new cage is a big event for a hamster and they will be more interested in human attention once they are happy . its crucial to provide a good environment for your hamster , but you can also check on their health by listening to their breathing , and if there is wheezing call a vet . check their paws for lacerations check their teeth check their skin to see if there are any signs of flaky or irritated skin . make sure their nose is dry and their eyes clear . you may consider weighing them to see if theyre gaining or losing weight , which could tip you off to problems .

use natural wood . avoid sticks you find in your backyard . avoid woods that contain oils . decide how many chew sticks you want to make . cut your skewers . cut the skewers in half . create bunches of 3 skewers . create hamster safe glue . glue the skewers together . allow the chew sticks to dry overnight . give your hamster his chew stick . replace the chew sticks . observe your hamsters reaction to the sticks . try giving your hamster dog biscuits . give your hamster a paper towel tube . use hard cereal .

how to make hamster chew sticks

it is important that the wood you use to make the chew sticks is unpainted and untreated . chemicals found in paint and pesticides used to treat some wood could be extremely toxic to your hamster . skewer sticks , that you can typically purchase in your grocery store , offer a good option since you know they are safe for human use , which means they are also safe for your hamster . chew sticks purchased in a pet store are typically made of balsa , so if you want something similar to what you find in the pet store , search for those . if you want to use natural wood from the outdoors , clippings of small twigs from fruit trees are safe for hamsters . however , you should be certain that the tree was not treated with chemicals or pesticides . while it is safe to give your hamster fresh clippings from fruit trees , avoid using wood you find laying around on the ground outside , which could contain parasites that can harm your hamster . certain types of wood , such as cedar and pine , can contain oils that are harmful to the hamster respiratory system . choose wood that is oil free . also avoid wood from the yew and oleander tree as these are poisonous for hamsters . you will need to create bunches of 3 skewers in order to make the sticks thick enough to be interesting for your hamster . with a package of 20 skewers , you can make about 13 chew sticks . it is important to remove the pointy ends of the skewer . use a very sharp knife or a pair of gardening scissors to snip off the pointy ends . your hamster will like the chew sticks better if they are shorter , and thus easier to grab . cut each skewer in half using the gardening scissors . eventually , you will glue the sticks together , but begin by laying 3 skewers next to each other on a piece of parchment paper or cutting board . it is important that the glue you use to hold the sticks together is safe for your hamster . a safe glue can be made by mixing together 12 cup white flour and 12 cup water until a thick paste is formed . if you want to make your chew sticks more interesting for your hamster , add a splash of fruit juice such as apple , blueberry , cherry , peach or mango to the glue . additionally , you can also add tiny bits of dried fruit to the paste . generously coat each bunch of skewers in the glue using a paint brush . you will want to allow the sticks plenty of time to dry so that they do not fall apart inside your hamsters cage . you might also want to coat the other side of the sticks in glue . if so , wait until the first side is dry , then flip each bunch over , and repeat the process of brushing on the glue . in the evening , when your hamster is most active , give your hamster a few of the chew sticks . when you see that your hamster is no longer using the chew stick , if it has been completely worn down , or if it is damaged , give your hamster a new chew stick . do not leave old chew sticks in your hamsters cage as he might injure himself with the sticks . does he seem to use them frequently or does he ignore them if your hamster does not enjoy using the sticks , you should search for alternatives in order to keep your hamster healthy . try rubbing the sticks with a carrot . rubbing the stick with a carrot coats the stick in a flavor that hamsters enjoy . coat the stick with a bit of honey . coating the stick in honey shows your hamster that the stick is something he can and should eat . however , do not use this trick often , as your hamster may refuse to use the stick unless it has honey on it . hamsters can be susceptible to diabetes if they consume too much sugar . shave off the outer layer of the stick . using a small , sharp knife , wittle away the top layer of the stick . this releases a strong wood scent that may be appealing to your hamster . if your hamster does not enjoy the sticks , it is safe to give him dog biscuits as long as they do not contain garlic . this offers a good option for chewing , and hamsters also love to crawl inside the tube . thus , this option offers more than one activity for the hamster . in a pinch , you can also give your hamster a cereal such as rolled oats to chew on .

create a milk substitute . offer hard food . provide fresh food . put canned dog food in a bowl . provide the droppings of an adult hamster . provide a clean and warm environment .

how to make baby dwarf hamster food 1

purchase kmr , a milk substitute generally used for kittens , at your local pet store . put the kmr in an eye dropper or syringe for feeding . feed the hamsters around the clock , approximately three drops per serving . alternatively , you can use a mixture of 50 warm water and 50 evaporated milk . heat up the water in a tea kettle and stir together with a spoon before giving it to the hamster . test the mixture with a thermometer . it should be approximately 90 degrees fahrenheit . the feeding schedule for a baby will be very labor intensive . start with two drops every half hour , night and day . when the pup is about 12 days old increase this to three drops every half hour . after it is two weeks old , switch to . 5 milliliters every hour . stop this regimen after 21 days . for hard food , soak pellets in water so that babies can eat them . immerse them in water and stir them they until they appear soft . drain them and place them in a dish in the cage . to make them extra nutritious , sprinkle powdered milk on top of the pellets . alternatively , provide some small seeds like millet , and some wheat germ . the hamster might well refuse hard food until it is about three weeks old . when it does take hard food , begin weaning it off of milk . good fresh foods include finely broccoli and apples . apples will also help keep the hamsters hydrated . mash up canned dog food made from either beef or chicken . be sure that it is sufficiently mashed so that there are no large , hard chunks in it . this will provide a much needed source of protein for the hamsters . alternatively , for protein you can mash up a hard - boiled egg . baby hamsters will eat the droppings of adult hamsters . this is actually important to their health because it , provides them with the bacteria to process their foods . if a baby is over ten days old , it might be able to survive without its mother , but will need a suitable environment . clean the cage thoroughly in case the mother was ill . you will need to make a nest by shredding some toilet paper . normally the babys mother would keep it warm with its body heat . you will need to keep the cage in a warm place . alternatively , you can place a heading pad under the cage and set it on a low heat setting . normally a mother would encourage its baby to urinate and defecate . you will need to do this after each feeding . rub the genital and anal area with a warm , damp cloth .

make sure you have the following cage , water bottle , food bowl , paper based bedding no sawdust or shavings such as pine or cedar - although many places do say this is fine , this is outdated information and this type of bedding is not safe and an cause respiratory problems . check that your cage is big enough - hamsters need space . spread the bedding all over the floor , making is deep so the hamster can burrow in it . assemble all toys , the wheel etc . next fill up the water bottle and put it in the cage . put 1 tablespoon of food in the food bowl and place inside check for safety errors , i . e sharp corners on the edge of a toy etc . carefully introduce your new hamster to his new home . watch him explore make sure to leave your new hamster alone for a few days before interacting with them .

how to prepare a hamster cage

wooden toys such as bendy bridges etc , and a safe wheel - no wire or mesh wheels as these are unsafe . make sure it has solid base to avoid injury . make sure the cage is minimum size of 360 square inches , but the bigger the cage the better to keep your hamster stimulated and happy . , try to change the water at least every few days . ,

look for a cage that is large enough for your hamster . buy separate cages if you have more than one hamster . make sure the cage can fit the necessary supplies . go for a cage with glass or plastic walls . make sure the wire spacing on the cage is small . check that the cage has a solid base . look for a cage that is more horizontal than vertical . make sure there are no chewable materials in the cage . put bedding at the bottom of the cage . include the necessary accessories . place the cage in an area that blocks out noise .

how to select a hamster cage

hamsters do well in cages where they can move around , burrow , and run on a hamster wheel . you should opt for a cage that is at least 23 inches 60 cm in length by 18 inches 45 cm in width and at least 12 - 16 inches 30 - 40 cm in height . this will ensure your hamster has enough space to be comfortable in the cage . a larger cage will also require you to clean the cage less often , as there will be less ammonia build up in the cage from your hamsters droppings and urine . many hamsters are also less stressed and compulsive if they are housed in a large cage . if you have a baby hamster or a young hamster that is still growing , you should still opt for an adult hamster sized cage . this will ensure your hamster is comfortable in her cage once she is full grown . if you own more than one hamster , you should opt for buying separate cages for each one . hamsters are quite solitary and will often fight each other if they are caged together . you may decide to buy containers in bulk to save money and to ensure you have enough cages for each hamster that you own . when you are buying a hamster cage , you should also consider if the cage can fit all the necessary supplies you need to provide for your hamster . you should be able to fit a hamster wheel , a food bowl , and small tunnels or tubes in the cage , with room to spare . if you think the cage is going to be too crowded with the necessary supplies as well as the hamster , you may need to go for a larger cage . there are many different types of hamster cages on the market , including cages that have glass or plastic walls . you may opt for a cage that has plastic or glass walls and a wire top to ensure there is enough ventilation in the cage for your hamster . a cage that is made completely of plastic or a cage that is made of only glass , like an aquarium cage , can end up being too suffocating for your hamster . going for a cage with a mix of materials can ensure it is more comfortable and safe for your hamster . if you decide to go for a more traditional wire cage , you should make sure the space between the wire is small enough to keep your hamster in her cage . the spacing should be a ½ inch or smaller if you have a syrian hamster to ensure your hamster does not escape . make sure there are no gaps in the cage that are larger than ½ inch and that all the bars are evenly spaced . you should avoid getting a cage made entirely of wire if you have a dwarf hamster , as they are very good at squeezing themselves through small spaces . instead , opt for a cage that is made of plastic or glass . if you live in a colder climate , you may opt for a plastic or glass cage instead of a wire cage . wire cages do not provide very much ventilation in cold weather so they may not be ideal if you live in a cold home or a cold climate . avoid cages that have a wire floor , as this can be uncomfortable for your hamster to walk on and could lead to injuries from falling through the spaces . the base of the cage should be made of solid plastic so it is easy to clean , with a fairly deep bottom . you can always cover up a wire bottom with a solid piece of cardboard or cardstock . but this will make it more difficult to clean the floor and you will likely need to replace the cardboard or cardstock every time you clean the cage . hamsters enjoy climbing but they often have a hard time getting down from vertical spaces . you can minimize injuries from climbing by going for a cage that has more horizontal space than vertical space . make sure there is a lot of horizontal flat space for your hamster to run around in the cage . you should also look at the design of the cage door to make sure it is large enough for you reach your hand inside and touch any part of the cage . this will make it easier for you to clean the cage . you should test the door of the cage to ensure it is secure . tug on the door from the outside to check that it is hard to open , as you do not want your hamster to be able to escape out the front door of the cage . you should look at the design of the cage and the materials in the cage to ensure there are no materials that are going to be easy to chew on for your hamster . go for a cage that has rounded corners and no sharp or jutting ends in the cage , as these will likely be chewed by your hamster . avoid having any cardboard in the cage as this will be chewed up by your hamster in no time . you should also avoid plastic items in the cage , as these may be chewed by your hamster as well . to prepare the cage for your hamster , you should put down bedding that is clean , absorbent , and nontoxic . avoid using cedar chips or fresh pine materials , as these can be toxic . shredded paper and processed corn cobs are ideal bedding materials . you should lay down 1 - 2 inches of bedding at the bottom of the cage . you should also include nesting materials in the cage , such as plain white facial tissues or paper towels cut into strips . avoid using cotton balls , as it can be dangerous for your hamster . you should set up a small food bowl in the cage and a water bottle that attaches to the outside of the cage . the water bottle should have a small feeding top that your hamster can reach easily and drink from . you should include a nesting box in the cage for your hamster to burrow in . use a wood box , as cardboard can be chewed on by your hamster . you may add old toilet paper tubes in the cage to give your hamster something to play with as well as tunnels or tubes made of paper . avoid plastic tubing , as your hamster is at risk of getting stuck in these and suffocating . put in a plastic or metal hamster wheel for your hamster to run on at night . providing a hamster wheel can ensure your hamster stays entertained and active . bear in mind that hamsters are nocturnal and will make noise at night , so your bedroom may not be the best place for the cage . instead , you may opt to place the cage in your living room or in a side room that is far from your bedroom . look for a spot on a table or a solid ledge that will help to buffer any noises your hamster makes at night so you can get a good nights sleep . make sure the cage is placed in an area that cannot be easily accessed by other pets you may have , such as a cat or a dog . if you have small children , you should find a spot for the cage that is not accessible to your children without your supervision . you should also keep the cage out of the sun , as hamsters are nocturnal and they will sleep through the day . place the cage in an area away from direct sunlight , but not close to a window , as this can make the cage too cold .

increase moms protein intake . give mom vitamins for her milk . find an adoptive mother .

how to make baby dwarf hamster food 2

hamster mothers require 60 more protein than normal to make the milk necessary to keep baby hamsters health . feed the mother hard - boiled egg , cooked but unseasoned beef and chicken , and mealworms . allow a nursing hamster mom to have as many sunflower seeds as it wants . also give her broccoli , sweet apple , cantaloupe , and peas . it is important that a mother be able to pass down substantial amounts of folic acid , vitamin a , and vitamin e to the babies through her milk . if a hamster is less than ten days old , it will probably die without mothers milk . for that reason , it is imperative that you find a mother to adopt the infant . the mother , however , will only adopt a baby hamster if it believes that the baby is its own . you will need to trick the mother , else it turn against the baby and kill it . begin by warming up the baby hamster . take it in your hands with a small towel . begin rubbing the baby gently with the towel . when rubbing the baby , be sure to remove all remnants of its mothers nest . any outside smells will alert the new mother to the fact that the baby is not its own . take some of the nesting material from the mothers cage and rub it over the baby to make it smell familiar . convince the mother to step away from its babies . try giving it a treat . when it is away , put the adoptive babies with the nest with mothers natural born babies . be sure that the mother does not see the other babies being put into its nest .

feed the babies soggy pellets . offer small seeds . sprinkle some wheat germ . lower the water source .

how to make baby dwarf hamster food 3

commercial produced pellets provide a good , nearly comprehensive source of nutrition . however , babies will have difficulty eating hard pellets . about ten days after birth begin feeding the hamster pellets . immerse them in water and stir them they until they appear soft . drain them and place them in a dish in the cage . hamster moms dont begin weaning children off of their milk until they are ten days old . for dwarf hamsters , the process of weaning will be over within three weeks . from ten days to three weeks old , you should begin feeding the babies progressively more . by three weeks after birth , you will be providing all of the nutrients for the babies . seeds are an ideal source of nutrition for hamsters , but babies are not prepared to eat large seeds . place a sprig of millet in the cage for the babies and their mother . pulling the seeds from the sprig will provide a source of entertainment . wheat germ can be purchased at most grocery stores . sprinkle it around the nest . use uncooked and unrefrigerated wheat germ . baby hamsters should have unimpeded access to water at all times . in order to do that , the water bottle must be low enough that the babies can reach it . consider placing a water dish directly in the cage at first , because the babies can inhale too much water from a hanging bottle . at the same time , you need to be sure that the tube does not touch the bedding where the babies sleep .

create a milk mixture . feed your hamster the milk mixture . wean your hamsters from milk .

how to make baby hamster food 1

ideally , mothers will nurse baby hamsters for the first month of their lives . other milks wont have the same balance of nutrients . if your baby hamsters mother died before the hamster is weaned usually 3 - 4 weeks after birth , you can act as a surrogate mother by feeding your baby hamster a milk mixture . formulas designed for puppies or kittens also can work . these substitutes may cause diarrhea . combine equal parts evaporated milk and water . heat the mixture to 90 degrees fahrenheit before you give it to the baby . use a syringe or specially designed feeding wick to feed the pup . the amount of formula you give your hamster depends on its type dwarf or syrian and age . generally , you will feed the hamster more milk in the beginning of its early life . supplement formula with small seeds like millet , wheat germs , and safe fruits and vegetables e . g . broccoli , cauliflower , bananas . by the end of a month , you should wean your hamsters from the mixture . dwarf hamsters under the age of two weeks should receive two syringe drops of formula in thirty minute intervals . you need to feed the hamster through the night . once the hamster is two weeks and older , you can give him ½ milliliter of formula once per sixty minutes . syrian hamsters need more milk . twelve times daily , give these pups 1 milliliter of milk until they are two weeks in age . after this point , give them two milliliters of milk eight times throughout the day . break vegetables and fruits into small pieces . for example , break one floret of broccoli into several smaller bite - sized amounts . when your hamsters dwarf or syrian turn three weeks old , they will start to consume solids . at this point , begin to wean them from milk . decrease the quantity of milk by half for one to two days . after this point , cease to give milk altogether . dwarf hamsters will continue to nurse or drink milk until they are about 21 days old . syrian hamsters will nurse a bit longer until they are 26 - 28 days old .

purchase hamster pellets . soak pellets in water . feed the pellets to the hamsters .

how to make baby hamster food 2

you can get hamster pellets from pet stores . they are often called lab blocks and are one inch long with a diameter of ½ inch . they contain seeds plus grains , and vitamins and minerals . pellets ensure that your hamster receives all his necessary nutrients . baby hamster food should have 18 - 20 protein and 7 - 9 fat content . be sure to also include food high in carbohydrates . if you are going to buy hamster food , look at expiry dates . realize feed typically lasts only three months before spoiling , do not feed your pet expired hamster food . there could be hatched moth eggs within the bag . place your hamsters pellets in a bit of water . wait until they are soft . they should not be so soft that they disintegrate . rather they should have a mushy texture , which makes it easier for the hamsters to eat them . place the pellets on the floor of the cage . your hamsters can eat their food more easily when it is reachable . generally speaking , baby hamsters can start eating solid foods when they turn ten days old .

give them water . provide salt licks . introduce new foods cautiously .

how to make baby hamster food 3

although many adult hamsters get water through vegetables , it is also important to provide water - - especially to babies . place water drinking tubes low enough so the babies can reach them . make sure water is filtered and sans chlorine . change water every day . never give your hamster chocolate , alcohol , or caffeine . these substances can harm your pet , hamsters need salt to keep water in their system . salt generally keeps them healthy as well . in nature , they might lick rocks to receive needed sodium . to give a similar experience , buy salt licks at your pet store . when you want to feed your pet anything new , especially fruits and vegetables , speak with your vet first . particularly , avoid treats that have a high sugar content . vitamin and mineral supplements are also likely unnecessary but to be safe , speak with your vet first before giving your pet supplements .

create hamster bedding with dry white paper . make bedding out of dry toilet paper or tissue paper . cut up a dry toilet paper roll . do not use cat litter to make hamster bedding .

how to make your own hamster bedding 1

shredded white paper is a great choice for hamster bedding . dry white paper is ideal hamster bedding for several reasons , one of which is the color—the white would allow you to notice if your hamster has an illness , such as diarrhea , or is bleeding from an injury . in addition , the ink on white paper does not rub off as easily as newspaper ink , meaning that your hamsters fur would not get stained with ink . use scissors to cut the paper into thin strips . it may be helpful to cut the strips into smaller sections so that your hamster can play with it and burrow in it more easily . both toilet paper and tissue paper are comfortable bedding choices for your hamster . as with the white office paper , make strips of the toilet paper or tissue paper . because toilet paper is so soft , it may be easier to tear it into strips with your hands . you can also shred facial tissues with your hands to make hamster bedding . in addition to being a toy , an empty toilet paper roll can also be a source of comfortable bedding for your hamster . for larger hamsters , such as syrian hamsters , you can cut the toilet paper roll into large strips and allow your hamster to shred it more himself . if you have a smaller hamster , like a roborovski dwarf hamster , you may need to cut the toilet paper roll into smaller pieces that he will be able to shred more easily . making your own bedding out of common household items can be fun . if you have a cat , you may have thought about putting cat litter in your hamsters cage . however , cat litter is not recommended for several reasons , one of which is the litters rough texture that would be very uncomfortable for your hamster to walk around in . in addition , the chemicals in cat litter to control odor can be very harmful to hamsters . hamsters cannot digest cat litter . if your hamster tries to eat the litter , he may end up with an intestinal impaction that could make him very sick . if you try to use litter that clumps when it becomes wet , the clumps could become stuck in your hamsters fur like small blocks of cement .

find something that you dont need , but is still safe for hamsters . place little holes on the toilet paper roll . get a piece of paper and add holes as well . place your hamsters favorite treats inside the toilet paper roll . cover the toilet paper roll using the paper . tie the paper around the tissue roll like a candy . place it in your hamsters cageplaypen .

how to make toys for hamsters 1

a toilet paper or paper towel roll is a good example of a base toy . scissors work but knives are easiest to use as long as youre old enough to use one safely . plain white printer paper or newspaper is highly recommended , as the dyes in tissue , wrapping , or construction paper are toxic and can be harmful to your hamster . ,

organize your supplies . cut or tear the paper into small pieces . fill the bowl with water . tear the paper again . drain the water . form the paper into balls . break apart the balls of paper . add the bedding to your hamsters cage .

how to make your own hamster bedding 2

making your own hamster bedding with water is another option for saving some money on bedding . before starting the process , gather all of your supplies in one place . some of these supplies include a large bowl , plenty of dry paper e . g . white paper , brown paper bags , old envelopes , an old t - shirt or colander , and a pair of gloves . you will also need some paper towels andor a cookie sheet on which to dry the bedding . making bedding with water can be a very messy process , so it would be best to work in a large sink , such as your kitchen sink . make sure that you have a drain stopper to prevent paper pieces from going down the drain . the t - shirt or colander will be necessary for draining the water when the paper is fully soaked . wearing a pair of gloves will keep your fingers from getting stained as the ink from the paper mixes with the water . in addition to being messy , making bedding with water can take a lot of energy . the smaller you make the pieces of paper , the less work you will have to do later in the process . add the pieces to the bowl and place the bowl in the sink . add enough water to completely cover all of the paper . the temperature of the water does not matter . however , if you want to sift the paper with your hands to make sure all of the paper is thoroughly soaked , make sure the water is not too hot . after filling the bowl with water , allow the paper to soak for about five minutes before tearing it apart with your hands . tear the paper into smaller pieces so that the water begins to look like a watery pulp . if you are impatient , you can start tearing the paper as soon as you add the water . however , the paper will be much easier to tear if you let it soak first . there are a few ways to drain the water—pouring the water and paper pieces into a colander or old t - shirt , or keeping the paper pieces in the original bowl and pouring out only the water . this step may be a little tricky , since you will have to be extra careful not to let any paper pieces go down the drain . to make this step easier , put the drain stopper in place before you start dumping out the water . if you are using a colander , position it over the drain stopper and pour the water and paper pieces into the colander . pieces of paper may slip through the holes of the colander . if the stopper fills up , clean it out by putting the pieces back in the original bowl . press down on the paper in the colander to get out any excess water . if you prefer to use an old t - shirt , position it in the sink next to the drain with the drain stopper in . slowly pour the water and paper pieces onto the t - shirt . when you have finished pouring , roll up the t - shirt and wring out the excess water . pouring out only the water from the original bowl creates less mess , but you may not be able to get all of the excess water as easily as using a colander or old t - shirt . rinse and drain several times to get out all of the ink . the water will run clear when there is no more ink left . to start drying out the paper , you will first need to form it into balls . use both of your hands to do this . make sure not to make the balls too large or too tight—this could increase the amount of time it takes the paper to dry . you could also form the paper into clumps , rather than balls . the clumps would be a little looser and shorten the drying process . place the balls on some paper towels or a cookie sheet to allow them to dry . it may take a few days for the balls to dry . periodically check on them to test their dryness . you may need to change out the paper towels if they get too damp . after the balls of paper have dried out for a few days , you will need to break them apart . depending on how much bedding you have made , breaking the balls apart may be tedious and time consuming . to relieve the tedium , consider turning on your favorite tv show or watching a movie . place the broken - apart bedding on some paper towels . the bedding may still be a little damp , so you will probably need to dry it for even longer to make sure it is completely dry before adding it to your hamsters cage . spread the bedding out as thinly as possible to quicken the drying process . for odor control , you can sprinkle some baking soda on top of the bedding after you have broken it apart and are allowing it to dry . after the bedding is completely dry , you can add it to your hamsters cage . for larger hamsters , add about three to four inches worth of bedding in the bottom of the cage . smaller hamsters do not need as much bedding . it is okay if you add a lot of bedding . remember that too much bedding is better than not enough .

cut off the slots of the container . use the scissors and cut a hole in the middle of the container . cut out various shapes in the container for the hamster to run in and out e . g squares , circles . glue wrapping paper onto your container using non - toxic glue , if desired . this is to make the toy prettier . ta - da

how to make toys for hamsters 2

this is for the hamster to enter or leave the container . make sure that you do not use a tissue box or any other cardboard box with ink on it , if parts of the box are chewed and swallowed the ink can be harmful to your hamster . this is for the hamster to be able to run out of the container from the hole . you can bend the container and poke a hole in the middle first before cutting out the shape of a circle . the size of the shapes will depend on the size of your hamster let the glue dry up first before letting your hamsters play . you are finished with your final product . now you can let your hamster play with its new toy .

choose a material . measure the length of the cage . grab a cardboard box . place the platform . if you have a wire cage , cut the remaining pieces off , but leave 1 inch 2 . 5 cm on both sides for supporters . add different bridges and cross - overs to your hamsters cage .

how to make toys for hamsters 3

no matter what type of cage you have glass aquarium , plastic , metal bars , even bird cages you can make platforms if you are going for a cheap and inexpensive way , use cardboard . it is easy to cut and use just grab them at your local store and ask for a medium to large size cardboard box . wood platforms are a little more expensive and time consuming . you must use a saw to cut the wood . where would you like the platform how high should it be cut it at the same length if you have a glass or plastic cage or 2 inches 5 . 1 cm over the length for wire cages . now if you have a wire cage , slide it in . if you have a glass cage , duct tape it around all the sides and bottom or the platform . , link together ropes and ladders , cardboard pieces , and yarn to create a hamster heaven

gather your ingredients and supplies . put some of your hamsters food in a bowl . boil some water . pour the water into the bowl of food and stir . keep stirring until there is a paste with seeds , instead of water with seeds . scoop your mix into the logsilicone ice - cube tray . place into the freezer for an hour or so . when the paste in the mix has hardened , you can take it out . serve it up .

how to make a filling for your hamsters treat log

youll need your hamsters favorite food ideally one that includes lots of the crumbly bites and pellets , and with a strong smell an empty hamster treat log or  a silicone ice cube tray should be silicone so you can get the bites out hot water kettle , pan , however you heat your water or peanut butter chunky or smooth the peanut butter makes the treat extra special , but shouldnt be used too often . the water is healthier for regular use . any other extra seeds or little bites to add into the mix use as much as you want , depending on how much filling you want . using a kettle is the easiest . crush some of the crumbly brown bites as they will dissolve and create a paste . if desired , you can skip the water and scoop some peanut butter into the bowl of food , instead , and stir . make sure it is not too much , because it is very fatty and your hamster doesnt need much . and remember when feeding it to him , peanut butter is a treat and shouldnt be used for everyday . granted , it will not look very attractive , but thats not really what your hamster cares about . , you do not need to be accurate . at this point it will be a bit too cold , and there is a chance it might snap your hamsters teeth . just leave it out somewhere in room temperature , and it will warm up a little , without turning back into a paste . just plop the log into the hamsters cage , or pop out of the ice cube tray and let your hamster enjoy .

build the walls of the playpen with something slippery . decide if you want to build the playpen with a bottom . determine the size of the playpen you want . use large boxes as a temporary playpen . connect empty plastic bottles together to build a hamster maze . add multiple levels to the playpen . include play stations for your hamster to explore . create food puzzles for the playpen . place a free - standing wheel inside the playpen . put your hamster in a hamster ball . wash your hands before and after your play with your hamster . supervise your hamster while hes in his playpen . provide water for your hamster in his playpen . be careful when using toilet paper or paper towel tubes .

how to make a hamster playpen

a playpen needs to be a safe place for your hamster to explore , so it shouldnt be made of materials a hamster can climb or chew . corrugated plastic is a great option as it is not only slippery , it can easily be cut to any size you need . another great option is a large rubbermaid - type container with tall sides . you can attach pieces of plastic together with anything from binder clips to duct tape . plastic is also really easy to clean and is unlikely to stain . if you decide to use a rubbermaid - type container for a playpen , never put the lid on the container while your hamster is inside unless youve provided proper ventilation . your hamsters playpen can either just have walls , or you can also build a bottom . if youre able to place the playpen on a tile or wood floor , you may not need a bottom as the floor may be easy to clean . if youre going to put the playpen on a carpet , you may want to include a bottom . a bottom is also useful as the playpen will be much easier to pick - up and move while keeping all the toys inside . each item inside the playpen would have to be moved separately if you build a playpen with no bottom or floor . ideally your hamsters playpen should be bigger than his cage . but , it will also need to fit somewhere in your home on the floor . plus , you will need to store your hamsters playpen when he isnt using it . take all of these things into consideration when deciding how large you want the playpen to be . in the end it doesnt matter how big or small it is , as long as it works for you and your hamster . if you want to give your hamster a place to explore , but you need time to collect the proper materials to build a more permanent playpen , consider using a large box for the time being . a box that a large item was pack in would work best , such as a tv , printer , toaster oven , microwave , etc . a box wont be able to be a permanent playpen because your hamster will likely chew through eventually . plus , if your hamster pees inside the box , you wont be able to clean it up . consider placing a large plastic bag or garbage bag under the box to help protect your floor . a hamster maze can be built for use inside your hamsters playpen , cage , or even on its own . while there are many commercially available hamster maze pieces available at the pet store , you can also build your own using empty plastic bottle e . g . water bottles , pop bottles , juice bottles , etc . make sure to completely wash and dry the bottles before using them to make a maze . you will need to cut either the top , bottom , or edges of the plastic bottles , depending on the design of your maze . cutting the plastic will create sharp edges that can injure your hamster . use duct or electrical tape around the sharp edges to blunt them and make them safe . use the same tape to connect multiple bottles together . you can connect the bottles end - to - end , or cut a hole in the side of one bottle so a second bottle can be attached at a 90 degree angle . use smaller boxes , cans , tins , and anything else you can find that your hamster can climb up and down on . this will provide your hamster with multiple levels within his playpen to explore . you can even get creative and attach these items together in such a way that you create a maze for your hamster to find his way through . make sure your playpen has at least one place where you hamster can hide while hes in the playpen . having a place to hide will make your hamster feel safe if he gets nervous or scared . a great place to look for homemade items is your recycling bin . just make sure to thoroughly clean any items you decide to use . and make sure to blunt sharp edges with tape or padding . the purpose of the playpen is so that your hamster has a larger area to run around and play . while some hamsters may be happy with a big open space , adding additional items to the playpen will give your hamster some much needed enrichment . place items such as the following inside the playpen for your hamster to play withtoilet paper or paper towel tubes . you can attach multiple tubes together to create a long tunnel . old shoes . your hamster will enjoy climbing in and out of the shoe , and using it as hiding place . bridges , see - saws , and swings . you can make your own , or buy hamster - specific versions at the pet store . wooden , mineral , or salt blocks . while your hamster may climb these blocks , the real purpose is to give your hamster something to chew on . use boxes and toys from your hamsters playpen to make a food puzzle . combine multiple items together in such a way that your hamster has to explore them to find a treat . you can also build a maze with a food treat at the end . make sure any food your give your hamster inside his playpen is deducted from his daily food allocation . if you give your hamster extra food and treats while hes in his playpen , your hamster made get a little pudgy . even if your hamster has a wheel in his cage , placing a free standing wheel inside his playpen will give him another view while he runs . make sure the wheel is made from a continuous piece of material and not wires or bars . wheels made from wires or bars can cause your hamster to get one or both of his feet stuck and could cause serious injury . hamster balls are a great way for your hamster to explore the big world outside his cage without getting lost or stuck . hamster balls are usually large hard plastic balls with a hatch that can open and close so you can place your hamster inside . once the hatch is closed , the outside of the ball is smooth so it can roll in any direction . if you dont have an area within your home thats safe for your hamster to explore in his hamster ball , consider make a large playpen and placing the hamster ball inside . using a combination of a playpen and a hamster ball will limit the area your hamster can explore , thus making it safer for your hamster and more convenient for you . keep your hamsters time in a hamster ball to 15 minutes or less . once hes finished with his hamster ball , put him back in his cage for a rest . before you go to take your hamster out of his cage and place him in his playpen , wash and dry your hands . if youre going to do something else while your hamster is in his playpen , make sure to wash your hands again before touching other items . when putting your hamster back into his cage , again , wash your hands before and after handling your hamster . hamsters can have ‘accidents while in your hands , or climbing around their playpens , so its a good idea to always wash your hands before you do anything else . hamsters also have a really great sense of smell , but very poor eye sight . if they smell food on your hands and fingers , they may bite you thinking it is food . washing the smell of food of your hands before touching your hamster can save you from dealing with painful bites . while a quick visit to the bathroom or the kitchen should be okay , you shouldnt leave your hamster alone in his playpen unsupervised . your hamster made need your assistance if he ever gets stuck or if he manages to escape . it would also be helpful to close any doors to the room where youve placed your hamsters playpen , just in case he does manage to escape . if the doors are closed , youll have a much smaller space to search for your hamster . even if your hamster is only going to be in his playpen for a short period of time , its always a good idea to include a small water bowl just in case he gets thirsty . this may be even more important if youre giving him dry treats or kibble inside the playpen . hamster water bottles that hang on the side of a cage may not work in a playpen . instead , just use a small bowl of water that your hamster can easily reach . as long as you supervise your hamster , he should be just fine . but if hes a syrian hamster who is a little plump , you may want to avoid giving him any tunnelling materials like toilet paper or paper towel tubes . unfortunately your hamster may misjudge his own size and get himself stuck inside one of these tubesif he does get stuck , gently help him get out of the tube using just your hands . dont use any sharp objects to cut the cardboard while your hamster is inside .

hide all power cords . fill cracks and holes in the wall . get rid of poisonous plants . check for other hazards . keep other pets away . dont smoke in the same room . block access to narrow spaces . hamster - proof the cage as well . provide hamster toys . use appropriate bedding . make your house hamster - friendly . keep the house quiet . be prepared to catch the hamster . leave the cage door open . create a safe place for the hamster . seal off a room where the hamster might be . put down treats to locate the hamster . set a bucket trap .

how to make a room hamster friendly

hamsters will try to chew them , potentially dying or starting a house fire . make sure all cables are secured high out of reach , taping them to the wall if necessary . it may also help to install plastic trunking around the cables , to slow the hamsters access . check the entire perimeter of the wall at hamster height . spackle or block off any holes , even the smallest ones . hamsters can keep chewing at these gaps until theyre large enough to escape through . lilies , amaryllis , and most plants that emerge from a bulb can be toxic to hamsters . when in doubt about whether the plant is harmful , move the plant to another room . move any fragile or heavy objects that could fall over if the hamster knocked them , or if you bumped the furniture . gather anything laying on the ground , especially sharp objects and pieces small enough for the hamster to eat . if you have cats or dogs in the house , put up a barrier in the doorway so they cant slip in after you . second hand smoke may harm your hamsters health . put a portable animal gate or other barrier at the base of couches and beds . if the hamster does find its way into a crevice , you can usually lure it out with treats — but it saves effort to prepare in advance . hamsters can chew through plastic cage bars , and sometimes can open the doors of a cheap model . a glass or plastic reptile tank with a mesh top could be a good alternative . if you are using a cage , consider placing it inside a large plastic tub . give the hamster some safe objects to play with , and some tunnels or structures to run around in and hide . you can easily make your own toys out of cardboard tubes and boxes . never use cedar or pine shavings , which are toxic to many small animals . look up reviews of other bedding products before buying , as heavy bedding intended for a larger pet could suffocate the hamster . protect your escaped hamster by following the precautions above throughout your house . keep a close eye on cats or dogs , and dont turn on the vacuum until you know hes safe in his cage . roll up rugs and set them aside to protect them from shredding . move house plants up out of reach . when leaving the house , look around on the floor before opening the door . check behind the appliance before using the oven or stove . if the hamster is hiding behind it when you turn it on , the heat could kill it . turn off all television and radio so you can hear the hamster . sometimes you can hear them scurrying or even nibbling on some crumbs of food theyve found . keep a lightweight towel nearby so you can throw it over the hamster if you see it . you may be able to catch the hamster with your bare hands , but that can be difficult . a line of treats leading into the hamster cage can lure some hamsters back . many hamsters will simply leave again after eating , but its an easy method to try . a shoe box with a hole in it may entice a hamster looking for a hiding spot , especially if there are other animals in the house . lead the hamster there with a line of treats , and put a little water dish inside . check back daily to see if the hamster is there . put the shoe box in a closet or other out - of - the - way location . dont forget to remove the silica gel packet from the box , and from any other boxes within hamster reach . choose the room where you last saw hamster poops , chew marks , or the hamster itself . stuff gaps under the door with towels or fabric . keep all windows closed , and cover all heat and air vents . place a few treats in the center of the sealed room and leave them there overnight . if theyre gone the next day , the hamster is in that room . if not , seal another room and try again . place a bucket on the floor , with books positioned as stairs for your hamster to climb . lay down a line of treats going up the staircase , onto the lip of the bucket , and on the floor of the bucket . with any luck , the hamster will fall in trying to get the treats , and not be able to get out .

get medium or large cardboard boxes . flatten the box . cut off the lids . make four long strips . cut slots in each strip . put the pen together . fill the pen with your hamsters favorite toys .

how to make a hamster playground 1

use either two large cardboard boxes or four medium sized boxes . go to a nearby store , or ask your parents to take you . try to find boxes that are as clean as possible . if you want a pen with higher sides , go with four medium boxes . otherwise , two large boxes will be fine , especially for a small pet like hamster . once youve found some boxes , flatten each out if the store you got them from didnt already . do this by undoing the flaps that fold together to make the bottom , or if cut them if theyre taped . once the boxes are broken down , cut a corner where two sides come together , so that the boxes lay out complexly flat . use scissors or a craft blade , and ask an adult to help you if youre not allowed to use sharp objects without supervision . after youve completely flattened the boxes , cut off the lid flaps that used to be the tops and bottoms . you can either discard the flaps once youve cut them off , or save them to use them for another project . after cutting off the flaps , you should just be left with long , cardboard rectangles . if youre using four boxes , just flatten each and cut the flaps off of each box the same way youd do for two big boxes . if youre started with two large boxes , cut each in half length - wise , or horizontally . use a ruler or yardstick and a pen to make a line down the center to guide you . you should be left with total of four long strips . if you started with four medium sized boxes , you can just use the rectangular strips as they are after you cut off the flaps . take each long , rectangular cardboard strip and mark out a line about an inch from the end . if you lay out each strip flat , the line should go from the top to the center on two strips , and from the center to the bottom on the other two . these will fit together to form the pens borders . dont cut the slots too thick , or they wont fit together snugly and the pen wont be as stable . find an area of your house with a hard floor surface , preferably tile so it wont absorb any messes your pet might make . give the floor a quick sweep and wipe it down with a wet paper towel to make sure theres no crumbs or anything you wouldnt want your hamster to eat . line the strips slots up , and fit them together so theyre snug . grab any toys that are removable from your pets cage , and place them in its pen . use any other hamster toys you might have , such as tubes , dens , or plastic balls . make rooms using tissue boxes by cutting out doors so the hamster can get in or out , or fold up the flaps you cut off the boxes to make little hamster teepees .

find a large box . cover the boxs bottom . create multiple levels .

how to make a hamster playground 2

visit a nearby grocery or department store . tag along with mom or dad next time they go shopping . ask someone who works at the store for the biggest box they have in the back . if you get a box from a grocery store , make sure doesnt have any food , grease , or dirt stains . department or electronics stores are great because their boxes usually dont have any grime that sometimes come with grocery store big boxes . place a soft old towel at the bottom of the box . cover the towel with a hamster - friendly bedding or litter . these include wood shavings , shaved corn cob , coarse sand , and other materials that you can find at your local pet store that are marked hamster - safe . make sure the litter is marked chemical free and safe for pets . stay away from straw , because the tough strands can hurt the hamsters cheeks . also avoid fluffy bedding products like cotton wool because they can stuck in the hamsters toes and feet . use smaller boxes , like tissue boxes , to create levels for your hamster to explore . cut off lids so the boxes dont have tops and bottoms , then cut out little doors for the hamster to get in or out . if you use tissue boxes , make sure you get rid of all its plastic and serrated , or sharp , edges at the opening .

use toys and tubes from the hamster cage . use cardboard tubes to create tunnels . cut out entrances and exits on little boxes . make a hamster slide .

how to make a hamster playground 3

make sure to fill your hamsters new playground with toys , whether you built a multi - level box playground , or made a collapsible pen . if you keep toys and obstacles in your hamster cage that are removable , grab them so it can play in its new playpen or box . use a tray to put treats in your pen , too . try putting them around the pen in various places for your hamster to find . use an empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls to make tunnels for your hamster . make sure that theyre big enough for your pet to get through . create a bigger tunnel system by pushing the cardboard rolls into any other hamster tubes you might have , like ones made out of either a chewable material or out of plastic . stock up on empty tissue boxes , cereal boxes , boxes that hold canned soda , and other household cardboard boxes . the size of these smaller boxes will depend on the size of the box or pen you used for the playground . cut doors in them and make a little city for your hamster to explore . take a trip to the hardware store , or have your parents bring you . find a short length of flexible , plastic tubing for plumbing . use the largest tubing you can find one with the longest circumference , or longest around . cut it in half length - wise so youre left with two long slide shapes . if you or a parent is handy with wood , you can make a ladder for the slide with a small wood frame or box . use non - toxic glue to attach 5 to 10 wooden dowels for the ladders rungs . you can also get an adult to drill holes through the wooden frame and use a hammer to tap the dowels through them . use a small , solid square of wood for the slides top platform . drills holes and use screws or dowels to attach it to the wooden ladder , or glue them together using non - toxic glue . have an adult drill holes through the slide shape and the wood square , and use a screw to attach the slide to the squares underside . sand out a groove in the platform so the slide fits better . make sure the pointy end of the screw doesnt poke through the top side of the wood square . finally , if youd like to add some color , use food coloring and water to stain the wood parts of your hamsters new slide .

buy a cute hamster hideout . take some toilet paper and tear it into thin strips . dont do any big , fancy arrangements . give them fresh paper if they soil their sleeping area . make sure they have plenty of room and feel comfortable . check they have not eaten the paper .

how to make a comfortable sleeping area for your hamster

you may want to buy a slightly larger size , because hamsters grow just like us , and one day they may just grow out of their little hideout just put a bit into the house and leave the rest just by the house . hamsters normally like to arrange the stuff themselves . your hamster wont like to fall asleep on a pile of hamster dung . if they do not like it , try using softer and less or more toilet paper . eating toilet paper can cause some problems for hamsters .

buy a hamster cage and hamster . make sure you have a lot of bedding and comfy places and stuff for your hamster to sleep on . get a collection of giant , medium and small boxes , also as many toilet roll tubes as you can get your hands on . with your materials in mind , draw plan for how to design your dream house for your hamster . hold the tube up to the box and draw around the circle , then cut out the circle on the box , make sure the tube will fit through the hole in the box . cut the holes in all the boxes once per box or twice , its up to you . make each room with a purpose .

how to make a hamster mansion

buy tubes and little toys non - toxic , or you can make them yourself . make sure the cage is at least 360 sq inches of floor space , which is the minimum for hamster cages . keep in mind that the majority of cages sold at pet stores are far too small and really costly . , make sure your dream house is safe but fun for you hamster and make sure it cant escape . , make one room like a kitchen . fill it with shredded paper , mixed treats , and food in with it . make another room with one hole in a dead end that could be a bedroom filled it with some kind of bedding . another room can be a living room with the water bottles in it and something for the hamster to crawl on like furniture . add another room with the exercise wheel , then a play room . let your imagination go wild . its up to you

choose a large , clear bin with lots of floor space and high - ish walls , and a lid that fits . make sure you have the following electric drill , hacksaw , wire mesh also know as chicken wire , and zip - ties . outline a big area on the lid or side to be cut . cut or drill the area to be cut . drill lots of holes on each side of the hole . drill 4 holes in a diamond shape . if you want to make the lid extra extra secure , use a hot glue gun to glue down the wire insert or florist wire too . youre done

how to make a hamster bin cage

the smallest bin you should get is 106 quarts . if possible , buy the bins with 110 - 120 quarts . these cost around 11 - 15 , possibly even more depending on where you are buying from . common stores to buy bins from are walmart , target , hobby lobby , lowes , home depot , etc . , cut out a wire a little bit bigger than what you just marked . be sure to be patient , slow and steady so you dont crack the plastic . place florist wire or wire insert down and begin to lace the picture wire or other wire through the florist wire or wire insert . lace through all drilled holes . do this twice on the wide sides and once on the long sides . drill on the top , not near the bottom of the bin . , congrats on making a great cage

place your hamster in a safe place . take everything out of the cage . use a mild soap to clean the cage . deodorize . rinse thoroughly . put in fresh bedding . wash your hands .

how to deodorize a hamster cage 1

the best place is a small animal carrier . in fact , a cat carrier will work fine if the wire is close enough together on the door . you can also use a hamster ball , but make sure you have someone to supervise the hamster . consider wearing throwaway gloves for this process so you dont spread germs . take all the toys , bowls , and shelters out of the cage . shake the bedding out into a garbage bag . make sure to not shake the bedding out in a food area , as small animals can carry bacteria such as salmonella . everything in the cage can carry smells . therefore , its important to clean all parts of the cage , including the toys and accessories . before deodorizing , clean the cage with a cleanser specifically made for hamster cages or a mild soap . you can use dishwashing soap , for instance , and hot water . wash everything thoroughly , including the food and water bowls and the accessories . just be sure not to clean the cage in the kitchen because of the possibility of spreading bacteria . outside or in the bathtub works best . use a dedicated sponge and soap to clean the cage , even if youre using dishwashing soap . using a basic soap gets out most of the feces and urine , helping to deodorize the cage . pick a cleaner that will help deodorize . you can use an all - in - one cleaner to clean and deodorize or clean and then use a deodorizer . for instance , cleaning products with enzymes will help the cage smell better . simpler options include baking soda or vinegar after youve cleaned the cage with soap and water . to use baking soda , sprinkle some in the cage and wipe it clean with a wet sponge . for vinegar , wet the sponge with vinegar and use it to wipe down the cage . once you are done , make sure you rinse the cage an accessories thoroughly . you dont want any residue left on the cage that could bother your hamster . rinsing gets rid of any smells that may bother your hamsters . while you dont want it to smell like hamster , you also dont want it to smell like cleaner to your hamster . let the cage dry before putting your animals back in . when choosing bedding , stick to aspen if you want to use wood chips . other types of wood can be harmful to hamsters . you can also use shredded paper with the wood shavings or bedding made from recycled paper . you also can use a couple of other plant - based beddings available at your pet store . these beddings are absorbent . just be sure to pick one that is plant - based , not ones that are artificial . if you use shredded paper , make sure to use paper without ink . however , paper wont absorb odors as well as other plant - based beddings . aspen is better at hiding odors than paper , but its not as good as the more absorbent plant - based beddings . the more absorbent the bedding is , the more it tends to hide odors . to make sure your bedding is ready for your hamster , you can put it in a zip - top bag and let it sit in the freezer for 2 days . that way , any mites that might be living in it will die off . when youre done , be sure to wash your hands thoroughly . washing your hands helps prevent the spread of bacteria .

clean the cage once a week . add a layer of baking soda . always use fresh bedding . try a supplement . ventilate the area .

how to deodorize a hamster cage 2

the best way to keep a hamster cage smelling fresh is to clean it often . aim for at least once a week to help keep odors down . if you have trouble remembering , try setting an alarm on your phone to go off when you need to clean the cage . try adding cage cleaning to your weekend chores , so you remember to do it each week . sprinkling baking soda on the bottom of the cage can help absorb odors . just add the baking soda before you put in the hamsters bedding . baking soda is a good way to keep your cage smelling great , as it is readily available and very cheap . whenever you clean the cage , make sure to always use fresh bedding . if you try to reuse bedding , it can contribute to the smell . you need to change out the bedding because it can build urine and feces over time , even if you have a litter box . however , some people suggest adding a bit of used bedding back in to help the hamster re - acclimate to the cage . pet stores offer supplements for small rodents . these supplements can help cut down on odors that your animals produce , which can cut down on odors overall . generally , these products either have yucca schidigera in them , or they are amino acid based . more research needs to be done on how effective these are for hamsters , but they are generally safe . whenever possible , get as much air flowing in the area to help clean out the smell . try opening windows or running your air conditioner . another option is running air purifiers to help the air smell better . you can also install better air filtration systems at the central level .

train your hamster to use a litter box . start by cleaning the whole cage . as you do , note where your hamster has been peeing , if possible . buy or create a litter box . fill the litter box . put it in the bathroom corner . change the litter .

how to deodorize a hamster cage 3

one way to keep your hamsters cage smelling fresh is to train it to use a litter box . that way , you can change out the smelly part more often . not all hamsters can be trained . however , it is worth the effort to try if you want the room to smell better . that way , you can use the same spot for a litter box . to find the area where your hamster has been peeing , look for wet or soiled areas . you might see clumped bedding in that area . you have a number of options for hamster litter boxes . you can buy a litter box designed specifically for hamsters , or you can make one . you find litter boxes online or at pet stores . alternatively , you can use boxes , as well as plastic , glass , or ceramic dishes . boxes absorb pee and you can throw them away , but you may find that your hamster chews them up . you can cut tissue boxes shorter for this purpose . glass , plastic , and ceramic all work well , but you may find your hamster stands on the edge and still pees outside the box . add sand or small animal litter . you can use play sand for this purpose , but you need to sterilize it first . litter is also an option , but it can be more expensive . it does absorb odors , though . if you use play sand , be sure to sterilize it in the oven by baking it at a low temperature for an hour or two . you can keep the sand in giant covered bucket for use . pet stores do sell sand for chinchillas that is already sterilized , but it is more expensive . hamsters like the feel of sand . stick the litter box where the hamster has already been going to the bathroom . it can help to stick some soiled bedding in there that already smells like the hamster . you are trying to play on the hamsters habits . if the hamster has already chosen one place to go to the bathroom , you can use that to help train it . sticking soiled bedding in it helps it smell like the hamster , which encourages it to go there . while you can change the litter more often than you clean the cage , try not to change it every day . your hamster likes habits , and when you change the habitat to often , it will get upset . instead of changing the whole litter , you can also use a scoop to pull out feces and pee if you see wet spots . as the litter gets low , replace it .

buy a tank or cage . set the habitat in a warm spot indoors . add bedding to the habitat . jazz up the habitat . create space for food and water dishes . clean the habitat regularly . put your hamster in a safe place while cleaning . refill the food . refresh water in the bottle . replace the bedding . disinfect toys and hiding spaces . sweep and clean the habitat area . return your hamster to his cleaned cage .

how to create a habitat for a hamster

hamsters live in individual burrows in the wild and need a cage or tank that mimics this environment as best as possible . get an aquarium tank or a solid - bottomed wire cage to ensure that your hamster has enough space . make sure any tank is at least 10 gallons 37 . 9 l , though consider getting the largest one you can afford . make sure the tank or cage has a wire mesh top to keep your hamster from escaping . consider getting your habitats secondhand to save money if you have several hamsters . check them for flaws or cracks , which may not be worth the savings . be aware that you should only have one hamster per habitat because they are territorial , solitary , and may be aggressive . buy individual tanks or cages for each animal . this can also prevent unwanted reproduction . hamsters are very sensitive to temperature changes and their surroundings . place the tank or cage inside of your home in a spot that is warm and away from other pets that may scare or harm your hamster . make sure the area is in a spot that has a consistent temperature between 65 to 70 degrees fahrenheit 20 to 25 celsius . avoid places that get drafts , such as garages or breezeways , or are exposed to high heat from direct sunlight or heating devices . these can undermine your hamsters health or kill it . instead , consider putting the hamster cage in your living , dining , or entertainment room . a finished and heated basement or kitchen may also work . remember to keep the cage away from food preparation or storage surfaces . be aware that hamsters are nocturnal and may keep you awake if the cage is in your bedroom . your hamsters habitat will need bedding to make her home comfortable and ready for burrowing . line the cage with at least 2 inches of bedding and add more paper material for nests . line the habitat with timothy hay , aspen shavings , processed corncob or pelleted bedding . you can purchase these at many pet and home stores . avoid pine and cedar chips , the fumes of which can harm your hamster . place some paper towels or tissues along with the bedding for your hamsters to make nests . beyond bedding , your hamster will need toys and places in which to hide and sleep . decorate the tank or cage to promote your hamsters health . place an exercise wheel in the habitat . hamsters love to play and the wheel will allow them to run around and get exercise . incorporate a small box or item such as a flowerpot where your hamster can sleep and hide . cardboard tubing , such as a toilet paper roll , is also a great option . include a chew toy for your hamster made out of a safe material such as unpainted wood , dog biscuit or rawhide . like other rodents , hamsters teeth grow continuously and having something on which to chew can wear down their teeth and keep them healthy . get several toys and place them in your hamsters habitat to keep her busy and happy . hamsters eat hamster mix , which contains seeds , grains , cracked corn and pellets to promote their health . your hamster also needs a water bottle to ensure her hydration . put the food in a small dish and refill it as necessary . you can also offer your hamster small , bite - sized amounts of fresh fruits and veggies such as spinach , lettuce , carrots , or apples . make sure to avoid chocolate , candy , and junk food . attach a water bottle with a drinking tube to the side of the cage . make sure the tube allows fresh water to flow continuously . you will need to do general spot cleaning of your hamsters habitat on a daily basis . at least once a week , you should remove all bedding and clean the entire cage as well as the surrounding area . this promotes the health and happiness of your hamster . clean up feces , old food , or soiled bedding every day . you can easily do this when refilling your hamsters food and water . disinfect and clean the cage at least once a week or more often if necessary . youll need to replace the bedding , disinfect the habitat walls , and wash the food and water dishes . take your hamster out of her habitat and put her in a safe place while you do this . this can allow you to safely clean the cage without your hamster nipping you . allow your hamster to have outside time in a safe space while you clean . make sure he is in an area that is screened off or secured so that he cant escape . you could also put him in a separate cage or your bathtub , so long as the drain is covered . some other places you could put her are in a hamster ball , a securely covered and ventilated box , or even an empty dresser drawer . give your hamster food pellets to occupy him while you clean . its important to either place your hamster in a space that is secure or where you can watch him . keeping your hamsters food dish refilled and clean helps him stay healthy and happy . put new food into the dish as needed and wash the dish at least once a week . give your hamster just enough food to keep her from getting hungry . remove crumbs or any other material , like feces , before you refill your hamsters food dish . clean the dish with hot , soapy water or in your dishwasher at least once a week . if your hamster sprayed or defecated in it , youll also need to remove the food and disinfect it . allow the dish to dry completely before putting in new food to prevent bacterial growth . its vital to the health of your hamster that she have clean and fresh water every day . pour out water at least once a day and replace it with fresh water . remove anything floating in the water before you refill it . clean the bottle in hot , soapy water if necessary . check to ensure the water is flowing properly from the tube once it is clean . you can do this by placing your finger under the bottle and pressing on it . wash the bottle in hot , soapy water or your dishwasher at least once a week . your hamster will urinate and defecate usually on one spot of her bedding . you can remove soiled areas daily but you should replace all of the bedding at least once a week . this minimizes the risk of infection and reduces odor . remove any soiled areas of bedding and droppings every day . your hamster may use the same spot to urinate and defecate so focus cleaning and removal on that spot as a part of daily cleaning . make sure to replace any soiled paper towels or tissues . clean and disinfect the habitat walls and floor at least once a week and more often if needed . you can use a disinfectant or a vinegar and water mixture . allow the habitat to dry thoroughly before you replace any bedding , toys , or dishes . this prevents the growth of bacteria or ammonia that can harm your hamster . just as the dishes and bedding can get soiled , so can your hamsters toys and hiding spaces . once a month , clean all of the toys and replace anything that is broken or could harm your hamster . use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean your hamsters toys including her exercise wheel . wipe them off and then allow them to dry completely . as the toys dry , inspect them for cracks or other flaws that could harm your hamster . consider throwing away broken toys . avoid disinfecting chew toys because cleaners can harm your hamster . instead , throw them away and replace them with new wood blocks , dog biscuits , or chew toys . throw away any paper toys and replace them with new ones to prevent bacteria growth . if your hamster lives in a wire cage , she may kick out bits of bedding or food into the area around it . vacuum or sweep up any areas around her cage that are soiled and disinfect them if necessary . disinfect any areas of the floor or walls on which your hamster sprayed with a disinfectant cleaner or mixture of vinegar and water . once youve cleaned your hamsters home , reintroduce to him to it . give him a treat for behaving while you cleaned .

select the right - sized cage for your hamster . select a cage that is well ventilated . choose a cage that is easy to clean . choose a cage that has a solid plastic floor . determine which cage type would be ideal for your species of hamster . select a cage that fits your budget .

how to choose good cages for hamsters 1

the recommended minimum size for your hamsters cage is at least 18 inches width x 13 inches height x 25 inches length , which is equal to 450 square inch floor space , which is the minimum for humanely housing a hamster of any type . the 13 inch height is to allows you to fit a 10 - 12 inch wheel for a syrian hamster . however , bigger is always better , since your hamster will want plenty of space to run , climb , and play . your hamster will also want to have separate areas to go to the bathroom , sleep , and store food , which will necessitate a very spacious cage . if you will be housing more than one hamster in the same cage , the cage will need to be even bigger to give each hamster plenty of room . a good guideline to follow is the minimum floor space times the number of hamsters to be put in the cage some dwarf hamsters can be housed together in pairs , but only in same - sex pairs to prevent breeding . roborovski and russian campbells are the best hamsters to be housed in pairs . keep in mind that syrian hamsters are very territorial and should never be housed together . however , they can be housed near each other in separate cages , so long as they cant be disturbed by each others presence . so a rule of thumb should be to separate their cage by 4 - 6 inches . a poorly ventilated cage can lead to the build - up of ammonia , which is toxic to your hamster and can lead to respiratory problems . poorly ventilated cages can also lead to bacterial growth , which could also make your hamster sick . wire cages tend be very well ventilated , but aquariums and plastic hamster cages are often poorly ventilated . your hamster may start to have trouble breathing if his aquarium or plastic cage is not well ventilated . if you notice that he is not breathing properly or looks unwell in general not eating , playing as much or has physical signs of illness , consider cleaning his cage to remove soiled bedding . you may also want to consider purchasing a wire cage , that is of adequate size . you will need clean your hamsters cage once or twice a week depending on your cage , so you will want a cage that will not be too difficult to clean . wire cages are probably the easiest type of cage to clean . aquariums and plastic cages may need more frequent cleaning because of their poor ventilation , but this most likely wont be an issue if your cage is the minimum size or above . plastic cages are the most difficult to clean , since they often have many different components , are multi - level , and have twists and turns that could be a challenge for you to reach . no matter which type of cage you have , it would be helpful to have a secondary , smaller cage that you can put your hamster in while you are cleaning his main cage or away travelling with your hamster . , your hamsters nails could get caught in a grated or wire floor , which often leads to foot injuries . also , solid plastic floors are easier to clean than grated floors . if you have a syrian hamster , you will likely be fine with any type of cage , as long as it is the minimum size or larger and has places for him to play , sleep , and eat . however , if you have a smaller species of hamster i . e . chinese , dwarf , you will need to be more careful with the type of cage you choose . for example , you will need to pay special attention to the spacing between the wires of a wire cage no more than 12 inch of spacing , since a tiny hamster could squeeze through those spaces . an aquarium or plastic cage may be better for your chinese or dwarf hamster , since he would not be able to escape easily . the fact that your hamsters cage is an important investment does not mean that you have to find the most expensive one that you can find . small wire cages tend to be inexpensive , but wire cages of the minimum size or more are extremely costly . plastic cages are also expensive , and most of the time dont even come close to the minimum cage size . aquariums or bin cages can usually be your best bet .

find an unwanted dollhouse . clean the dollhouse . check out the floor areas , both base and upstairs . measure the dimensions of the dollhouse . check the suitability of the house for moving around in . plan how youll block all of the exit holes . build up the base slightly . start attaching the barrier items to the dollhouse . attach the water bottle to one side of the house . put in some comfortable bedding , like straw , or tissue paper . put the hamsters favorite toys and climbing apparatus into the house . improve the outside of the hamster home .

how to make a doll house into a hamster cage

check that nobody wants it for play , heirloom keeping or for fetching a fortune on ebay because once youve changed it , its no longer going to be that old dollhouse . unless its particularly grotty , a warm , soapy wash should be sufficient for cleaning the doll house walls , floors and other surfaces . use a little detergent for something stronger . this is best done on a warm , sunny day to allow for good drying , or if youre able to leave it in a room which is very , very warm . remove all wallpaper surfaces , carpets and anything else stuck to the dollhouse . you will need to ensure that the dollhouse is clean and non - toxic . remove any fabric for carpet off the floor or curtains , etc . because it wont be clean for long , and if a bulge or seam exists , it will be chewed and stripped out . remove any removable pieces to help with deeper cleaning . if these are made of wood or paper , they will need to be waterproofed or you will end up with one stinking mess after a short time . you could use a non - toxic paint to protect these surfaces . one source suggests using g4 pond sealant to protect the wood . another idea is to use cookie sheetsbaking trays or similar to line the base of the house and any other layers , to create a barrier between the wood and the house resident . if youre into craft , tile the floor areas using a non - toxic grout . alternatively , use thick layers of paper such as toilet paper , changed frequently , to soak up hamster wee , moisture and mess . before proceeding , youll need all measurements for the additions youre going to make . hopefully youll be able to find most items around the house but you may also need to buy some , and having the measurements worked out in advance will save you money . you might need to widen some of the holes leading upstairs and exchange staircases for ladders , etc . give the dollhouse a good look over with a hamsters perspective in mind . how will the hamster get up and down where will the hamster prefer to eat , sleep and play in this house choose the solutions to these questions according to the design of the dollhouse youre using . dollhouses come with a lot of possible exit places , such as windows , doors and an open back or front that allows access to the house . youll need to block these up with suitable items , such as hardwood , galvanized wire hardware cloth , wire mesh , plastic garden wire or heavy cardstock . choose the materials for blocking up the holes according to the sizes of the holes and the need for viewing through the house . it is advisable that the part of the house which is most open to viewing usually the front or the back of the dollhouse , is covered in wire or wire mesh , so that you and the hamster can see through and so that plenty of air circulates through the hamster house . you might like to consider adding a small sliding - door in a suitable location so that you can put foodwaterbedding into the house as needed . youll also need to be able to open the house to remove the hamster for play and cuddling , as well as for cleaning . another door alternative is to cut through the wire front and hold the door in place with paperclips or spring clips . take note of small exit routes . a crack or any very small opening seam or corner will be a tempting place to chew . if such a place is in an outer wall , or floor it will , if possible , soon be enlarged to form an escape route . be sure to cover it well . whether its the back or the front of the dollhouse that opens out or is wall - less , youll need to stop the hamster bedding from tipping out onto the floor or bench . use a piece of wood across the base to create a small barrier nail into place with a good edge overhang to prevent spillage of bedding . do this prior to adding the wire covering . for the windows , nailscrew in , staple in place or glue on the woodheavy cardstockwire barriers . leave the frontback part until last because youll still need work on the inside of the hamster house . consider allowing your hamster to be able to see out of some of the windows by using plastic wire netting or wire rather than wood . it is not only more interesting for the hamster but it will probably look prettier too . drill a hole through the wall of the dollhouse to let the watering tube go through into the inside . check to see that its easily accessible for the hamster . an alternative method would be cutting a hole in a cardboard tube and putting the water bottle in that . untreated wood shavings work best not pine or cedar . if you want to turn a dollhouse bed into your pets bed , do that too in fact , old dollhouse furniture can be upcycled into all sorts of fun hamster things . arrange toys at different levels to increase the desire to run around the hamster house . hang some toys and chewing items . be sure to include ladders and balancing areas to help the hamster move around and stay entertained . this is an optional step but you can certainly prettify the hamster home if youd like . use non - toxic decorating items , just in case of fumes off - gassing through the walls or in case your hamster chews through anything . designs such as flowers , hamsters , your hamsters name , etc . are all suitable additions .

familiarize yourself with good wire hamster cages . learn about plastic hamster cages . consider the pros and cons of aquariums . learn about bin cages .

how to choose good cages for hamsters 2

a wire cage is a popular cage type for hamsters but usually is not big enough , so when looking for wire cages often rat cages with 12 inch spacing can work aswell as large hamster cages . a wire cage usually has a detachable base made of solid plastic . the horizontal bars are ideal for hanging toys and chews . big wire cages are more suitable for syrian hamsters , since they are relatively large and would not be able to squeeze between the wires . be aware that your hamster could gnaw on the wires , - if not given chews and toys - , which could lead to various dental problems that may need veterinary care . plastic hamster cages are multi - level , with tunnels and other areas that your hamster can run through and play in . in addition to being visually appealing plastic cages are very colorful , plastic cages can be good for a dwarf hamster , since his small size would allow him to easily run through the twists and turns of the tunnels . it can be fun to watch your hamster run through the cage . a plastic cage is not ideal if you have a large hamster , since he could get stuck in the tunnels . if you have a dwarf hamster , he could easily hide in the small nooks and crannies of the cage , making him hard to find . most plastic cages are too small alone and can only be used as attachment cages to a cage of the minimum size . plastic hamster cages should not have any edges that your hamster could gnaw on . aquariums are not specifically made for hamsters , but could be an ideal housing option for your hamster . they are typically made of either solid glass or plexi - glass , which makes them very sturdy and easy to see through . to keep your hamster from escaping , the aquarium should be covered with a well - fitted mesh top . you may need to purchase this separately at your local pet store . the minimum size aquarium that you should have for your hamster is 30 - 40 gallons depending on the specific aquarium . just be sure to have the floorspace be of the minimum size or bigger . an aquarium would be ideal if you have a dwarf or chinese hamster . aquariums have a few disadvantages , such as being heavy and having poor ventilation . since aquariums are not hamster - specific , you would need to buy extra items to place inside of it , such as tunnels and ladders . bin cages are cages that you can design and make yourself . the freedom to be able to design these cages yourself is a major advantage . bin cages are usually much cheaper to make than it is to buy a proper sized store bought cage , but bin cages may not look as visually appealing as other cage types .

cut holes . fold the end of the toilet tube . cut the loofah chews to pieces . add the contents . fold the other end . give the finished toy to the hamster .

how to make a hamster toy out of loofah chews

using your scissors , cut small holes , ensuring that they are big enough for the hamster to reach in to get the chews and treats hidden inside the toilet tube . cut the holes at the side of the tube . choose one side and fold it from one side to the other . make the pieces big , almost overlapping the size of the holes . after cutting the loofah chews , add both the loofah pieces and hamster treats in the tube . make sure the treats are really inside so the hamsters have a hard time getting to the treats . as a result , they will chew the loofah pieces to get to the treats hidden within . after putting the contents in the toilet paper tube , fold the other end in the same way that you folded the other end . you may place the toy inside the hamsters cage . stand back and watch your hamster tear it to pieces , enjoying the toy you just made

purchase commercial hamster mix from a pet store . supplement your hamsters diet with fresh food . give your hamster hard treats . know what foods to avoid . purchase a water bottle . feed your hamster once per day in either the morning or evening . purchase a small ceramic bowl . give your hamster approximately a tablespoon of pellets per day . try hand - feeding your hamster his treats . monitor your hamsters weight .

how to feed hamsters

most of a hamsters diet should be made up of commercial hamster food . these are usually composed either of pellets or seed mixes . they are designed to accommodate your hamsters diverse nutritional needs . because hamsters are adverse to changes in their diet , when you purchase food , consider buying what your hamster was fed at the pet store . after a few weeks , slowly transition it to a different food source , should you choose to . if you are feeding your hamster a seed mix , make sure that it does not only eat the sun flower seeds . hamsters prefer these , but they will not satisfy all of your hamsters nutritional needs . try to give your hamster a small portion of fruit , vegetable , or protein either every day or every other day . a portion size equivalent to a couple of raisins is appropriate . leftovers can rot , contaminating the cage . good vegetables to feed your hamster include turnips , carrots , chicory , spinach , parsley , pumpkin , endive , cauliflower , broccoli , cauliflower , green beans , and asparagus . good fruits to feed your hamster include raisins , seedless apples , berries , pears , plums , and peaches . seeds and pits can be poisonous , so be sure to keep these away from your hamster . once a week you can add some additional protein to your hamsters diet with pieces of a hardboiled egg . be mindful that food hasnt spoiled and remove it from the cage when it begins to go bad . fresh food should generally be removed from the cage within a few hours of the initial feeding . it is important to give your hamster a hard treat approximately once a week . these help keep your hamsters teeth in good shape and can be a source of additional nutrition or even recreation . at a pet store you can purchase treats that hang from the top of your hamsters cage . these forces them to work to get their food and can facilitate play . mineral or salt licks are a good way to provide your hamster nutrition as maintains its teeth . you should avoid feeding your hamster kidney beans , citrus fruits , onion , potato , rhubarb , and tomato leaves . junk food , chocolate , alcohol , and candy are also bad for your hamster . hamsters are liable to knock over a water dish , creating sanitary problems . at the pet store purchase a bottle that can hang on your hamsters cage . refill regularly with bottled water . be sure to clean the water bottle at least once a week . specialists differ as to whether it is better to feed your hamster in the morning or evening . it is important , however , that hamsters eat regularly . so pick one time and stick with it . some experts recommend night time feedings because hamsters are nocturnal and thus will be awake throughout the evening . others , however , point out that they like to wake up sporadically throughout the day and snack . it is unclear which time is best . hamsters can scratch up plastic bowls , creating crevices which foster the growth of bacteria . a small bowl is preferable to a large one , because it will leave space in the cage for your hamster to play . place the bowl at the opposite side of the cage from your hamsters bathroom area . you will find that your hamster goes to the bathroom in one corner of his cage . note where that spot is and then place the bowl as far from it as possible . wash the bowl with soapy water during your weekly cleaning of the cage . supplement this as described above with treats . it can be tempting to overfeed hamsters because you will often find that their bowl will quickly empty . but , hamsters horde food , so it is probable that they actually have food , but have hidden it . , this can be a good way to bond and build positive associations with your hamster . as you offer food with one hand , use the other to pet or hold your hamster . slowly build up to more contact . because they have so much extra skin , it can be difficult to tell when a hamster is becoming obese . a syrian should weight approximately one ounce per inch of length . also , if your hamster appears slow and sluggish , it is possible you should modify its diet .

choose good bedding . spread the bedding thickly enough that your hamster can burrow in in it . pick appropriate food . feed your hamster every day . maintain a steady diet . play with your hamster . give your hamster water , ideally in a plastic bottle .

how to make hamster food , water and bedding choices

the best bedding is shredded toilet paper or a type of soft bedding like carefresh , which can be dusty , or kaytee clean and cozy , or aspen bedding . all three are practically harmless . some types of bedding can be hazardous to your hamster . any fluffy bedding , such as cotton , can kill your hamster . if you use wood shavings , avoid cedar and pine . it releases aromatic oils that can be fatal to your hamsters . aspen is probably your best choice about four inches should be enough never try to make your own food , because your hamsters will miss out on some of the essential nutrients they need to survive . they like variety , so try to buy food with different food types . 19 protein , 6 fat and 8 fiber is the ideal nutrition content . if the protein is a bit low , you can supplement the food with dried mealworms . the same goes for if the food is a bit low in fiber . supplementing the mix with high - fiber foods works well . harryhazel hamster and burgess dwarf are both the best and most superior hamster food choices in america . remove old or stale food regularly . thea mounts will depend on which food you have . do not change your hamsters food or diet suddenly take it slow . add a little more of the new food every couple of days until all your hamsters food is the new kind . always supplement their diet with fresh , safe vegetables , as well as other non - vegetable treats if your hamster is a winter white or a chinese hamster refrain from feeding fruit such as non - citrus fruit , hard - boiled egg , etc . keep the amounts small though only about a nail - sized cube of extras per day . hide the food around the cage for them to find . dont do this too much , though , as they may not be able to find it , and the food will go stale . remove any leftover hidden food when you change the bedding . also , have them run around on the ground freely but you must be watching them . always keep them away from corners and wires . if you use a plastic bottle , make sure that the ball is metal , not plastic . bottles are easier to handle and keep the water cleaner . a bottle will need its water regularly changed , about thrice a week or more if the hamster is a little messier . if you use a bowl , which is the more natural choice , choose one that is about 1 1⁄2 inch 3 . 8 cm tall and fill it about halfway . a bowl will need its water regularly changed about once a day or more if the hamster is a little messier . hamsters prefer bottled water , but it isnt necessary for them to survive .

find or make a washcloth for the hammock . turn on the sewing machine . fold the washcloth in half . sew the washcloth into a hammock . stuff the hammock with the filling . sew twine at each end of the hammock . attach your hamsters hammock to the cage .

how to make a hamster hammock

you can also use fleece if needed , and gather the supplies needed stated below . be ready with the color thread youve chosen for the project . have ready the polyester stuffing to fill the hammock with . , sew all three sides and leave one side open for the filling . sew up the last edge to complete the hammock . these twine ends will serve as the ties for the hammock , to be attached to the hamsters cage . tidy any loose ends and its done . wait for him to start chilling

feed your dwarf hamster commercial hamster food . give your hamster fresh fruits and vegetables . include a good protein source in your dwarf hamsters diet . add fiber to your dwarf hamsters diet . feed your dwarf hamster hard treats once a week . provide your dwarf hamster with fresh water . learn which foods you should not feed your dwarf hamster . select the proper food bowl for your dwarf hamster . feed your dwarf hamster at the same time each day . observe your dwarf hamsters eating habits . do not overfeed your dwarf hamster . remove any uneaten food .

how to feed dwarf hamsters

dwarf hamsters have a similar diet to other hamster varieties . a mainstay of your dwarf hamsters diet should be commercial hamster food , which you can purchase at your local pet store . commercial hamster food comes in pelleted form and typically consists of seeds , pellets , grains , and bits of cracked corn . commercial hamster food has a high nutritional value , but should not be the only type of food you feed your dwarf hamster . the pellet formulation allows your dwarf hamster to gnaw on his food , which can be good for his dental hygiene . choose a commercial food that has about 15 to 20 protein . if you have the time , you can also make your own hamster food . fruits and vegetables add extra nutrition as well as variety to your hamsters diet . make sure to wash the fruits and vegetables thoroughly with fresh water to remove any pesticides or other chemicals . examples of produce that you can feed your dwarf hamster are asparagus , broccoli , bananas , and blueberries . incorporate fruits and vegetables gradually into your dwarf hamsters diet to reduce his likelihood of developing diarrhea . start by feeding one small piece of produce a week , then slowly move up to feeding a small piece once a day . if he develops diarrhea , stop feeding him produce and allow the diarrhea to resolve before trying again . herbs , such as basil and coriander , are also good to feed your dwarf hamster . protein is an important nutrient for your dwarf hamster . fortunately , there are several great protein sources from which you can choose . for example , raw and unsalted seeds , such as sunflower , flax , and sesame , are high in protein . lentils are another good protein source . if you are not too squeamish , you can also feed him insects grasshoppers , earthworms , crickets , which are high in protein . consider purchasing these from your local pet store , since the ones you capture outside may have microorganisms that could make your dwarf hamster sick . small amounts of dairy plain yogurt , cottage and meat turkey , chicken are also good protein sources . natural sources of fiber , such as timothy hay and alfalfa hay , are good sources of fiber . your dwarf hamster may not be a fan of hay , but you can give him a small amount to see if he will like it . hard treats help your dwarf hamster keep his incisors filed down , which is good for his overall dental hygiene . you can let him gnaw on small dog biscuits , commercial hamster treats , or a small branch taken from a fruit - bearing tree . your dwarf hamster can have soft treats , too . examples of soft treats include whole wheat bread and scrambled eggs . water is just as important to your dwarf hamsters diet as food . buy a hamster - sized water bottle with a stem and ball bearing from your local pet store . the ball regulates how much water comes out each time the hamster takes a drink . do not give your hamster a water bowl or dish . while it might seem like a good thing to do , a water bowl or dish will actually result in a watery mess in your hamsters cage . watery messes can lead to mold growth that could make your hamster sick . fill the water bottle completely to create a vacuum inside the bottle . this will prevent water from leaking out when you refill it . position the bottle inside the cage so that it is out of direct sunlight . direct sunlight can cause algae to form inside the bottle . this will not make your dwarf hamster sick , but it will mean that you will need to clean his water bottle more often . the water bottle can be secured to the inside of the cage with two small clips that you can find at your local pet store , in case the clips didnt already come with the bottle . although there are a lot of human foods that you can feed your hamster , there are other foods that can make him sick and should be kept out of his diet . for example , there are certain fruits and vegetables that you should not feed your dwarf hamster , including tomato leaves , raw potatoes , and onions . citrus fruits oranges , lemons should also be avoided because they are too acidic for him . a watermelons water content is too high for him . almonds contain cyanic acid , which can make your dwarf hamster very sick . fruit seeds can be harmful to your dwarf hamster . if you would like to feed your dwarf hamster fruits that have seeds apples , peaches , plums , make sure to remove the seeds first . chocolate contains a substance called theobromine that can negatively affect your dwarf hamsters circulatory system . the ideal food bowl for your dwarf hamster is small and ceramic . if you purchase a large bowl , you will be more likely to overfeed him . also , large bowls take up a lot of cage space . ceramic bowls are chew - resistant , which is a benefit over plastic bowls . scratches due to chewing can lead to bacterial growth , so a ceramic bowl will decrease the likelihood of bacteria growing in or on the bowl . ceramic bowls are also very sturdy , which makes them difficult to overturn , unlike plastic food bowls . place the food bowl as far away as possible from your hamsters designated ‘bathroom . hamsters choose one spot in the cage to do all of their business . once you have figured out where that spot is , make sure to put the food bowl on the opposite side of the cage . clean the food bowl once a week when you clean your dwarf hamsters cage . there is some debate as to whether hamsters should be fed in the morning of evening . a benefit to feeding them in the evening is that they will already be awake , since they are nocturnal animals . on the other hand , feeding them in the morning means that food will be there when they wake up sporadically throughout the day . whichever time of day you choose to feed your dwarf hamster , remain consistent with feeding him at the same time . remember that dwarf hamsters have a very high metabolism , so they will need access to food at all times . your dwarf hamsters diet should contain a variety of foods so that he receives all of the nutrients he needs in the correct amounts . however , your dwarf hamster may not like everything that you feed him . if you notice that hes consistently not eating a certain food , switch it out for something else . for example , if you notice that he doesnt like one kind of fruit e . g . apple , replace with it another fruit e . g . banana . keeping a variety of foods will allow you to easily switch out one food for another . discontinue feeding him food that makes him sick e . g . diarrhea caused by eating watermelon . he will only need about one tablespoon of hamster food each day , plus the occasional treat and fresh food . while a tablespoon of food might look like a lot compared to these tiny creatures , dwarf hamsters actually have very fast metabolisms and can eat the same amount as their larger cousins . do not be tempted to fill his empty food bowl . hamsters have cheek pouches in which they will stuff their food to save for later . they also have a tendency to store their food under their cage bedding . the fact that your dwarf hamsters food bowl is empty does not necessarily mean that he has eaten all of his food . this is especially important for fruits and vegetables , since they can quickly become spoiled and moldy . feed only the amount of fruit that your dwarf hamster can eat in a day . this may take some trial and error before you determine what that amount is .

wash the carrot thoroughly . cut it up into small parts . trim down sharp edges . use fresh carrots with no additives .

how to prepare carrots for your hamster 1

produce purchased in the supermarket is often sprayed with commercial pesticides before being picked and sold . its a good idea to wash carrots thoroughly before serving them to a hamster . make sure your carrot is free of any bruises or damage . cut off any bruised or damaged sections . then , wash your own hands for about 20 seconds in warm water using soap . hold the carrot under cool running water . rub the carrot as you wash it to get rid of any dirt or grime . dry the carrot with a clean paper cloth or towel . as hamsters are small , youll need to the cut the carrot before serving . cut it into tiny pieces . if you have a food processor or a cheese shredder , consider using this device on the carrot to grind it into thin , shredded segments . this will be easier for your hamster to eat . after cutting the carrot , check for sharp edges . you should not give your hamster food that has sharp edges . these can puncture the insides of your hamsters mouth and , in rare cases , even cause an abscess . if you see any pointy edges on the carrot , cut them off with a knife to form a more rounded edge . dried vegetables made for human consumption often contain additives and preservatives that might not be safe for your hamster . only use fresh carrots that have not been processed . these are the safest and healthiest for your hamster .

give your hamster pellet food . feed your hamster a variety of foods . keep the fruits and vegetables to a minimum . start young . place a new food item in their food dish . introduce the food gradually over a period of days . feed your hamster smaller portions . stick with the staples . cater to your pets preferences . dont overfeed your hamster .

how to introduce new foods to your hamster

the most common staple of a hamsters diet should be the food pellets that you can buy at pet stores specifically intended for hamsters . these pellets contain a variety of seeds and grains that will help give your hamster most of the protein and nutrients it needs on a daily basis . you should provide approximately one tablespoon of pellet or seed mixture food to your hamster each day , supplemented with treats for variety . for your hamster to achieve maximum health , it is important that you give it a diverse selection of food . in addition to the food pelletsseed mixtures , you can also feed your hamster various fruits , vegetables , dog biscuits , or a small branch from a fruit - bearing tree . harder treats like dog biscuits and fruit branches should be offered only once a week . but they will also help wear down your hamsters teeth , which will be good for your pet as it ages . dont feed your hamster citrus fruits or onions . these food items will give your hamster an upset stomach . giving your hamster fruits and vegetables occasionally even small daily amounts is a good idea to help them maintain a balanced diet . however , too many fruits and vegetables can lead to diarrhea and other physical problems , so be sure to limit the amount that you give them . think of it as more of a treat , rather than a main part of their diet . some good fruitsvegetables to try out with your hamster are peas , carrots , banana , broccoli , grapes , cucumber , apple , and celery . hamsters are more likely to grow accustomed to new foods if you start introducing them to new things when they are very young even just a few weeks old . the older you let your hamster get before trying new foods , the more likely it will be to prefer what it is used to and refuse the new items . the best way to see if your hamster will accept a new kind of food is to give them a small portion and see how they react . give your hamster access to the new food type by placing a tiny piece of it in your hamsters food bowl alongside its regular food . , give your hamster the food you normally would , but add a tiny bit of a new food gradually for several days . this will allow your pet to become accustomed to the new food while still having access to the food you already know it will eat . introducing the new food slowly will also give your hamster time to adjust to the new food and avoid any potential negative side effects like an upset stomach . if your hamster seems resistant to trying new foods , start feeding it several times a day in smaller portions . but dont refill your pets food bowl until it has eaten most of the contents from the previous feeding . while it is important to provide a healthy , balanced diet for your hamster , dont get too caught up in the extras . your hamsters diet should consist mostly of pelletseed mixture food with smaller amounts of additional items as discussed above . if your hamster seems to like broccoli , but youre always throwing away the bits of celery you offer it , then take that as a sign that your hamster doesnt like celery . pay attention to what is left over in the hamsters cage when you clean it every week . if you see the same foods end up as waste repeatedly , it might be time to try a different food . , hamsters are notorious for filling their cheeks with food and continuing to beg for more . however , hamsters wont eat everything you give them , so be mindful . they will hoard the extra food in their bedding , which may begin to rot and become unhealthy for the hamster to be around . only feed your hamster as much food as it needs to live comfortably .

prepare the food bowl . introduce new foods in small amounts . allow your hamster to try the carrot .

how to prepare carrots for your hamster 2

you should serve your hamster food and treats in a small bowl . go for a ceramic food dish over a plastic one . ceramic dishes are sturdier and hamsters are less likely to chew on them . place the bowl in an area of the cage thats far away from where your hamster usually uses the bathroom . new foods , even healthy foods , should be introduced slowly . unfamiliar substances can bother a hamsters digestion , causing constipation or diarrhea . give your hamster only a small portion of the carrot at first , like one thin slice or shred . after placing the carrot in your hamsters bowl , allow him to eat his new food . you can try mixing the carrot in with his regular pellets or dry food to try to encourage him to taste the carrot . not every hamster will take to every type of vegetable . your hamster may simply dislike carrots . if this is the case , there are a variety of other vegetables you can add to your hamsters diet .

watch for digestive changes . increase the amount of carrot if your hamster enjoys it . consider introducing your hamster to other fresh veggies .

how to prepare carrots for your hamster 3

you want to make sure your hamster is able to digest carrots well . if your hamster has trouble processing carrots , youll want to remove them from his diet . keep an eye on your hamster for a few days after introducing the new food to make sure hes able to keep it down . examine your hamsters rear end . if you notice any smears or stains , he may have diarrhea . a wet tail is also a sign of diarrhea in a hamster . it may also indicate a bacterial infection in the gut . if you notice an absence of droppings in your hamsters cage , he may be suffering from constipation . this can happen when being introduced to a new food . any digestive problems that go on for longer than a week should be evaluated by a veterinarian . if your hamster digests the carrot and seems to enjoy the food , add more carrot to his diet . gradually increase the amount of carrot you feed him . however , keep the amount of carrot relatively small overall . your hamster needs nutrients from his pellets and other store - bought foods . too much of a certain food he enjoys , like carrots , may discourage him from eating his pellets . hamsters enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced diet . for veggies , you can try squash , broccoli , cauliflower , cucumber , romaine lettuce , and spinach . for fruits , try berries , apples , bananas , and pears . do not feed your hamster citrus fruit like lemons or oranges . citrus fruit can be toxic to a hamster . wash any produce you feed your hamster thoroughly . always introduce new foods gradually .

learn about the risks of hamster balls . choose your hamster ball . clean your hamster ball after purchasing it . limit your hamsters exposure to sunlight while in the hamster ball . limit the amount of time your hamster is in his or her ball . do not put more than one hamster in a ball . never let a small child play with a hamster while in a hamster ball . avoid letting your hamster play in his or her ball in an area where other pets are loose . cleaning your hamster ball . pick a play time . untwist the ball open . allow your hamster to enter the ball . twist the top back on . apply packing or scotch tape as an extra measure to keep the ball shut . put the ball on a flat surface , if it is not already . leave them alone while they are in the ball . monitor your hamster at all times .

how to use a hamster ball

while hamster balls are extremely popular , many people are critical of hamster balls because of the potential risks they pose to our small furry hamster friends . before buying a hamster ball , you need to learn about and consider the numerous risks these popular toys can pose to your friend . hamster balls can create unneeded stress and anxiety for your furry friend . if not used right , hamster balls can present physical dangers to your small friend . many veterinarians and animal rights activists have criticized hamster balls . choosing your hamster ball will depend on several factors . before you even buy the ball , there are important things you need to consider so that your little friend will enjoy hisher exercise machine . consider make sure the hamster ball is big enough for your little friend . there are a number of varieties of hamsters most popularly , dwarf and syrian , so make sure that whatever ball youll be buying will be big enough for your hamster when he or she reaches maturity . choose a color . hamster balls come in a wide variety of different colors . try to avoid dark colors , so that youll be able to see your hamster clearly at all times . make sure your hamster ball has plenty of holes in it for ventilation . while most commercially produced hamster balls do have plenty of ventilation , you should still be cognizant of this when purchasing your ball . avoid using homemade or custom hamster balls unless the builderdesigner has a lot of experience . homemade balls might be dangerous – they could open up unexpectedly or lack enough ventilation for your furry friend . before you even put your little friend into the ball , you should open it up and clean it . many times , plastic animal toys come from the factory without being properly cleaned from potentially toxic and dangerous residues and films . because of the nature of the hamster ball a translucent piece of plastic , hamster balls tend to magnify light and trap heat inside . if you allow your hamster to play in his ball outside , you might be creating an extremely dangerous situation for your friend . hamsters are sensitive to sunlight . hamsters who play in their ball in the sunlight might tend to overheat or dehydrate . limit your hamsters to indoors or at the very least to extremely overcast but not freezing days outside . even though playing in a ball might seem like a lot of fun for your hamster , your little friend can also get worn out , tired , and dehydrated real quickly . make sure to monitor his or her time in the ball . take your hamster out when he or she is tired . begin with no more than 15 minutes . if your hamster seems to handle it well , after 3 or 4 times , you can gradually increase the amount of time your hamster plays in the ball . just make sure to monitor and use your best care and judgement . if your hamster seems lethargic after playing in the ball , and does not recover quickly , consult your veterinarian . hamster balls are relatively confined spaces . as a result , never put more than one hamster in a ball at one time . the balls are designed for one hamster , and one hamster alone . there are numerous dangers to putting more than one animal in a ball at a time the hamsters could get into a fight . one hamster might not be as fit as the other , and could be thrown around as his or her friend is moving the ball . the hamsters could become extremely stressed or anxious because of the confined space . small children often do not understand that animals are autonomous lifeforms that feel pain and are fragile . as a result , never let a small child play with a hamster while the hamster is in a ball . at the same time , never let a small child play with any animal unattended . this will help safeguard the life of the animal and the welfare of the child . letting other animals play around a hamster is creating a dangerous situation for the hamster . as small domesticated animals , hamsters are vulnerable and fragile animals . when your hamster is in his or her ball playing , do not let other animals play in the same area . close off any area that your hamster is playing in . dogs or cats might see your hamster as a toy and try to rip its stuffing out . larger pets might be confused and might not understand what the hamster and his or her ball is doing . if you do have two hamsters in two separate balls , it is okay to let them play in the same area . just make sure to monitor them so they dont run into each other or hurt themselves . caring for and cleaning a hamster ball is much like caring for and cleaning a hamsters cage . you need to clean the ball regularly as to prevent bacteria and other waste from building up and possibly harming your little furry friend . clean the hamster ball after every use , if possible . clean the hamster ball at least every couple of uses , no matter what . clean the hamster ball immediately if your hamster has had an accident in it . perhaps the most challenging part of getting your hamster to use his or her ball is finding a time that they actually want to use it . youve got to time this properly , because if your hamster is tired or just not in the mood , theyre not going to do anything , and theyll just sit there . consider choosing a time when your hamster is active . dont choose a time directly before or directly after feeding . once youve used the ball a few times , it should be easier to figure out when your hamster wants to play in his or her ball . hamster balls often have two designs to open them . either way , youll have to twist the ball or the entrance open in order to let your hamster in . make sure to do this gently , as you dont want to damage your ball . some hamster balls are separated into two sides , and youll twist one side off the other to open it . some hamster balls have a small circular opening on one side of the sphere . youll have to twist the door of the ball open to let your hamster in . if your hamster ball is designed differently , consult your instructions . best practice is to open the ball and allow your hamster to enter on their own accord . you dont want to throw your hamster in there and traumatize him or her for no reason . if your hamster does not want to go in , try again later . open the ball and direct your hamster toward the opening . you can guide him or her , but dont throw them in against their own will . try putting a treat in to lure your hamster in . if your hamster goes for the treat , slowly close the ball and allow your hamster to eat the treat before anything else . if your hamster is still reluctant , place the ball inside his or her cage to allow him or her to get used to the ball . just make sure to watch them , as they might hurt themselves playing in a ball that is not secured . once your hamster has boarded the ball on their own accord , twist the ball shut and make sure it clicks and is secure so your hamster cannot escape . this is extremely important , as you dont want the ball to open while your hamster is running around . after youve loaded your furry friend into his or her ball , apply a little tape to two sides in order to provide an extra layer of protection against the ball opening . this will serve a dual purpose of keeping your hamster safe and making sure he or she does not escape into the wilds of your home . apply the tape smoothly to the crack that separates the two sides of the sphere or on the entrance to the ball . make sure that the pieces of tape are not available inside of the sphere . you dont want your little friend chewing on or swallowing the tape . make sure your ball is dry when applying tape . once your hamster has boarded , the ball is secure , and taped , then move the ball to a flat surface where your hamster will safely be able to move around . carpet is best for this and will limit the vibrations and other stresses to the ball and to the hamster . if they stop , do not force them to roll . it either means they are sniffing their surroundings or just tired . if they stop rolling for at least 7 minutes , it means they are probably tired and let them back in their cage . if they get stuck in a corner do not pick them up and move them because they are probably just resting . they can get out on their own . one mistake people often make with hamster balls is to let their hamster roam around freely in their ball . this could have potentially devastating and certainly dangerous results . in order to prevent your little friend from getting hurt , you need to monitor your hamster at all times when he or she is in a hamster ball . consider sitting on the floor with your hamster when he or she is in the ball . closing off an area , like a living room or bedroom so that your hamster wont be able to leave your site . make sure that your hamster wont be able to access any stairs or similar hazards while in his or her ball . never let your hamster roam around unattended – in or out of a ball .

gather together several popsicle sticks . rinse off the popsicle sticks to remove food residue . glue the popsicle sticks together using non - toxic glue . place the ladder in the cage .

how to build hamster toys out of household items 1

the number of popsicle sticks that you will need will depend on how tall you want to make the ladder . the stickiness of food residue could make it difficult for your hamster to walk on the ladder . allow the popsicle sticks to dry completely . it is important to use non - stick glue because your hamster may nibble on the sticks and inadvertently eat some of the glue . you would not want your hamster to get sick from eating a part of his toy . allow the glue to dry completely . you can get creative with where you place the ladder in the cage . set the ladder on the bottom of the cage and have it leading up to another toy . the ladder could also be used as a bridge between toys such as cardboard boxes or milk cartons .

gather together the materials you will need to make a tunnel . cut circular holes in the cardboard boxes . insert the toilet paper tubes into the holes . cover the tunnel with bedding .

how to build hamster toys out of household items 2

you will need several empty toilet paper tubes , bedding , some small cardboard boxes , and a cutting instrument knife , scissors , box cutter . make a fun hamster tube town instead of cardboard boxes , you could also use shoe boxes , milk cartons , or empty boxes of tea . because these boxes are not transparent , you will not be able to easily see your hamster once hes inside the tunnel . even if you cant see him , trust that hes having fun in there , these holes will be what the toiler paper tubes go through . to make sure that the holes you cut are the correct size , it may be helpful to first trace the outline of the tube onto the box . make a fun hamster tube town cut the holes in different parts of the cardboard boxes to give your hamster more options when entering and exiting the tunnel . if the tubes do not fit easily into the holes , make the holes a little bit bigger . forcing the tubes into the holes could distort their shape , making it difficult for your hamster to walk through them . use non - toxic glue to secure the tubes in the holes . this will create a little bit of extra work and challenge for your hamster to play in the tunnel . even though the tunnel will be covered with bedding , leave an open end where your hamster can gain easy access to it .

gather the materials that you will need . use scissors to cut away the plastic opening of the tissue boxes . stack the boxes on top of each other and glue them together . use a ruler to measure the distance from the top opening to the floor . create a walkway using the toilet paper tubes . secure the walkway to the opening of the second floor box .

how to build hamster toys out of household items 3

to make a two - story hamster house , you will need two empty tissue boxes , a pair of scissors , a ruler , non - toxic glue , several empty toilet paper tubes , and several small pieces of cloth . square tissue boxes will work better than rectangular boxes to make the house . removing the plastic will make it easier for your hamster to go through the openings . stacking the boxes on top of each other will create the upper and lower levels of the house . stack the boxes so that the top opening of each box is facing to the right or to the left . the openings should not be on the same side of the house . measuring this distance will allow you to know what length of tube you will need to create a walkway up to the upper level . you may need to place several toilet paper tubes within one another to make a long enough walkway from the lower to upper level . use non - toxic glue to attach the tubes to each other , if necessary . use non - toxic glue to attach cloth to the inside of the walkway . the cloth will give your hamster extra traction so that he can easily walk up and down the tube . do not make the incline so steep that your hamster will have trouble walking up or down the tube . use non - toxic glue , rather than tape , to attach the walkway to the second floor box . securing the walkway will ensure that it does not move when the hamster walks up or down the tube . if the opening is rounded , use scissors cut the bottom of the opening into a straight line .

gather a handful of empty toilet paper tubes . place the tubes within one another . use non - toxic glue to attach the tubes to each other . place the rows of tubes in different directions in the cage . place a treat at the end of the maze .

how to build hamster toys out of household items 4

the more complicated you want to make the maze , the more tubes you will need . in order to maintain the shape of the tubes , be careful not to force them to fit into each other . hamsters will nibble at the cardboard , so you want to make sure that the type of glue you use will not make them sick . this will create the shape of the maze . the more creative you are with the directions of the tube , the more challenging the maze will be for your hamster . if you choose to place the maze outside of your hamsters cage , closely supervise your hamster so that he does not escape or injure himself . other household materials that you can use to create a maze include empty shoe boxes , cylindrical oatmeal boxes , and wrapping paper tubes . the scent of the maze will encourage them to move even faster through it to get to the treat .

gather together items to make an obstacle course . set up the materials in a large open area . place treats throughout the obstacle course . keep a close eye on your hamster .

how to build hamster toys out of household items 5

just about anything can be used to make an obstacle course , including paper cups , toilet paper tubes , small toy cars , and building blocks . be aware that small toy cars have paint on them , which could make your hamster sick if he eats the paint . watch him closely and remove the cars if you see him to start to nibble on them . you could use an open area of your floor that outside of your hamsters cage . you could also use your bathtub or a large cardboard box . if you use your bathtub , line the bathtub with a towel . the towel will give your hamster more traction as he moves through the obstacle course . the scent of the treat will motivate your hamster to move even faster through the obstacle course . you will want to make sure that he does not eat any part of the obstacle course that could make him sick .

purchase a suitable habitat . place bedding into the habitat . include a litter tray . provide food and water . place toys and an exercise wheel in the habitat . consider purchasing enrichment items for outside the habitat . buy bathing materials . buy two of everything if you plan to buy a pair of hamsters . clean the habitat once a week . do not buy online . go to the pet store in the late afternoon or early evening . choose a young hamster . look for signs of a healthy hamster . make sure the pet store separates male and female hamsters . request to put your hand in the hamster enclosure . purchase your hamster . obtain a small traveling kit . bring your hamster home as quickly and safely as possible . leave your new roborovski hamster alone for the first several days . ensure your hamster is awake before reaching into the habitat . acclimate your hamster to your daily habitat chores . allow your hamster to sniff your hand while in the habitat . respect your hamsters individual personality . play with your hamster . sit down when handling your hamster . keep your hamster away from other household pets , such as cats and dogs .

how to care for roborovski hamsters

the minimum cage requirement is 360 square inches , but you should always go bigger . you should set up a home for your hamster before buying one . you can use a wire cage as long as it has a solid bottom to protect your hamsters feet and the mesh is small enough that your hamster cant escape or get stuck . you can also use a 20 - gallon aquarium—just make sure it has a wire mesh cover to allow ventilation . unlike other solitary hamster species , roborovski hamsters can live in pairs . just remember to have a separate cage available , incase the pair does not work out . you should always separate them immediately , if they fight . if you plan to have two , try to purchase them from the same litter . youll have fewer potential problems if they grow up together . you should also ensure that both hamsters are the same sex to avoid them breeding and producing large litters . be aware that even hamsters raised together from a young age can still fall out and fight . you should avoid large - scale hamster colonies to prevent the chances of this . never house roborovski hamsters with other species of hamster—or other species of animal—as they will become territorial and fight . roborovski hamsters love to burrow , hide , and dig , so make sure you put plenty of bedding into the habitat . a layer of about three inches will be fine . a generous layer of four to five inches will certainly be appreciated . soft white cellulose fiber carefresh and aspen shavings are both suitable choices for your hamster . if you choose wood shavings never use pine or cedar as they can cause a number of health problems and contain harmful oils that are toxic to hamsters . avoid bedding that contains long fibers . synthetic forms of bedding—such as those made of polyester fibers—are notorious for tangling around limbs and cutting off circulation . small plastic trays with a hood are available . they are designed to fit in the corner of a hamster cage . you put special hamster litter inside , which helps to neutralize odors . most hamsters will use these quite happily instead of soiling their cages . this is optional . clean the litter pan regularly since your hamster will be put off using it if the area is too soiled . your hamster will thrive on a steady diet of rodent chow blocks and a good food , such as hazel hamster , or vitakraft . pellets or just one type of food lacks variety and nutrition . keep in mind that some hamster foods like vitakraft lack in protein , so you should feed hamsters eggs , and food that has protein in it . you can also provide seed mixes with pellets , grains , seeds , and dried vegetables . however , do not provide seed mixes alone since your hamster can eat selectively around the tasty bits , which leads to an imbalanced diet . a hamster should have about 1 . 5 teaspoons of pellets or blocks , or as feeding directions instruct . two to three times a week , you can also provide a bite - sized amount of fresh fruit and vegetables for your hamster . consider carrots , lettuce , spinach , and apples . scatter them around the cage to let your hamster forage for them . never feed your hamster onions , uncooked beans , chocolate , or any junk food since it can be toxic to the animal . provide fresh water daily in an inverted bottle with a sipping tube that attaches to the cage low enough for your dwarf hamster to reach it . this will prevent your hamster from accidentally soiling his or her water supply and getting sick . choose a wheel with a solid outer tread plate since wired wheels can injure your hamsters feet . when the hamster is in the wheel make sure his back is straight and that he does not have to bend his back backwards in order to fit in under the central axle as this leads to back problems . allow your hamster to exercise in the wheel daily , but remove it from the habitat when you arent supervising to prevent the chance of injury . toys for a roborovski hamster include tubes , tunnels , hideouts , toilet paper rolls , wooden chews these will keep your pets teeth trimmed , as the teeth in hamsters do not stop growing , and bridges . avoid anything made of soft plastic that can create a choking hazard . never use any pet store toy that has fluff or filling of any kind . your hamster will most likely store it in his or her mouth to use it for a nest , but the fluff is harmful to a hamsters system and can create a choking hazard . try using toilet paper instead as this is safe for your hamster . swap toys out of the habitat every few days . by rotating them , you can help maintain your hamsters interest in the toys . roborovski hamsters are naturally curious little animals , and they relish the chance to leave their enclosures to explore what lies beyond their habitats . an exercise ball is a fantastic way to let your hamster run all over the house without having to worry about injury or escape . just make sure to keep the ball on the ground floor of multilevel homes to avoid dangerous tumbles down stairs . hamster playpens are also available on the market , and these allow plenty of space to provide toys and treats . you can also use a very large storage bin as an alternative . dont use cardboard boxes , though , because hamsters can chew holes in them and escape . hamsters love to explore rooms , so if you decide to allow your pet to do so , remove all dangerous items and make sure the room is inescapable . roborovski hamsters can fit through gaps as small as their skulls . always supervise your hamster when he or she is out of the habitat . no matter what type of play area you use for your pet , fill it with toys , hiding places , and some tasty treats . you need playing areas to keep your hamster active and stimulated . robo hamsters also love rolling around in a container full of bathing sand . purchase chinchilla sand not chinchilla dust , which is very harmful . select a long dish or bowl preferably plastic and fill it up before allowing your hamster to roll around in it . roborovski hamsters enjoy a sand bath , but water will stress them out , so do not try to give your hamster a water bath . if you are going to purchase two roborovski hamsters and keep them together , you will need two of everything water bottles , nesting boxes , hideouts , toys , etc . this will reduce risks of fighting . you must also avoid the use of upper levels , platforms , and extra cages connected with tubes in the habitat as it will cause territorial issues and fights . once a week , remove everything from the habitat and clean it using hot water . you can use a little vinegar on smelly areas , but ensure that you rinse the areas thoroughly after using it . fill the cage with fresh bedding as you put it back together . dont forget to give all of your hamsters toys and exercise wheel a scrub as well when you clean the habitat . once youve set up your hamsters habitat , youre ready to bring the hamster home with you . make sure you purchase from a reputable pet store in person . do not buy online since you want to take a good look at your hamster before purchasing . adopting is recommended , you are giving hamsters a second chance at life . robo hamsters are most active at night , so youll get the best look at your hamster if you visit the pet store shortly before it closes . if you go during the day , the hamster will likely be sleeping . ideally , you want a young hamster that is only four to six weeks old . an adult hamster will be between 2 - 2 . 5 long , so pick a youngster measuring less than two inches . the hamster should be round , lively , active , and alert . the eyes should be clear , ears erect , and the fur should be dry . dont buy any hamster at a pet shop if one of them has wet fur around its rump . this is a sign of a disease called wet tail , and it has probably spread to the other hamsters if you see it in one . if any fur is wet at all , avoid buying hamsters from that store . a responsible shop will keep male and female hamsters separate to prevent breeding . you dont want to bring a hamster home and end up having her give birth to a large litter a week later . reputable shops should also guarantee the sex of their hamsters , allowing you to purchase robo hamsters in pairs without fear of breeding . you want to test the behavior toward people of the hamsters in the enclosure . theyll likely all run away from your hand initially , but choose a hamster that peeks out and sniffs at your hand after the initial hiding . hamsters displaying this behavior will be easier to handle and less scared of you later on . roborovski hamsters are naturally nervous and flighty , so youll need to give them some time before one will come out and investigate you . once youve taken all of these steps into consideration , youre ready to pick the best candidate . purchase the robo hamster that displays these qualities and melts your heart . the pet store may offer a traveling kit to help you transport your new hamster home with you . if not , be prepared to bring something from home with some bedding , a little food , and a few toys . the goal is to make the journey as stress free for the hamster as possible . avoid using anything made of cardboard since the hamster can chew through it and escape . your new hamster will be very stressed after being handled and removed from its familiar enclosure . go straight home without making other stops and place your new pet into the already set up habitat slowly and gently . you need to let your new hamster adapt to his or her new habitat and surroundings before you attempt to handle or tame the hamster . keep in mind that some hamsters might need more time to adjust to their new home . you should have enough food , water , and toys in the habitat for the first few days , although youll soon need to start changing food , water , and toys daily . cover the aquarium with a light cloth to allow your new pet to adjust to and explore its new habitat in privacy . this is the crucial recovery and adjustment period , so it will take longer if you disturb the hamster . if there are friends , guests , andor children in the house , make sure they know not to go near the hamsters enclosure . youll probably want to watch your hamster explore its new home , but roborovski hamsters are especially nervous and will hide and become very stressed , so resist the temptation for the first few days . during the taming process—and even after when your hamster is comfortable with you—always make sure your hamster is awake before you try to handle him or her . a sleepy hamster is disorientated and may nip if feeling grumpy or annoyed . to tame a hamster , put a treat in your hand and give it to your hamster . if it runs away , try again later . once your hamster is comfortable after a few days of taking treats , put it in your palm this time . heshe will probably sit in your hand and eat it . when he is comfortable sitting in your hand , lift him up a few inches , and put him back down . repeat process for the next few days , until he gets used to the feeling of lifting . then try lifting him for longer periods of time , then higher , then out of the cage . robo hamsters are very timid , so it might take a while to tame him . it is very difficult to tame them , so dont be surprised when taming doesnt go well . you should always wash your hands before and after reaching into the habitat or handling your hamster as well . they have poor eyesight , and smelling food on your fingers can lead to an accidental nip as well . after several days , you can start going about the daily maintenance of your hamsters habitat . speak softly to alert your roborovski hamster of your presence . start the daily chores—removing old food , toys , and soiled bedding and placing in new food , and a bunch of new toys . change the water from the water bottle as well . doing the daily chores will get your hamster used to your hand being in the habitat . use slow and careful movements at first . its typical for your new hamster to sniff your hand and then run away again . dont try to handle the hamster yet just because he or she will sniff your hand . try offering treats as well , but have patience and allow the hamster to set the pace . dont try to force the behavior . another option to help tame your hamster is to scoop him or her up in a shoebox or another small box that the hamster cannot escape . place your hand flat in the box and allow the hamster to sniff at you that way . if the hamster cant simply hide , he or she will be more likely to approach you . if your hamster runs away and hides , squeaks if you try to touch it , or rolls on its back andor bares its teeth , then the pet is only feeling stressed , and you should try again with the taming techniques later . remember , all hamsters have different personalities . if your hamster is interested in you after a couple days , thats great . if your hamster still shows no affection to you after a month of training , then your hamster may not ever develop a fondness for human interaction , and you need to respect this . you can still enjoy your hamster by watching your pet play in its playpens andor exercise ball . once your hamster no longer fears you , you can bring it into a designated play area of your house . roborovski hamsters love playtime outside of their habitats , so youll be pleasing your pet and keeping it stimulated by letting it run around . supervise your hamster if it is allowed to explore a room . your hamster should spend at least an hour or two outside of the habitat daily whether in an exercise ball , a playpen , or running around a secure space under your supervision . always switch the toys in the play areas just as you should in its habitat . if your hamster does start showing signs of comfort around you , then you can begin handling and playing with it . they generally have poor eyesight , so your hamster may accidentally jump from your hands at times . you should sit down , so the hamster doesnt fall from a dangerous height . you should additionally always use two cupped hands when handling your hamster to prevent accidental falls . your hamster will see them as a threat and become stressed , even if it is in the safety of its habitat . the stress opens the door to illness , and this is not good . keep other household pets away from the room in which your hamster is kept .

find a suitable box you can use . cut a hole the size of a paper towel or toilet paper tube on the side of the box . place the tube you used to cut the hole and place it in the hole to make it fit nicely . place some of your hamsters current bedding some thats already in the cage in the box so when your hamster smells it , it will recognize it . place some of your hamsters feces in the box . wait for the hamster to use it . finished .

how to make a hamster litter box

cardboard or plastic it doesnt really matter . just as long as your hamster has a way to get to it . you can use the tube to trace a circle in the spot so it will be easier to cut and fit . the other end has to find a way to be in the hamsters cage . my hamster cage has the critter tubes that go down the side to the box . you can do something similar or different just as long as your hamster can get to it easily and without escaping . , ok now i know this sound gross , but next time your holding your hamster and it poops , put it in the litter box . it should realize that since all of its poos are here , that it needs to poo here . when you clean you hamsters cage and you wipe off some poo or pee , put some in the litter box . by now your hamster should realize that in the litter box is where it should use the bathroom .

decide how many hamsters youre looking to keep . make a decision on what youre looking for in your hamster aesthetically . account for how much time you will have to play with the animals . look around for any hiding places in the area and account for how well you would be able to catch your escapees . decide how much money youd be willing to invest in medical care . look at the hamsters closely when buying .

how to decide between syrian and dwarf hamsters

if you want to keep more than one hamster , syrian hamsters are not an option unless you are keeping multiple cages as they are a territorial breed and will fight over space . dwarf hamsters , however , can be kept in the same cage given that they are all the same sex . if you choose to keep a dwarf hamster , keep an eye on the hamsters to make sure that they are getting along well and dont have troubles with space . remember that bigger is better when it comes to cage size . if you want a small hamster with beady eyes and limited color variety , a dwarf hamster may suit you better than a syrian hamster . however if youd prefer a large hamster with a wider variety of colors and fur lengths , you may prefer syrian hamsters . dwarf hamsters tend to have fluffier fur whereas syrian hamsters have fur more similar to a cats . given that syrian hamsters are larger , its important to account for more cage size and space if you choose this breed . comfort for your pet should be the main focus point over any aesthetic preference . attention is very necessary for hamsters and the amount of energy you invest in playing with them can affect their entire nature . with lots of attention , the hamster will remember you , approach you on its own , and be excited to be held and pet by you . in general , dwarf hamsters tend to be more timid around humans and will remember you less well if you dont play with them everyday . plus they tend to bite if they dont remember you . syrian hamsters , however , tend to remember their owners more and be friendlier . although dwarf hamsters are smaller and less easy to find in large rooms , syrian hamsters are even faster and you have to keep a good eye on them when you have them out . syrian hamsters also tend to remember what hiding spots are better as well given that their memory is better . if you arent prepared to regularly take out your hamster and find them when they escape or run off , then a hamster isnt something you should be investing in in the first place . each species has its own distinct disease that it tends to be prone to . syrian hamsters are especially prone to a disease known as wet - tail which they tend to get when they are young due to stress . it is highly uncommon in old age . this disease tends to be highly lethal and needs to be spotted within the first 24 - 48 hours . its extremely rare for the hamster to acquire the illness after the first four weeks . dwarf hamsters , however , tend to be more prone to diabetes . this means that they will need special care in their food occasionally the hamster will be given a small dosage of insulin , however that isnt usually administered due to the fact that mistake in dosage can result in immediate death . despite the tendencies of the breed , handling the hamster themselves will tell you most about their nature . if the hamster is shaking or quick to bite , theyre likely not a good choice as they will be a hassle to tame . if youre having trouble deciding between the two breeds , then choosing off of in - store personality may be the best option for you .

make sure that the room is hamster safe before building the maze . choose your materials . use the right glue . choose your base . consider getting a large tub to put the maze in once it is built . design the layout of your maze . make your maze bigger so that it fits your hamster . start drawing a wall on a sheet of cardboard or wood . start cutting the walls out . glue the walls down onto the maze , one at a time . be sure to leave a path through the maze . place the maze down on the floor or into a tub . leave treats in the maze . try building some of the paths out of toilet paper rolls instead . consider covering the bottom of your maze with a thin layer of its bedding . try building your maze out of wooden blocks . try timing your hamster each time you let it run through the maze . know when it is a good time to run your hamster through the maze .

how to build a hamster maze

there should be no other animals inside the room , as they could stress the hamster . cover any possible hiding spots in the room in case the hamster gets out of the maze . hamster hiding spots include boxes and under furniture . because hamsters like to chew through everything , it is important that you make your maze out of materials that are safe for hamsters . because of this , it is best to avoid plastic . here are two popular options cardboard can be sourced from boxes , presentation boards , and even toilet paper rolls . it may not be very durable , but it will be the cheapest option . make sure that it is thick and strong , or the hamster will chew holes into the walls and run away . wood is sturdier than cardboard , but also more expensive . when buying wood , make sure that it is a hardwood , such as birch , oak , or walnut . avoid resinous woods , such as like pine or cedar they are toxic for hamsters . also , make sure that the wood is smooth and free of any cracks or coarse grain this would seriously injure your hamster . you can use wooden boards or blocks . hot glue would be the most suitable for cardboard while wood glue would be the best for wood . whatever glue you buy , make sure that it is non - toxic , in case the hamster chooses to chew on it . you do not want to use nails or screws , even if you are making your maze out of wood the sharp metal can hurt your pet . look for a wooden board or a sheet of wood that is about 2 feet by 2 feet centimeters . this will be the base for your maze . consider covering the maze with a sheet of plastic . this will make it easier to clean things up if the hamster makes a mess . be sure to glue or tape the edges of the plastic sheet down so that it does not slide off . this will keep the hamster from running away in case it manages to escape the maze . you can also put the maze into a bathtub or a hamster playpen . if you are using a bathtub , however , make sure that the drain is plugged up and that the bottom of the tub is covered with a cloth or towel . you can either come up with your own on a sheet of paper , or you can use an existing one . two great places to find ideas for mazes are on the backs of cereal boxes and coloring mats from chain restaurants many restaurants offer paper place mats with puzzles and mazes for children to solve . do not worry about the height of the walls yet . make sure that your maze has straight lines instead of curves this will make it easier to build . you can either enlarge it simply by drawing it bigger , or you can use a photocopier . aim for something that is 2 feet by 2 feet centimeters . you can either draw directly onto the base , or you can draw it on a sheet of paper and then glue the paper to the base . it will be shaped like a rectangle . the length needs to be the same as one of the straight lines in your maze . the height should be twice the height of your hamster this will prevent the hamster from climbing out of the maze . repeat this process for the other walls . if you do not have enough material to make the walls so high , you can make them the same height as the hamster , but then you will need to cover the entire maze with a sheet of wire mesh so that the hamster doesnt climb out . consider numbering the walls . draw a small number on the rectangle you drew , and the same number next to the matching wall in the maze . this will help you remember which wall goes where . if you are using cardboard , you can use a box cutter or an xacto blade . if you are using a wooden board , then you will have to use a saw . try cutting a few arches into the walls to make smaller doorways for the hamster . this could make it more interesting . draw a line of glue along one of the lines of your maze , and place the matching wall down . wait until the glue hardens , or until the wall can stand up on its own , before moving onto the next . be sure to add glue into the corners , where the walls join . leave the entrance and exit open . you can always block the entrance with a piece of wood or cardboard once the hamster is inside . do not keep it on a table . if the hamster somehow manages to escape , it may fall off the table and get hurt . you can leave a treat for your hamster at the end of the maze , or you can leave a treat at various points in the maze to help guide your hamster along . not only can the treats be very rewarding for your hamster , but they can also help motivate the hamster to go through the maze . try any of the following treatsbarley , oats , and quinoa flaxseed pumpkin seed , sesame seed , and sunflower seed vegetables , such as broccoli , carrot , celery , corn , and green beans this will create a tunnel for the hamster to crawl through , and make it more like an obstacle course . make sure that you poke a few small holes into the tube so that the hamster can breath . to attach a tube to a wall , cut a hole in the wall first , then stick the tube into the hole . secure the tube with some hot glue . this will make the maze easier to clean up in case the hamster soils it . the familiar flooring may also help the hamster feel more relaxed and at home . avoid bedding that is made out of cedar or pine , as this is not safe for hamsters . you can also try using plastic bricks , but only if you know that your hamster will not chew on them . simply arrange the bricks on your base in a maze pattern . if you want the design to be permanent , glue the blocks down using wood glue . if you do not want the maze to be permanent , do not glue them down the hamster will not be strong enough to move the blocks aside . make sure that the blocks are twice as tall as your hamster . if you cannot find any blocks are that large enough , try stacking them , or covering the entire maze with a wire mesh . the hamster will start to remember the maze , and finished it faster each time . because hamsters are nocturnal , you may not get very good or exciting results by putting the hamster into the maze during the daytime . instead , try putting it in when its eyes appear bright and awake . this would most likely be in the evening , although you may be able to catch a few moments of playtime in the afternoon as well .

get a suitable cage . provide the cage with lots of bedding . place the cage with care .

how to care for winter white dwarf hamsters 1

the minimum cage size for one hamster is 360 square inches of floor space the minimum for two is 720 . it is recommended that you have cages larger than that , though . you can house two or more winter whites , as long as they are from the same litter . make sure the cage is put where there is no direct sunlight . about 3 inches 7 . 6 cm of bedding or more . do not use pine or cedar bedding for your winter white . softwood beddings such as pine and cedar have dangerous chemicals which may cause respiratory problems for your hamster . do not place the cage in front of a window . the hamster should not be under direct sunlight .

dont do anything with your hamster for 2 - 4 days after bringing it home . if you try to pet your winter white and it squeaks or hisses at you , this is a sign that means im scared or leave me alone .

how to care for winter white dwarf hamsters 2

if you do , it may cause stress . stress can sometimes kill your hamster . after 2 or 4 days , you can start talking to your hamster and start to pet it . if that happens , leave your hamster alone for a while longer . also , be careful when youre around your hamster and dont make any loud noises that may cause stress .

when you feed your hamster , use a seed mix with not too much sugar winter whites are prone to diabetes . give your hamster proper food . check on the winter whites water bottle frequently to make sure the water level is full and the water is fresh . dont give your winter white too many treats or it will gain weight .

how to care for winter white dwarf hamsters 3

refer to the following nutritional values when looking for suitable food mixes 17 - 22 protein 8 - 10 fiber 4 - 6 fat never give your hamster human food . foods with too much sugar such as fruits are to be fed very , very sparingly . , many treats also have a lot of sugar , which can cause diabetes .

exercise your hamster . provide chew toys for your hamster .

how to care for winter white dwarf hamsters 4

for helping them exercise , provide them with a solid wheel in their cage . do not use wire or mesh wheels as it can cause bumble foot . make sure the wheel is big enough so that your hamsters back isnt arching when it runs in the wheel , as that can cause back problems . if you want to bring your hamster out of the cage , provide a hamster ball or a playpen . dont leave your hamster out for too long , because it can get stresses . a hamsters teeth really grow fast , especially dwarf hamsters . provide them with chew toys such as wooden chews to help trim their teeth .

make sure your winter whites teeth arent too long . if your hamster is dirty , never bathe it with water . try to check when your holding your winter white that there is no infection in the eyes , tail , scent glands , or anywhere else around your hamsters body .

how to care for winter white dwarf hamsters 5

if they look like they have overgrown , give them a chew stick or something to trim their teeth . the proper way to bathe a hamster is with certain types of sand , preferably childrens play sand . never use dust leave a dish of it in the cage for your hamster to roll around in . never squeeze your hamster this will cause stress and your hamster will most likely squeak , hiss , or bite . always handle them gently

buy a cage . get bedding for the cage . buy a hamster house for your hamster to stuff with nesting material so it feels safe and cozy . buy a carry case . buy wheels and accessories . locate the hamsters cage in a quiet place . be prepared for your hamster to live 2 to 3 years . bring your syrian hamster home straight from the store without detours . start to interact with your hamster . give your hamster time to get used to you before attempting to pick it up . choose appropriate foods and treats for your syrian hamster . avoid feeding your hamster foods that are not good for it . provide the hamster with clean , fresh drinking water . provide chews to help file down the hamsters teeth . keep your hamsters cage clean . relocate the hamster while you clean its cage . give your hamster lots of love . take care when waking your hamster . visit the vet when needed .

how to care for syrian hamsters

a good cage for a syrian hamster is a cage with a minimum of 360 square inches of floor space . never give your syrian a cage any smaller than that because they will be severely cramped . most pet store cages are too small instead try a 20 gallon 75 . 7 l long tank , a bin cage , or a diy cage . remember , a cage that is too small will lead your hamster to extreme boredom and severe stress . it doesnt matter if you see a cute cage at a pet store and think it must be okay because theyre selling it there . the only exception to small cages is if you buy three or four and connect them together with tubes . most cages at pet stores are too pricey anyways . its best to avoid starter cages or beginner cages these are much too small . instead , purchase a cage suitable for the hamsters entire lifespan at the start , as this will save you money and bring much stress - relief in the future . the 360 square inches 2322 . 58 square cm of floor space does not include levels . solely the ground floor must be 360 sq in . levels do not count . remember that safe bedding is a must . do not use sawdust , pine , or cedar and any other wood - based bedding because the oils from these wood types are harmful to your hamster . avoid cotton as well . this could clog up your hamsters intestines and kill him , and it may also catch on your hamsters legs and break them as he tries to pull free . use shredded paper , brands like aspen , care fresh , boxo , and katyee . these are the most commonly found in pet stores . they keep odors down , are clean and cozy . sawdust should be made from untreated wood . when buying it at a pet store , check that the packaging says untreated . do not purchase sawdust from a wood mill or carpenter , as this wood is probably treated with chemicals that can be toxic to hamsters . cotton or string fluffy bedding types are extremely dangerous . these types of bedding kill thousands of pets even if the package says its safe . the risk is that strands of bedding fiber get caught around a leg , then tighten to cut off the hamsters circulation . it will also more than likely break your hamsters fragile bones as it tries to struggle free . the leg becomes gangrenous and the hamster is too sick to withstand surgery . in some cases the hamster has to be euthanized on humane grounds . a great nesting material is toilet paper . dont get anything with fragrances . you can shredrip it to small pieces and place it around the cage or in the hamster house . note that this is not a replacement for regular bedding . avoid cedar , redwood , and pine bedding , as they contain resin dust that can irritate your hamsters respiratory system . aspen and care fresh are perfectly safe and comfortable options for hamsters . you should also avoid any bedding materials coloured with inks or dyes as they may be harmful to your hamsters health if eaten . these vary from plastic houses great for disinfecting and cleaning to attractive wicker nests . wicker nests are a much more natural environment for the hamster , but difficult to clean so you will need to dispose of such a house if the hamster soils inside . a hamster house is a must - have , so dont skip over it . a hamster , in the wild , lives in a den or a burrow . it spends all of its day sleeping inside there , where it feels safe and protected from any threat . it also stores its food in its house . note that some hamsters prefer to sleep beneath their wheel , but you still need a house . some people use hutches made for guinea pigs and rabbits for their hamsters , but these are good if you have a pregnant female that needs lots of space and wont want to climb all over her cage . most pet stores offer cardboard boxes , but hamsters can chew right through them . buy a carry - case made for syrians . cheap ones with lids that come right off and are easy to escape from are no good youll need to purchase a proper carry case from a pet shop . they will be a much more expensive option , but also the better option , as this can be re - used whenever you need and are escape - proof . do not bring your new hamster home in its cage . it is also useful to have a reliable carry case at home , for those times when you need to transport the hamster safely to the vet . wheels and accessories , like hideaway huts , made for dwarf hamsters and mice are far too small for syrian hamsters allow the hamster to have plenty of room to move around in , and make sure you have an 11 - 12 inch wheel wodent wheels are best . when buying a wheel , visualise an adult sized syrian hamster inside . your pet needs to be able to run on the wheel with its back straight . if the wheel is too small , the central spoke will cause the hamster to flex in the wrong direction its back makes a u . if in doubt , buy the largest wheel that will fit in the cage , such as a rat - wheel . also , make sure that your wheel isnt made of wire or mesh material , because this can cause bumblefoot . your hamster needs quiet to avoid stressing it with loud , sudden sounds . keep the cage is out of the full sun , and do not keep hamster cages in a room where food is prepared . the average age is about 2 years . let your hamster sleep as it gets older , and be prepared for vet trips , as older hamsters are prone to illness . if you have young children , and an older hamster becomes sick , take care to explain to them that the hamster is very old and may not recover , rather than get their hopes up . transfer the hamster from the carrier to the cage , which should be set up beforehand . leave the hamster alone after you put it in its cage , so that it can explore its new home and become used to it . after about 48 hours 2 days , slowly get to know how your hamster likes to be handled . start by sitting down and talking to the hamster , in a calm , soothing voice , to get it used to your presence . when the hamster is awake and alert so evening is the best time , try reaching in to stroke it . hamsters are not aggressive by nature and do not usually attack unless provoked . however , they do have poor eyesight , so if your hand smells of food they may bite a finger assuming its something to eat . so wash your hands first . for this reason , it is a bad idea to hand feed hamsters , since they can confuse where the smell of the food is coming from and accidentally nibble your finger . one option is to place a treat in the cage , on a spoon and whilst the hamster is eating his treat , gently stroke him . take it slowly , let the hamster become used to you . have short , non - aggressive interactions with the hamster several times a day until your pet is comfortable with you . once the hamster accepts you stroking it , try scooping it gently into the palm of your hand . this may take a long time with aggressive females , but tame , friendly males will allow you to hold them after just a few days . the ideal time to wait before picking up your hamster and taking it out of the cage to play is two to three weeks . to hold your hamster , slide one hand under it and cup the other round the front of its body . ensure you are gentle . you should never start by picking your hamster up try holding out treats for it . if the hamster is too shy to take it from your hands , just put the treat down and wait for the hamster to take it . hamsters need to be fed a good variety food , as well as the occasional treat . commercial brand hamster foods , such as hazel hamster harry hamster in the uk , are ideal . because hamsters are hoarders , give a small quantity that you can be reasonably confident the hamster will eat quickly and not try to stash away . make sure the nutritional values are 17 - 22 protein , 4 - 6 fat , and 8 - 10 fiber . some experts believe most hamster mixes are a little too low in protein to be perfectly balanced for the average syrian hamster . it is a good idea to give your hamster the odd treat of hard boiled egg or cheese , cat food , or mealworms . small bits of cooked chicken or scrambled egg are good sources of protein and may be given daily . if the hamster does not take any excess treats away to eat later within 24 hours time , remove any uneaten goodies . for instance , never give your hamster seeds with husks . the sharp pointed seed husks may hurt the delicate lining of the cheek pouch . also avoid giving foods with a high moisture content cucumber or lettuce , since these are liable to have a laxative effect on the hamsters digestive system . make this available at all times . a sipper bottle is ideal since this doesnt get contaminated with bedding or food in the same way a bowl does . make sure to check the water level every day , so that your hamster never gets dehydrated . wash the inside with a bottle brush . it may look clean , but the inside of the bottle will become coated with harmful bacteria . use a hamster approved water bottle . filtered water is best , but tap is fine - as long as you dechlorinate the water , either by using dechlorination liquidtablets or by leaving the water out in the open over night . this prevents your hamster from having to chew on its cage bars and potentially damaging his or her teeth , and it prevents the teeth from becoming overgrown . to reduce the risk of teeth overgrowing , give your hamster dog biscuits , dry whole wheat macaroni , or wood from orchard trees , such as apple , pear , plum or cherry . provide mineralsalt blocks . hamster cages should be cleaned out completely every week to 2 - 3 weeks , depending on your hamster and needs . they should also be spot cleaned , by removing fresh foods and cleaning toilet areas , each day , depending on the size and type of cage . to clean the cage , take the top off and empty all the dirty bedding and wood shavings and old food into a dustbin . scrape out all the other remains . go over the cage with a pet - made disinfectant , then dry it with tissues or kitchen roll , if preferred . wash out bowls and water bottle at the same time as cleaning the cage . dust and rinse all items of the cage . dry everything and fill the cage with fresh wood shavings , bedding , food , and water . put all the items back in the cage and clip the top back on . a clean cage makes your syrian hamster happy and healthy . try giving your hamster a hamster toilet , which is a plastic litter pan with a hood that fits snugly into the corner of the cage . use the special hamster litter which you can purchase from pet stores , and clean the toilet every other day . hamsters generally catch on quickly as to what the hamster toilet area is for , since instinct tells them to use one corner for toileting , and the confines of the toilet help them to feel secure . disinfect the cage properly and change the bedding before putting your hamster back in . while you clean the cage , you can put your pet in a hamster ball and have someone supervise it . the hamster ball must be the right size . most balls are only 6 wide , so most are too small for syrian hamsters . get a larger 10 ball at a minimum . or , put the hamster in a pen , supervised , so it cannot escape . cleaning the cage too often can cause stress this does not mean do not clean your cage , rather , just clean it every other week and remember spot cleaning is your best friend . syrian hamsters are the most friendly and sociable of the hamster family . they should receive attention everyday , but excessive handling can actually cause stress in syrian hamsters , which can result in bad health . handle your hamster for 10 minutes at a time , a couple times a day , and then spend time tidying up its cage , watching it run , dig , and burrow . be aware your hamster will be sleepy during the day , and most likely to be active at night . so , the best time to socialize is in the evening . keep your hamster happy with toys . you can buy toys at the pet store or make homemade ones . never give rubber or non - digestible toys that the hamster could chew small pieces off and swallow . these are likely to cause a bowel obstruction . most hamsters are crepuscular , meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk . wake up your hamster slowly to prevent scaring your little friend . some hamsters can nip if they are woken up roughly . allow your hamster at least 30 minutes to wake up , let it get something to eat and drink and go potty before taking it out of its cage . rush your hamster to the veterinarian clinic if the fur under its tail is always wet , if it shows signs of a cold , if it has lumps or bumps on its body , or it has gone off its food , water and playing times completely . in addition , you should take your hamster to the vet if it has watery eyes , has runny droppings diarrhea , its teeth have broken , or if its claws need clipping . vets have got special clippers for hamster claws and know exactly how to do it . it is safer and better to leave this to the experts rather than trying it by yourself at home . hamsters cant run on their wheels very well if they have long claws , since that hurts for them

pick out a hamster cage . make adjustments for more than one hamster . buy hamster bedding . think about cage placement . clean the cage often .

how to care for dwarf hamsters 1

dwarf hamsters are only around 4 inches long , but they like having a lot of space to run around and play . the cage should be big enough to give the hamster room to move around in addition to holding the hamsters food , water , and toys . choose from the following housing options a hamster aquarium . buy a special aquarium made for hamsters or choose one designed for fish , which will do just as well . glass aquariums protect hamsters from cold , drafty temperatures , and they provide an excellent view of the hamsters daily activities . the aquarium should have a mesh cover on top so the hamster cant escape . a plastic hamster home . these expensive hamster cages usually have several rooms connected with plastic tubing , so the hamster can spend his days and nights running from room to room . they are hard to clean and usually way too small for hamsters . even by connecting several critter trails or similar cages together your hamster will not be happy as it does not have a big running space and you can not fit a lot into these cages . additionally , they are hard to assemble and are usually not tall enough to add big wheels or enough bedding . a wire hamster cage . especially when your hamster is a baby , make sure that it cannot squeeze through the wires . hamster cages make a comfortable home for hamsters . these cages are well ventilated , but you have to be careful not to put your hamster in a drafty area . the area around wire hamster cages can get a little messy , since hamsters like to dig in their bedding and pitch it through the wire . make sure not to get a wire cage with a wire bottom . it can hurt your hamsters feet . however , most wire cages sold by pet stores are way too small for hamsters . the best hamster cage is the biggest you can reasonably afford . the rspca recommend that the minimum size of cage for a syrian hamster should be 75cm x 40 cm x 40 cm . 29 ½ inches x 15 ¾ inches x 15 ¾ inches . if you have two hamsters , take measures to make them comfortable . unlike their larger counterparts , dwarf hamsters can be social and some may enjoy being in small , same - sex groups . if you put a male and female dwarf hamster together , expect babies in the future . always provide two separate wheels make sure these are not mesh or wire as they injure the hamsters foot , and that it is big enough so that they do not arch their backs . , houses or nest areas do not use cotton nesting material as it is deadly , toilet paper is a great option , two water bottles , and have enough food for two hamsters . make sure you have two of each toy as well . they can get along in the same space , but will still retain basic territorial instincts . dry bedding is essential for the health of a dwarf hamster . it keeps moisture away from the hamsters body and provides shelter and warmth . choose bedding made of recycled paper , wood pulp , or recycled corncobs . also make sure you provide a lot of burrowing space for your hamster to dig in . best would be at least 15cm of bedding in at least one area . make sure the bedding you use does not contain pine or cedar shavings . pine and cedar contain phenols that are toxic to hamsters , since the fumes they produce are so strong . some hamsters are allergic to certain types of bedding . if your bedding contains pine , cedar , or another allergen , he may start wheezing and sneezing . if you see this happen , switch the bedding to recycled paper or another hypoallergenic bedding . never ever give your hamster cotton type bedding . it is very dangerous and can kill them . hamsters cannot digest the cotton fibres in their digestive tract causing blockages . it also presents a choking hazard to your pets . set up the hamsters cage and accessories in a comfortable room . since hamsters are nocturnal , they should be placed in a room that gets dark at night . make sure the room is a comfortable temperature that veers toward the warm side , since your hamster can catch pneumonia if it gets too cold . dont leave windows open in the room where the hamster lives . if you have other pets , make sure the hamster is an area where he wont be disturbed or threatened . a clean cage will help keep your hamster healthy . scoop out the dirty bedding every few days , and wash the entire cage once a week . in general , a medium spray bottle filled with 2 tbs of bleach or antibacterial dish soap and water will have the cleaning power to disinfect the cage without being too dangerous for your hamster . you can also use a white vinegar to clean the cage . be sure to wipe down your hamsters toys , dishes , and exercise wheel too . after cleaning , let the cage air dry for 10 - 15 minutes before you add 2 inches of new fresh bedding . 2 inches is the recommended amount . remember that your dwarf hamster is a great burrower . if you dont give your hamster something to burrow in , it wont be as happy . while you are cleaning the cage , make sure you put your hamster somewhere safe , so he doesnt escape . place him in a hamster playpen or a dry bathtub . avoid placing the hamster in a cardboard box while he waits for you to clean his cage . hamsters can chew through cardboard quickly .

consider getting two same sex hamsters . keep your hamsters in a cage made for hamster or mice . provide your hamsters with accessories that will make them happy . provide toys for your hamster . feed your hamster a special hamster food mix . provide a water bottle for your hamster . give your hamster something to chew on . remember that hamsters are nocturnal animals . clean your hamsters cage regularly . handle your hamster with care . allow your hamster some supervised time outside of his cage each day . get regular veterinary care for your hamster .

how to care for chinese dwarf hamsters

while chinese dwarf hamsters can be kept in pairs , theyre not guaranteed to get along . the best chance of them getting along is if they were raised in the same litter , or introduced very young . if introduced as adults theyre likely to fight . consult a vet before getting another hamster to see if it is a good idea for the health and well - being of your pet . if you decide to get another hamster , you may need to use a split cage to introduce the new hamster to the old one before putting them into the same cage . do not get a male and female hamster or they may breed out of control . while baby hamsters may be cute at first , hamsters breed quickly and it is easy for a pet hamster population to get out of control . most people would find it difficult to provide adequate housing , food , and care for dozens of hamsters . since chinese dwarf hamsters are quite small , you do not need a large cage , but you can keep them in a larger cage if you prefer . line the cage with plenty of bedding such as timothy hay , aspen shavings , shredded paper , or pelleted bedding . place the cage or tank out of direct sunlight and away from drafts . you dont want your hamsters to get too hot or too cold . do not use pine or cedar shavings because the fumes may be harmful to your hamsters . make sure that your hamster has plenty of bedding to dig around in . hamsters like to burrow . for example , your hamster will enjoy an exercise wheel . hamsters need lots of exercise to be happy , and an exercise wheel is a great way to provide them with that . make sure that the wheel does not have any openings that may cause your hamsters tail to get caught . give your hamster a nice enclosed place to sleep . hamsters like to hide and sleep in tight , dark spaces , so place a small flower pot or a box in your hamsters cage . add pvc tubes to your hamsters cage for tunneling and playing . , hamsters like to burrow and tunnel , so cardboard tubes from toilet paper or paper towel rolls are good toys for hamsters . you can also look for special hamster toys in pets stores . you can also feed your hamsters need to shred things by giving them paper towels and napkins now and then . rotate toys each week so that your hamster always has different things to play with . this will help prevent your hamster from getting bored . look for a specially formulated hamster food mix at your local pet store . follow the package instructions for how much to give your hamster each day and serve the food in a small ceramic dish placed inside of his cage . limit seeds and nuts since they are high in fat and may cause your hamster to become overweight . supplement your hamsters diet with alfalfa pellets and fresh fruits and vegetables such as spinach , lettuce , carrots and apples . give your hamster a large chunk to chew on rather than several small ones or your hamster may bury them in the bedding . remove any uneaten food after your hamster has finished with it . hamsters need to have access to clean fresh water at all times . use an inverted water bottle with a drinking tube to provide your hamsters with plenty of water . make sure that the water bottles tip does not touch or come too close to the bedding or the water may drain out . check the water bottles tip daily to make sure that it is working properly . like all rodents , a hamsters teeth never stop growing . hamsters need to chew to keep their teeth from growing out of control , so make sure that you provide your hamster with a pesticide and chemical - free stick to chew on . you can also use a dog treat . hamsters like to be awake at night , so the best time to spend time with your hamster is after the sun has gone down . for this reason , hamsters make great pets for night owls . be aware that if you try to pick up your hamster during the day , it will be more likely to bite you . to help keep your hamster happy and healthy , you will need to keep his cage nice and clean . once per week you should also perform a deep cleaning on your hamsters cage . remove everything from your hamsters cage including your hamster and scrub the sides and bottom with warm , soapy water . then rinse and dry the cage before putting in new bedding , your hamsters accessories , and your hamster . in addition to a weekly deep clean , you should also do the following every day remove and replace any soiled or damp bedding . remove and dispose of droppings . remove old food . check the corners of your hamsters cage for hidden food . hamsters have a tendency to stash food for later . it will take some time and patience before your hamster is ready to let you hold him . build up his trust in you by allowing him to sniff your hand and even give you a little nibble . you can also offer your hamster a treat from your hand to build up his trust in you . once your hamster is comfortable with you , you can try to pick him up . to pick up your hamster , gently cup both hands around him and lift him slowly out of his cage . do not swoop in and grab him or you will startle him and cause him to hide from you . hamsters also need time outside of their cages to be happy . once you have established trust with your hamster , take him out of his cage once per day for a little supervised play time outside of his cage . make sure to keep him in a room where you can monitor his movement . otherwise he might hide somewhere and make it difficult for you to find him . make sure that there are no hazards in the area , such as electrical cords , that your hamster might gnaw on . a healthy hamster will be much happier than an unhealthy hamster . if a hamster is well cared for , it may live to be 1 - 2 years old . take your hamster for regular check - ups with the veterinarian to make sure that he stays healthy and happy . an unhealthy hamster may have a variety of symptoms , such as dull - looking eyes , matted fur , weight loss , shaking , runny nose and diarrhea . if your hamster is sick , take him to see a veterinarian right away . hamsters can catch the common cold from humans . if you are sick , avoid holding your hamster until you are well again so that you dont make him sick .

take a sheet of plain white paper . soak the strips in a bowl of warm water . scrunch all the paper bits in to a big ball and remove it from the water . place the ball in a plastic container and put on the lid . when completely dry and in shreds again , place in your hamsters cage . finished .

how to make hamster bedding similar to carefresh

make sure it has no ink on it . now , cut it in to strips . these do not have to be equal . repeat this process as much as you like . make sure the water is plain . as the paper is soaking , tear it up some more . squeeze as much water out of it as possible . leave it for a few days to dry . as it is drying , break up the ball into sheds . ,

choose a cage that is safe and easy to clean . select a large cage . cover the cage floor with bedding . pick a good location for your dwarf hamsters cage . select a commercial food for your dwarf hamster . add fresh vegetables to your dwarf hamsters diet . include a protein source in your dwarf hamsters diet . feed your dwarf hamster grains . incorporate treats into your dwarf hamsters diet . avoid feeding your dwarf hamster certain foods . provide your dwarf hamster with fresh water . place toys in your dwarf hamsters cage . hide his food . give your dwarf hamster something to chew on . give your dwarf hamster exercise equipment . wash your hands . make a scoop with your hands inside of his cage . determine if he is nibbling or biting . handle your dwarf hamster every day .

how to care for a russian dwarf hamster

a good cage for your hamster is one that keeps him safe and is easy for you to clean . a wire hamster cage with solid flooring is generally the best choice . the bar spacing in a wire cage should be less than one - half inch to prevent him from escaping . the wires should also be covered with a substance called pvc to prevent rusting . make sure the cage flooring is smooth . your dwarf hamster could get his feet stuck in wire flooring and possibly break one of his leg bones . if you have a cage with wire flooring , cover the flooring with a smooth material , such as cardboard or laminate flooring available at a hardware store . cages with colorful plastic tubes and tunnels are fun to look at , but can be very difficult to clean . in addition , your dwarf hamster could chew through the plastic . clean your hamsters cage and its components once a week with hot water . his bedding should also be replaced with each cleaning . glass aquariums do not always circulate fresh air very well , which could lead to a high level of ammonia in the cage , which can be toxic to your hamster . clean the aquarium regularly to prevent an ammonia buildup . glass aquariums also lack good ventilation and may heat up rapidly if placed in direct sunlight . the fact that your russian dwarf hamster is small doesnt mean you should put him in a small cage . in fact , the larger the cage , the better . your dwarf hamsters cage should be at least 60 cm 24 inches long and 40 cm 16 inches deep . a larger cage will not get dirty as quickly . with a large cage to call home , your dwarf hamster wont be as likely to get bored or agitated . when your dwarf hamster is happy , hes less likely to develop compulsive behaviors , such as bar chewing , that are bad for him . if you have more than one dwarf hamster in the same cage , a large cage will keep them from being aggressive towards each other . if you have chosen a glass aquarium to house your dwarf hamster , it should be at least 10 gallons . cage bedding has several benefits . it helps keep the cage clean by soaking up your hamsters urine . cage bedding also helps your hamster feel more at home . hell be able to forage and burrow as much as he likes . pine shavings would be a very comfortable bedding for your hamster . do not use cedar bedding . cedar oil can cause your hamsters fuzz to fall out and his skin to crack . if his skin cracks , he can become dehydrated and very sick . place your hamsters cage in a comfortable room 65 to 75 °fahrenheit18 to 24 °celsius where the temperature stays constant and there are no drafts . within the room , do not place the cage near a heat source e . g , fireplace , window with lots of sunlight — this could warm up the cage too much , especially if it is a glass aquarium . a room that is too cold below 60 °fahrenheit15 °celsius could make your hamster very sluggish , possibly to the point of hibernation . because hamsters like to play at night , your bedroom would not be a good place for your hamsters cage . the noise of his activity could keep you from getting a good nights sleep . russian dwarf hamsters eat like other hamsters . hamster food comes in pelleted form or as seed mixes . your dwarf hamster should eat either one tablespoon of pellets or one to two teaspoons of seed mix per day . pellets are very healthy and give your dwarf hamster something to chew on . chewing on pellets helps your hamster keep his teeth filed down . be careful with feeding a seed mix to your dwarf hamster — he may pick out and eat only the tastiest seeds in the mix , causing him to miss out on important nutrients . seed mixes tend to be high in fat . a good quality commercial hamster food should contain at least 15 to 20 protein . read the ingredient label to see how much protein is in the food . your dwarf hamster needs to eat more than just pellets and seed mixes . he should also eat some fresh vegetables that add variety and vitamins to his diet . wash the vegetables thoroughly to remove pesticides . give him fresh vegetables daily and make sure you remove the old ones so they dont molder in the cage . leafy greens spinach , romaine lettuce are great additions to your dwarf hamsters diet . other vegetables to feed your dwarf hamster include broccoli , cauliflower , and cucumbers . add vegetables to your hamsters diet very slowly — one small piece of vegetable once or twice a week . this will prevent him from getting diarrhea . work up to feeding one small piece of a vegetable once a day . protein is an important component of your dwarf hamsters balanced diet . good protein sources include boiled chicken or turkey , hardboiled egg whites , and canned and drained tuna . vegetarian protein sources include tofu , flaxseed , and roasted soybeans . add extra protein to your dwarf hamsters diet once a week . whichever protein source you choose , feed it to your dwarf hamster in one small piece at a time . whole grains whole wheat toast , cooked rice , cooked pasta , unsweetened cereal make great , healthy snacks for your dwarf hamster . make sure the cooked rice or pasta is completely cooled down before feeding it to him . crunchy toast and cereal would be good for your dwarf hamster to chew on . as with the other foods , feed the grains in small bits to your dwarf hamster . treats are another good way to add variety to what your dwarf hamster eats every day . commercial hamster treats are available at your local pet store . your pet store may carry yogurt drops for hamsters . these are very fattening , however , so your hamster should not eat them very often . russian dwarf hamsters are prone to developing diabetes , so high - sugar foods , such as fruits , should be avoided . other high - sugar foods to avoid include corn , white bread , and white rice . some foods—raisins , potatoes , onions , garlic , sprouts—are toxic to dwarf hamsters and should be avoided . your russian dwarf hamster will need constant access to fresh water . place a water bottle with a stem and ball bearing in your hamsters cage , and replace the water every day . attach the bottle to a side of his cage at a height where he can easily reach the stem with his mouth . do not put the water in a bowl . your hamster would eventually turn his cage into a watery mess by drinking water from a bowl . environmental enrichment is an important way to keep your russian dwarf hamster mentally and physically active . the more enriched his environment , the happier and healthier he will be , and the easier it will be to tame and handle him . examples of toys include empty toilet paper and paper towel tubes . plastic portable tubes also make great toys for your dwarf hamster . you can purchase them at your local pet store . keep in mind , though , that he could chew through the plastic—replace the tube when hes chewed enough to cause damage . you can also make your own hamster toys . examples of homemade toys include ladders , hamster houses , and obstacle courses . when it is time to feed your dwarf hamster , hide or sprinkle some of the food morsels deep in his bedding or within another object in his cage . this will encourage him to forage like he would in the wild . you may notice that your dwarf hamster will stash food in different areas of his cage as a snack for later . chewing not only keeps your dwarf hamster busy , but also keeps his teeth filed down . your dwarf hamster would love to chew on wooden cubes . to add more fun , the cubes have holes on multiple sides that he can crawl through . your hamster could also chew on a bendable wooden toy , which is made of rounded pieces of wood that are banded together . you can also twist this toy type into different shapes to create walls , platforms , and houses that your hamster could play on or in . give your dwarf hamster small , soft rawhide chews to chew on . dwarf hamsters also like to chew on mineral blocks , which can last a long time . you can find chewing materials at your local pet store . exercise helps your dwarf hamster stay in shape and mentally alert . an exercise wheel will allow him to get plenty of exercise within his cage . make sure the exercise wheel is solid—your dwarf hamster could get his feet stuck in wires and potentially break a leg bone . if the exercise wheel starts to sound squeaky after a while , grease it with vaseline where needed . an exercise ball will allow your dwarf hamster to exercise outside of his cage . let him play in the ball for up to 30 minutes — not only will your hamster need a rest after about 30 minutes , but he may also need some fresh air . let your dwarf hamster run in the hamster ball in different rooms , but never near a set of stairs or open water , like a pool . plastic flying saucers are also good for your hamster . he can run on them like he runs on an exercise wheel . having clean hands will keep your dwarf hamster from biting you when you pick him up . if your hands smell like food , then he will essentially see your hand as food and bite it to try to get a taste . wash your hands with unscented soap before handling your dwarf hamster . creating a scoop with your hands will keep your dwarf hamster supported as you lift him up . in addition , by placing your hands underneath your dwarf hamster , he will probably walk onto them . do not reach down into your dwarf hamsters cage to pick him up . your hand will remind him of a large bird of prey swooping down to snatch him up — he will be terrified by this . use slow and gentle movements when putting your hands in his cage . always speak to your dwarf hamster before putting your hands in his cage . your voice will help keep him calm as you go to pick him up . do not chase your dwarf hamster around his cage to get him to step onto your hands . let him come to you instead of the other way around . there are important differences between your dwarf hamsters nibbling and biting when you pick him up . his nibbles are friendly and are his way of exploring your hand . nibbles generally do not hurt . bites are usually not friendly . they are your dwarf hamsters way of telling you that he is stressed , scared , or just upset that you havent handled him enough . hamster bites are usually faster than a nibble and are accompanied by a sound of distress , like a squeak . bites can be painful . whether your dwarf hamster bites or nibbles , do not jerk your hand away . this could frighten him and make him wary of you . gently blowing in his face and saying a firm no should stop the biting behavior . russian dwarf hamsters have short memories , so your dwarf hamster may not remember that you just held him the day before . handle him each day so that he will not become distressed or upset with not being held enough . dwarf hamsters enjoy being handled . do not let your dwarf hamster fall out of your hands when you hold him . prevent this by supporting his body and keeping him close to you when you lift him out of his cage .

buy your hamster a water bottle . buy hamster food . buy chew sticks . give your hamster treats .

how to care for dwarf hamsters 2

many hamster cages come with food and water dishes , but if yours doesnt , youll have to buy your own . hamsters drink water through bottles with a metal dispenser . fill the water bottle with fresh water as it runs out . dont let the water sit in the bottle for too long . if your hamster is slow to drink , refill the bottle a few times a week , and clean the bottle every now and then . make sure the bottle doesnt leak . your hamster can get sick if it gets wet , which is why it takes their water through a bottle instead of an open container . serve your dwarf hamster food in a shallow plastic dish . this enables hamsters to access the food easily while keeping the cage clean . hamsters like to nibble food all the time , so the food dish should be kept stocked with fresh food . throw it out if it gets wet . pet food stores sell a range of food for hamsters and most of it falls into the following categories fortified pellets or blocks , which should be the hamsters staple diet . seed mixtures meant for hamsters , which may be added as a supplement . hamsters also need to eat protein like meal worms dried or alive , crickets etc . dwarf hamster teeth grow long and sharp . your hamster needs something tough to chew on to keep its teeth at a comfortable length . buy chew sticks or another tough chew toy meant for dulling hamsters teeth . in addition to pellets and seeds , hamsters enjoy treats every once in a while . vegetables , fruits , and other fresh foods may be added to the hamsters diet in small doses . be sure not to give your hamster too much , since you dont want him to have an upset stomach . hamsters can have small bits of lettuce , carrots , apples , broccoli , and tomatoes . your dwarf hamster will also eat oats , cooked meat , and plain yogurt . avoid giving your hamster citrus fruits or sugar , which can make a hamster ill . peanut butter is another food to avoid feeding your hamster , as it can choke on it .

provide toys and sources of entertainment . hold him correctly . help your hamster stay clean .

how to care for dwarf hamsters 3

your hamster will have a lot of energy and itll like to exercise , especially at night . provide your hamster with toys it can use with or without your help . exercise wheels are the classic hamster toy . make sure the wheel is stabilized at the bottom of the cage so it doesnt tip over when the hamster climbs on . also make sure isnt a wire wheel or your hamster can hurt his feet . the wheel shouldnt be smaller than 8 inches . otherwise your hamster will get back problems . these can also be loud , so if you are a light sleeper , put your hamsters cage in a different room . exercise balls are another popular choice . the hamster is placed inside a plastic ball , which rolls as the hamster runs around . do not buy such a ball . the hamster is very susceptible to stress . they often panic in these balls and can hurt themself if they run into objects . in the first few days of getting a new dwarf hamster , do not attempt to pick it up . just put your hand in its cage and let it sniff you to get used to your scent . dont grab or otherwise roughly handle your hamster , since it has a very fragile body . always pick a hamster up from the bottom or else it will feel threatened . start off by sitting on the floor and holding it near the floor . if it senses an easy escape route , itll be less likely to bite or squirm . hold your hamster every day . if your dwarf hamster doesnt socialize frequently , it may stop being as friendly when you want to play . gently lift your hamster from his cage and let him scurry around your lap at least once a day . dwarf hamsters are very clean animals and rarely need intervention from their owners to maintain good hygiene . however , once a week you can pour some small animal sand into a bowl and allow your hamster to take a sand bath , which imitates the type of substance hamsters use to keep clean in the wild . if your hamster is very dirty , get a small brush that humans use to dye their hair roots or a toothbrush . wet it and gently stroke your hamster with it . dab dry with a rag . never bathe a hamster by submerging it in water . this will cause the hamster to become very ill .

identify a healthy dwarf hamster . check for wet tail . look for signs of parasites . check their eyes and nose regularly . look for abscesses too .

how to care for dwarf hamsters 4

in general , dwarf hamsters have thickset bodies , large cheek pouches , and short tails . make sure it does not have any nasal or eye discharge , nor any other signs of illness . russian dwarf hamsters are particularly prone to diabetes . a hamster suffering from this condition will drink a lot of water and urinate more frequently than other dwarf hamsters . be sure to consult your veterinarian if you suspect that your hamster has diabetes . a recently weaned or an extremely stressed out dwarf hamster may come down with a disease called wet tail . your hamster experiences diarrhea — the excessive moisture from this causes its tail to become literally wet . consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment . tyzzers disease causes diarrhea in young or stressed hamsters . this is a disease that needs veterinarian treatment . certain antibiotics can cause and exacerbate this condition , so dont treat your hamster on your own . like dogs and cats , dwarf hamsters can suffer from parasites like tapeworms . tapeworms are the most predominant , so be on the look out . when you clean out your hamsters cage , be on the lookout for signs of diarrhea and little white rice - like worm segments . if you suspect that your dwarf hamster has a tapeworm , see a veterinarian . bring a stool sample with you . with the help of a microscope , your vet will be able to properly diagnose your hamster . your vet will prescribe a dewormer for you to use . it will come in either a topical or an oral form . follow the instructions on the product in order to administer . dwarf hamsters are susceptible to cold viruses just like humans . occasionally , this can escalate to pneumonia . a dwarf hamster with pneumonia will have eye and nasal discharge . it will also stop eating . this is serious . call your veterinarian immediately . dwarf hamsters are prone to abscess formation as well , often caused by their teeth . this is most common around their head and cheek pouch areas . assesses are essentially infected pockets of puss that will appear underneath your hamsters skin and fur . if present , they will be sensitive to touch . your hamster will resist your inspection . contact your veterinarian about how you should proceed . in many cases , the abscess will heal on its own , but if it gets too bad , your vet will probably have to lance and treat the spot .

first you need to write down a list of names to call your pet hamster . the names can be anything you want ex bob , fred , hammy , daisy , lilly , honey , etc . before you get your hamster you need to go to your local pet shop . also the day before you get your hamster it is a good idea to make a spreadsheet like the one on the picture . it is best to buy your hamster in the late afternoon to the evening , because hamsters tend to be more awake by then . when you get the hamster it will come in a couple of boxes . when you get home open the box and put the hole by the cage door and let the hamster run out . tame your hamster slowly by letting it get used to your hand , voice , and scent .

how to look after your syrian hamster

purchase bedding , a 3 - foot long cage with lots of area space , fortified pellets or blocks , a water bottle , toys , a small house for it to sleep in , a wheel , a ball , food , sawdust , fruit sticks , honey sticks , yogurt drops , milk drops , things to bite on like wooden chews , and anti bacteria spray . imagine if your brother or sister feeds the hamster then you think it hasnt been fed so you feed it again . that would be 2 feedings in 1 day . give your hamster its food and plenty of fresh water every day at the same time . food and water must be provided at all times . change the food and water daily . before you get your hamster , make sure you clean the habitat and place bedding , water , food , toys , and a small house in the aquarium . they tend to bite out of the boxes they are only cardboard . youll have to bring a larger , more comfortable travel kit with some bedding , water , food , and some toys . it will be in a bit of a panic at first . but dont bother it for the next four to five days to let it adjust to your new home . if you insist after the next day to play with it , you will stress your hamster even if it doesnt bite you . if it does bite , it is to be blamed on human disrespect and not hamster nastiness or aggression . this will take a couple of weeks . offering treats from your hand will help . dont be frightened if the hamster nips at you . sometimes they do that just to test your hand . respect your hamsters space if it runs away , bares its teeth , andor rolls on its back .

choose a fun food bowl . string up a hammock . place a plastic wheel in the cage . sprinkle in plenty of chew toys . design a maze with plastic tubing .

how to accessorize a hamsters cage 1

you should look for a heavy ceramic food dish that they cant tip over . you can mix things up by finding a small bowl or dish that has bright colors , a neat design , or an unusual pattern . good places to look for these include home goods stores , thrift shops , or supermarkets . choose a smaller bowl that can contain around 5 oz . or a couple of tablespoons of pellets . be sure to wash it out well before giving to your hamster . be sure to hook a water bottle onto the cage . your hamster will need water in addition to food . buy a nylon hammock instead of a fleece or cotton one to ensure that your hamster wont chew through it . hang the hammock in the corner of a cage . make sure that your hamster is able to climb onto it with ease . hammocks are actually proven to make hamsters happier , so it is a good purchase . hamsters need a wheel for exercise . you want a wheel that has a solid , plastic bottom , not spaced rungs . hamster feet can get stuck in the rungs you can find wheels in many different kinds of colors these days , so shop around . hamsters need to grind down their teeth by chewing . there are plenty of chew toys you can give your hamster to make him happy that will also make the cage look great . walnut shells , unpainted oak or cherrywood squares , wooden balls , and rolled oats are all great for chewing . you can buy plastic tunnels for your hamster online or at the pet store . these are sometimes known as habitrails . they snap together to create pathways between different houses , nets , or tanks . you can also create your own maze . find many different parts , including straight pieces , curves , ramps , and nesting boxes . snap these together , making sure that they are secure . many wire cages have holes where these tunnels attach . these cages are called modular habits . make sure that the maze either circles back to the cage or that there is a suitable dead end , such as a nesting box or a separate cage .

before you begin taming , make sure that you leave your hamster alone in their cage for at least 3 - 4 days after you get them . dry out a bathtub completely then put down a towelblanket in the bottom . get your hamster out of its cage and put himher in the bathtub . start by giving treats from your hand . sit in the bathtub and hide treats on your legs , on your hands , etc . start to try to pet it . cup your hands under the hamster and try to pick it up . keep up the training gradually .

how to tame your winter white hamster

this will reduce stress and help them settle in . , do this until your hamster starts sitting in your hand to eat the treats . dont make any sudden movements . wait until the hamster comes to you . call out its name while you do . continue until the hamster doesnt try to jump . whenever your hamster reaches the point to where it will let you pick it up , crawl on you , or let you pet it , your hamster is tame .

collect empty cardboard tubes . fashion ladders out of popsicle sticks . build your own hamster platform . create a swing out of a tin can . paint a flowerpot nest .

how to accessorize a hamsters cage 2

when you run out of toilet paper , save the paper rolls . you can also use paper towel tubes . put these around the cage . your hamster will use them as tunnels , and they may chew on them a little bit . you can have multiple tubes in a single cage . replace the tubes once they have been chewed through or if they become damp . gather at least four popsicle sticks . cut two in half , and sand down the rough edges . using non - toxic glue , attach the pieces so that they form a ladder . the cut pieces are the rungs , and the uncut pieces are the siderails . make sure that there is a short gap between the rungs . hamsters love to climb , and giving them ladders will help them exercise while sprucing up your cage . for this , you will need a piece of corkboard , miniature wooden dowels about 8x40 mm in size , four wooden cylinders , and wood gluepvc glue . glue the cylinders onto the bottom of the corkboard for legs . wait fifteen minutes before flipping over . glue the dowels around the edge of the corkboard to form a fence . leave a gap so hamsters can enter . be sure to prop a ladder against it so hamsters can climb up to it . let the glue dry completely for a few hours before placing it in the hamster cage . clean out a tin can . make sure that both ends are removed , and sand down the rough edges until they are smooth . there should be no jagged edges or protruding parts . string a wire or a thin chain through the can , and attach both ends to the top of the cage . the swing should hang low enough for your hamster to crawl in and out . you may leave a ladder out for your hamster . do not use string . your hamster may chew on the string , causing digestive problems . you want to find a pot that is small enough to fit in your cage but large enough to house your hamster . paint this with fun colors using non - toxic paint . when it is completely dry , tip it on its side in the main part of the cage . your hamster will fill it with bedding to sleep in . do not use stickers as your hamster can eat these .

choose a theme . fill the cage with decorative toys and tunnels . hang up a picture . draw on tank walls with dry erase markers .

how to accessorize a hamsters cage 3

before you start decorating the cage , think of a fun theme for your hamster cage . some people decorate their cages for certain holidays . others stick with certain colors . think about how you want your cage to look . some ideas are space christmas seasons like spring or fall desert hamster toys come in a variety of colors and shapes . nesting boxes can be found as igloos , animals , or cottages . there are wooden bridges , tree - shaped tunnels , and miniature castles . find toys and accessories that fit your theme , or use what you think is cute . remember , hamsters need plenty of hiding spaces , tunnels , climbing walls , and chew toys so you can look for several different options . you can provide some extra scenery to the cage by printing or drawing a landscape . this should be as tall and wide as their cage . you can choose a normal woodland scene or chose something that fits your theme stars and planets for a space theme , pine trees and snow for christmas , etc . if you have a tank or aquarium cage , you can attach this with tape to the back of the tank . place it on the outside of the tank with the picture facing into your hamsters home . do not put it inside the cage . if you have a wire cage , glue it onto cardboard . prop it up behind the cage , just far enough away from the cage so that the hamster cannot chew on it . if you have a bin , aquarium , or tank style of cage , you can draw designs or notes on the glass side with a dry erase marker . only draw on the outside of the cage . you can erase it with a dry eraser or with a damp cloth . you can also place stickers on the glass so long as there is no chance they will peel off and fall into the hamsters living area .

leave your hamster alone for a week aside from feeding when you first get it . get your hamster used to your voice . offer your hamster a treat . put the treat on your palm once your hamster is taking it . lift your hand a tiny bit above the cage floor when your hamster climbs onto your hand to take the treat . carefully keep your hand at a safe height above a place that the hamster wont be able to get out of and offer another treat . gently stroke your hamster while it is eating the treat . offer your other hand for your hamster to step onto do this once it is comfortable with being petted without a treat .

how to tame a roborovski hamster

if your hamster learns to associate your scent with fear now , it will be much harder to tame later . sit very still next to the cage and talk quietly and confidentlyhappily about whatever you want . singing quietly without dramatically changing key is good too . every day , hold out a treat where your hamster can smell it , but is free to hide from you . wait five to ten minutes for your hamster to get up the courage to take the treat before giving up . put a smaller , different treat in your hamsters food bowl . , your hamster will probably jump off . do this when your hamster stops jumping off . , always reward successful play sessions with treats .

purchase a suitable habitat for your hamster . place fresh , safe , and clean bedding into your hamsters living space . have all your supplies ready and place them inside the cageaquarium . limit the number of hamsters you keep from 1 or 2 . obtain a playground or a playpen if you are interested in giving your hamster a space for out - of - tank excursions . purchase your campbells russian hamster . leave your hamster alone for the first 3 to 5 days . after 4 to 5 days , lift the light cloth from your hamsters enclosure , alert your hamster of your presence , and start the daily chores . once you have successfully tamed your hamster in its main habitat , you can introduce it to its new play area . clean the hamsters habitat every two to three weeks . keep your hamster away from other household pets .

how to care for campbells russian hamsters

campbells russian hamsters are best housed in glass aquariums or tanks . be sure there is a top that allows air in so the hamsters dont asphyxiate make sure the aquarium is at least 3 feet 0 . 9 m . long 0 . 9 m and has an ample amount of floor area . in addition to having space to exercise and burrow , your hamster must have ample bedding , food , water , hideouts , nesting boxes , wheels , and toys . secure the tank with a wire mesh lid to prevent escape . avoid cages that are sold for normal - sized hamsters . the campbells russian hamster may be able to squeeze through the bars . additionally , cages marketed specifically for mice and dwarf hamsters such as crittertrail are often too small , so the aquarium is the best choice . a 3 - in . layer should suffice . if you wish , you can provide up to 4 or 5 in . of bedding . there are several brands of bedding available in pet stores . shredded paper can also be used . do not use pine or cedar wood shavings . wood shavings can contain harmful oils and cause a number of health problems for your hamster . the safe kind is aspen shavings which can be used without problem . make sure you have water bottle . place it in a corner of the aquarium using some sort of stand . nesting boxes . food . tip to occupy your hamster , scatter the pellets or blocks around the habitat for your hamster to forage for instead of placing food in a regular hamster bowl . toys . provide at least some of the following wheel , tubes , tunnels , ladders , wooden chews , sticks , hideouts , toilet paper rolls . a sufficient number of toys are essential to your pets stimulation , health , and overall happiness . change out the toys in the habitat frequently to keep your hamster interested . introduce new toys and bring back old ones . some campbells russian hamsters can be housed in pairs if introduced to one another at a young age . for two hamsters , provide two water bottles , enough food for both hamsters , two nesting boxes , and enough toys to prevent territorial disputes . a plastic storage bin would work as well . if you would like , you can let your hamster explore a room . remove all dangerous items such as electrical cords and block escape paths vents , airways , spaces under the doors . make sure there are no cracks or holes in the walls . keep toys and food in their play areas . they should not be bought from pet stores as you will almost always end up with a hybrid , not a campbells russian hamster . responsible breeders can provide you with a specific color or coat - type , if desired . avoid buying hamsters online . if you are purchasing them from a pet store , go in the afternoon or early evening when they are most active . confirm with the seller that the hamsters are separated by gender . responsible sellers will do this to ensure that female hamsters are not pregnant at purchase . ask your seller about the age , size , gender , and the temperaments of the hamsters . aim for a hamster who is 4 - 6 weeks old less than 3 in . long . healthy hamsters have a round shape and are alert and active . dry fur , clear ears , and erect ears are other indicators of health . be wary if any hamster has wet fur around its rump - - this indicates a disease called wet tail , which can be spread to others in a living space . if possible , place your hand inside the tank to test the hamsters temperament . avoid buying hamsters that bite aggressively . bring your hamster home as quickly as possible to minimize stress and confusion . allow it to adjust and explore its new surroundings . cover the aquarium with a light cloth , if desired . provide the hamster with enough food and water for this period of time . remove old food and spoiled bedding . change the water , put in fresh food , and change out some toys . acclimate your hamster to your physical presence . begin taming sessions during the evening , when the hamster is most awake . place your hand in the habitat and allow your pet to investigate . be patient if it bites the first few times . once your pet is comfortable with your hand in the habitat , invite your hamster to take treats out of your hand . slowly encourage your hamster to sit on your hand , then try slowly lifting your hand up . each step of the taming process may take a few days or a week . let your hamster run away and explore . never chase it around the tank . leave it alone if it rolls on its back and bares its teeth . introduce it to the storage bin , the hamster playpen , andor the safe room . always supervise your hamster in any of these play areas to prevent escape or injuries . avoid cleaning the hamster cage every week . this can cause stress for your hamster . move your hamster to a safe play area first . soak toys in warm , soapy water . clean the habitat with warm water and soap as well . when dry , place fresh bedding , food , water , and toys into the habitat for your pet to enjoy . return your hamster back to the habitat .

feed a balanced diet . house in a solid - bottom cage . allow your hamster to get used to its environment . observe your hamster . place something in the cage that smells like you . sit next to the cage . spend time with your hamster every day . be patient . do not discipline your hamster . wash your hands with unscented soap . place a treat in the cage . hold the treat in your hand . let your hamster eat the treat out of your hand . cup the hamster in the palm of your hand . hold your hamster outside of his cage . set up a playpen or bath tub .

how to tame an older hamster

the diet should be comprised of rodent chow , vegetables , fruit , nuts , and seeds . clean water and rodent chow should be available all the time . make sure the water bottle is attached to a drinking tube . recommended fruits and vegetables include spinach , lettuce , carrots and apples . provide a fresh supply every 2 or 3 days . remove uneaten food daily . do not give your hamster chocolate , candy , uncooked beans , onions , or any kind of junk food . clean and refill the water bottle every day . take your hamster to the veterinarian for a yearly check up . your hamster can live in a wire cage or an aquarium 10 gallon minimum with a mesh top . line the cage with at least 2 inches of timothy hay , aspen shavings , or processed corn cob . the cage should also have an exercise wheel , cardboard tubes , and a piece of natural wood . clean the cage with warm soapy water once a week and add new bedding . remove any soiled bedding and droppings every day . going to a new a home is stressful . all of the new sights , sounds , and smells can be overwhelming . let your hamster settle in for a few days before you begin the taming process . talk to your hamster in a calm voice when you feed him . this will help him get used to the sound of your voice . talking when you provide treats sugarless cereal , whole wheat bread , plain popcorn , cooked pasta , scrambled egg helps your hamster associate your voice with something that is good . hamsters are nocturnal animals . they sleep during the day and are active at night . if you notice that your hamster is playing , stretching , eating , or grooming , this is the best time to schedule your taming sessions . if you wake your hamster up during the day , he will be stressed and is more likely to bite you . your taming sessions will be much more successful if you work around your hamsters sleeping schedule . take a clean piece of tissue or toilet paper and leave it in your shirt for a few hours . then place the paper in your hamsters cage . you can also wear a sock in your shirt or waistband and then place the sock in the cage . hamsters have a sensitive nose and a strong sense of smell . they rely on their nose to tell them about their environment . be consistent with the scent of the items that you place in the cage . do not try out any new laundry detergent or perfumes during this process . when your hamster is awake , sit next to the cage and talk to him . if your hamster eats , drinks , and plays in front of you , he is comfortable with you . you can read a book or sing softly to your hamster during this time . devote at least 10 minutes a day to taming your hamster . if you cannot tame him every day , shoot for every other day . the more time you spend with him the better . if you take a long break or go on vacation while you are trying to tame him , he will regress . you may have to go back to some of the earlier steps instead of picking up where you left off . work to handle your hamster around the same time each day . this will create a routine for the two of you . because your hamster is older , he may have never been tamed or has forgotten . it takes time to build trust and to unlearn any bad behaviors . it will take longer to tame him than it takes to tame a young hamster . the time it takes to tame your hamster will vary . it depends on the personality of the hamster and how much time you spend with him . it could take weeks or months to tame him . most hamsters will come around if you are patient and consistent . you should never physically punish your hamster . do not flick him or tap his nose . if he bites or nibbles , lightly blow in his face . you can also tell him no using a serious tone . physical punishment only creates fear . if your hamster is afraid of you , you may never be able to tame him . hamsters do not have a good sense of sight . if your hand smells like food , your hamster will think that your hand is food and will bite you . if your hand smells like another animal , your hamster may think he is in danger . unscented soap is best . however , if you use a scented soap , use the same soap each time . place a treat in the cage and leave your hand inside the cage . your hamster may come and investigate your hand when he comes to get the treats . do not try to pet him at this time . pay attention to how your hamster responds . his behavior will let you know when you can move on to the next stage . if your hamster runs away , urinates , defecates , or flattens himself close to the floor , he is still afraid . if he is frightened , place the treat in the cage and try again when your hamster is no longer stressed . trying to work with your hamster when he is stressed can make him sick and will make taming him more difficult . once your hamster is comfortable with your hand , leave the treat in your hand and wait for the hamster to come to your hand . do not wiggle your fingers around or try . the hamster should not have to climb all the way onto your hand to get the treat . he should be able to reach the treat with his paw . when your hamster is ready , he will begin to eat out of the palm of your hand . when he does this , use your other hand to pet his body . only use one of your fingers when petting . do not pet him on his head . this will aggravate him . always allow your hamster to control the level interaction . do not force him to come to you or eat out of your hands . he will move at his own pace . place your hand in the cage and allow the hamster to walk into your hand . once he is in the palm of your hand , place your other hand on top of the hamster to create a little cave . make sure his head is sticking out . hold the hamster a few inches above the ground while he is still in his cage . avoid picking him up with your hand . always allow him to walk into your hands when he is ready . never approach your hamster from behind . he cannot see you , and this will scare him . your hamster may try to jump out of your hands at first . your hamster may urinate because he is nervous . do not drop him or get upset with him . talk to him in a calm tone and say , its ok . i know you are a little nervous . gently place him back in his cage and try again later . once you have held your hamster in his cage a few times and he seems comfortable , try to hold him outside of the cage . pick him up using the cave method and bring the hamster to your chest . your hamster will feel more secure next to your chest . hold him over your lap or close to the floor in case he falls . hamsters have delicate bonesand can suffer serious injuries due to falling . try this in a room that does not have a lot of hiding places in case he gets away . make sure the room is quiet with no other pets around . remember to watch how your hamster responds . if he squeals , growls , or grinds his teeth , put him back in his cage and leave him alone . sit with your hamster and allow him to get used to you . to set up a bathtub , plug the drain and place a blanket or towel in the tub . put your hamster in the playpen or bathtub with you . bring some treats and allow your hamster to explore you and the new space . to create a playpen , sit across from another person and make a barrier with your legs . place the hamster in the middle and allow him to move around . you can also use a kiddie pool as a playpen .

give your hamster a nice home . feed the hamster regularly . wait a week before trying to touch it . help your hamster recognize your voice . give your hamster treats . wash your hands . start carefully inserting your hand in the cage . pick up your hamster . try to make him or her feel safe . continue interacting with your pet . show your hamster love . handle biting hamsters . watch out for possible health problems . deal with problems among pets .

how to tame a hamster

when you get your new hamster , youll need to provide it with a comfortable place to live . this means you need to set up a suitable cage for your hamster . you should put down some absorbent bedding to make your hamster feel comfortable . this also allows your hamster to go to the restroom in its cage . youll need to spot clean the bedding daily and replace the entire thing once a week or so . be sure to also put a water bottle for your hamster to drink out of in the cage . hamsters are omnivores , which means they subsist on animal - based food as well as plant - based food . the most common thing to feed hamsters is dried hamster food pellets , but it is a good idea to supplement your hamsters diet with small pieces of raw fruits and vegetables as a treat a couple times per week . typically , hamsters should eat about 10 grams of dry hamster food twice each day . for a treat , consider giving them small bits of broccoli , peaches , cauliflower , or bananas . do not give your hamster anything citrus like lemons or oranges or acidic like onions because it could cause your hamster to get an upset stomach . during the first few days after you get your hamster , be careful not to push yourself on it too quickly . this is especially important during feeding time . just put the food in the cage and then leave the hamster alone to eat in peace . this will help your hamster feel safe around you . you need to give your hamster some time to get used to you and to feel safe and settled in its new home . dont try to force any contact with your hamster for the first week or so . sometimes this process can take a bit longer . its important for you to be patient in the beginning . when youre in the same vicinity as your hamsters cage , try talking to your hamster in a soothing voice . you want your pet to begin to recognize your voice as this will help it learn to not fear you . you may want to come near the cage and spend a few minutes at a time several times each day just speaking gently to your hamster . you can even take the cage lid off after the first few days so that your hamster can hear you better . just be careful to make sure it doesnt escape . begin to feed your hamster with treats in between the cage bars or through an opening in the top of the cage , depending on what type of enclosure you have for your pet hamster . associating you with treats will help your hamster get over being afraid of you . you can also rub the treat in your palm so the hamster can get to know your scent . continue for a few days . before you try to pick up your hamster for the first time , you should wash your hands thoroughly . this will remove any scent of food that may be lingering on your hands . you dont want your hamster to accidentally bite you . you can even wear gloves when picking up your hamster in the beginning if you are afraid of being bitten . when your hamster is awake , slowly put your hand into the cage . let your hamster sniff your hand . and dont force it to do anything . if your hamster is acting scared and backing away from you , remove your hand and try again in another week or two . you can also include a couple of treats in your palm to help your hamster feel less afraid . dont pull away when your hamster makes sudden movements at you when you are going to pet or handle it . you are only going to scare it even if it scared you . once you have spent some time easing into contact with your hamster , you should try to pick it up . be sure to hold it firmly in your hand so it doesnt fall and hurt itself . after a while , your hamster will go into your hand all by itself . never grab your hamster , as your hamster will see that as a threat . instead , cup your hands and let it walk into your hands on its own . if your hamster makes a squeaking noise , that means it is agitated and you should put it back in its cage . take some more time letting your hamster get to know you before you try to pick it up again . your hamster may be nervous at first , but once you start to pet your hamster and talk to it , it will be calmer than before . be sure to read your hamsters body language – if it backs away from you or makes squeaking noises , put it back in the cage . if it seems interested in you and approaches you freely , then feel confident in continuing your course of action . you dont want to try to force your hamster into something that will make it scared . this could be detrimental to the bond youre trying to build with it . it may even take longer to tame the hamster in the long run if you try to rush it . be sure to spend plenty of quality time with your pet . the more time you spend engaging with one another , the more confident your hamster will be interacting with you . this will lead to a tame hamster before you know it . soon , your hamster will be very tame and friendly . you should try to hold your hamster for at least a few minutes every day . otherwise , it will be harder for it to get used to you and it will take more effort to tame your hamster . never forget about your hamster . remember that you have a little furry friend who wants to play with you and interact . give your hamster lots of love and affection and dont forget the treats . this is the single most important part of taming a hamster . the more you play with your hamster , the more tame it will be . if your hamster bites you , this usually means that they are scared or anxious . biting is a natural response to fear for hamsters . if your hamster is biting you , give it some more time before you try to hold it . keep talking to it and letting it smell your hand occasionally , but dont force it into your hand for a couple more weeks . wait until your hamster doesnt seem nervous anymore shown by biting , shaking , squeaking when you put your hand in the cage . be cautious about not waking up sleeping hamsters . this can startle them and cause them to bite . hamsters may also bite if your hand smells like food . so be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling your hamster . since hamsters are such small creatures , youll need to monitor them closely for potentially dangerous health problems . while most hamsters are generally healthy , a problem can worsen quickly in a hamsters tiny body . the biggest health problem among hamsters is diarrhea . this condition needs quick vet attention since hamsters can perish from dehydration . the telltale sign that your hamster has diarrhea is when your hamsters rear end looks wet and brownish in color . another common medical complication for hamsters is protrusion of the eyeball from the socket . this is usually caused by an eye infection or by some other kind of physical trauma . if your hamsters eyes look like they are bulging , take it to the vet immediately . hamsters can be territorial creatures , which means that they may not like to share their cage with other animals , including other hamsters . if your hamsters are fighting among themselves , you may need to separate them permanently into different cages . at the very least , make sure there are no closed off portions of the habitat where one hamster can corner another . and try to make sure there is two of everything so they dont fight over food and water .

restrain your hamster . check the length of your hamsters teeth . make sure the teeth are aligned . check for spurs . watch for changes in behavior . look for physical signs of dental problems . monitor your hamster for infection . get your hamster examined . have the teeth professionally trimmed . give your hamster things to chew on . file your hamsters teeth .

how to treat hamster dental problems

gently restrain your hamster by carefully holding it by her scruff behind her neck . you shouldnt apply too much tension to the skin or you could cause its eyelids to retract and pop the eyes out of the sockets . set your hamster on a table or desk while you check her teeth . holding it at a height could cause injury if she wriggles loose and falls . while holding your hamster , lift your hamsters lip and see how long the teeth are . theres no specific recommended length for the teeth . but , your hamsters teeth are too long ifthe incisors the front teeth force your hamsters mouth open the lower incisors grow past the upper incisors your hamster cant open his jaws to get around something small like a peanut while still gently restraining your hamster , lift up its lip to see whether its teeth are aligned when the jaw is closed . the tips of your hamsters incisors should meet together the same way scissor blades do . hamster teeth have a slight curve so they should meet point to point . if the teeth arent aligned known as malocclusion , your hamsters teeth will wear unevenly and can cause the teeth to become overgrown . although the teeth at the front of the mouth the incisors usually cause the most problems , your hamsters molars can develop problems too . the molars at the back of the mouth can develop sharp spurs . these spurs are long growths on the teeth that look like hooks . these are difficult to see and may require a special instrument with a light source and speculum to check them . spurs are painful for your hamster because they can dig into the tongue or cheek pouch . usually , your hamster develops spurs on the molars only after having problems with the incisors . if your hamster has problems with his teeth , it may start acting strangely about his food . for example , your hamster may move food from the food bowl , hold it in his cheek pouches , and then bury the food in the nest . you should be monitoring if your hamster is eating the food in its dish or if its disappearing from the bowl because hes hiding it somewhere . in addition to overgrown or misaligned teeth , you may notice your hamster drool saliva so that its chin is constantly wet . your hamsters breath might smell bad . it might also lose weight if it is having trouble chewing her food and eating . your hamsters coat might also look worse since it cant get nutrients from eating food . if your hamsters incisors become severely overgrown , they can grow round and puncture your hamsters lips or the roof of his mouth . to check for infection , look for any sore on your hamsters face or any pus thats discharging near the mouth . a puncture and overgrown teeth can cause a secondary bacterial infection that is very painful , so get immediate medical attention for your hamster . if your hamsters teeth are getting long or you suspect dental problems , take your hamster to the vet . the vet can check for other health problems and will check for dental problems . the vet will check your hamsters teeth by using a speculum and otoscope to look deep in the mouth . since its difficult to see into a hamsters small mouth , the vet may want to give a little anesthesia to do the examination and x - rays while your hamster sleeps . if your hamsters teeth are overgrown , the vet may use a dental drill to file the teeth down . the vet will also file down the molars to the correct length . your hamster may need a sedative or anesthetic during this procedure . some veterinarians may clip or cut the teeth , but if the clippers arent sharp enough , the tooth may fracture lengthwise down to the root , which is painful . as a preventative or if you know your hamster is prone to dental problems and has had its teeth trimmed by the vet in the past , give your hamster orchard wood to gnaw on . gnawing on untreated wood can help your hamster wear down his teeth so they dont get too long . or , you could give him a hard dog biscuit which has the added benefit of giving your hamster calcium for strong bones and teeth . types of wood that are safe to give your hamster include elm , ash , maple , birch , apple , orange , pear , and peach . avoid giving cedar , plum , redwood , cherry , and oleander . once your hamster has had a professional filing , maintain her teeth by filing her teeth every two weeks . carefully grasp your hamster with your thumb under her chin to immobilize her head . gently place a diamond file rasp horizontally in her mouth so the rough surface is against the tip of the incisors . draw the file to and fro to gently rasp down the tooth . if in doubt , only remove a small amount of tooth each time you file . or , ask the veterinarian to show you how to file your hamsters teeth .

choose the right cage . clean your cage regularly . invest in quality bedding . provide a wheel and toys .

how to care for a russian campbell dwarf hamster 1

first , youll need to select a cage for your hamster . dwarf hamsters , including russian campbells , are notorious for chewing and nibbling . therefore , an aquarium style cage would be better than a cage with bars . hamsters can chew through the bars of wire cages . an aquarium cage comes with certain special considerations . as it can collect heat easily , keep the cage out of direct sunlight . make sure you set the cage on a stable surface , out of reach of children and other pets . hamsters enjoy climbing . they cannot climb the walls of an aquarium cage . therefore , pick up some ladders and other climbable objects at your local pet store . this will keep your russian campbell occupied in his cage . your hamsters cage needs to be cleaned on a regular basis . this prevents the spread or build - up of unwanted bacteria , which can lead to illness . clean your hamsters cage once a week . first , remove your hamster from the cage . place him in a sealable box or pet carrier case with a few handfuls of clean bedding . you should also add some food and water , in case he gets hungry . throw out all the old bedding , droppings , and any disposable toys made of materials like cardboard . remove washable toys , water bottles , and food bowls . these can be washed in warm water and mild dish detergent . wash these items , rinse thoroughly , and then set them aside to dry . use a paper towel alongside mild soap or disinfectant . wash the cage completely , getting the sides , corners , top , and bottom . then , rinse completely . remember , hamsters lick and chew so its important to get any soap or disinfectant residue off . dry the cage completely . put down a fresh layer of bedding . replace any disposable toys . put washable toys , food bowls , and water bottles back in the cage . your hamsters cage is now clean and you can put him back in safely . the bottom of a hamster cage should bel lined with appropriate bedding . wood shavings are often used in hamster cages . however , pine or cedar chips can cause respiratory problems for dwarf hamsters . make sure to avoid these types of bedding as well as unlabeled wood beddings . aspen - based beddings or sand - based beddings are generally safe for hamsters . before adding bedding to your hamsters cage , make sure its free of mites and other insects . to do so , put the bedding in your freezer for 48 hours . this should kill any potential insects . then , allow it to return to room temperature and add it to your hamsters cage . never use cat litter , corn cob , newspaper , or scented bedding . these contain chemicals and other materials that could cause health problems for your hamster . exercise is vital for your hamsters well being . make sure you provide a wheel so your hamster can run . you should also provide toys . dwarf hamsters need a lot of stimulation to be happy and healthy . pick a solid wheel without rungs as this lessens the chance of injury . for dwarf hamsters , you do not need a wheel bigger than 6 . 5 inches . if youre using an aquarium cage , you may not have a way to attach a wheel to your cage . therefore , make sure you get a wheel that stands on its own . tubes and hidey - holes are hamster toys sold at most pet stores . due to their small size , dwarf hamsters tend to enjoy such toys as they can squeeze into them easily . hamsters may also enjoy small plush toys for chewing and playing . make sure you remove any small parts , like eyes and noses , as these might pose a choking risk . you should also check the materials used in any toy you give your hamster to make sure materials are hamster - safe .

you can throw in 1 - 4 chew stickstoys . if you are looking for a more nutritious , environmentally friendly way of keeping your hamsters teeth shaved down , you can use pesticide free fruit tree branches . you can use dog biscuits as a replacement , although they can come high in fat . if you still have trouble keeping their teeth down take a visit to your veterinarian . hamsters will chew on most things that are given to them , so finding the right tools should not be too hard .

how to keep hamster teeth healthy

they generally cost 1 . 00 - 10 . 00 dollars , depending on what brand , quantity , and store you buy them from . although these fun treats look fantastic and colorful to you , they may not be as great for the hamster . they are usually just slabs of wood brushed over with a non - toxic paint . apples are the best . cut off about a 3 - 4 inch section that is about 1 cm . - 1 inch thick . only give these in small quantities on occasion , so they can be used to keep your pet happy and healthy , they will gladly trim the teeth down and give you some tips . the main safety issue to keep in mind is that you never give them anything that is not non - toxic .

pick quality hamster food . add fresh food . avoid certain foods .

how to care for a russian campbell dwarf hamster 2

your hamsters diet is a major component of his care . you can purchase hamster pellets or mixes at a pet store . these should be fortified with the vitamins and minerals your hamster needs to survive . on average , dwarf hamsters only need about a tablespoon of food each day . however , discuss your hamsters diet with your vet just to be safe . if your hamster is on the bigger or smaller side , he may require more or less food . in addition to store - bought food , you should supplement your hamsters diet with fresh food . hamsters in general enjoy a wide variety of fresh produce , seeds , and nuts . however , there are some special considerations to take when caring for a dwarf hamster . be careful with fruit . in nature , dwarf hamsters come from a desert environment . therefore , anything too watery can cause digestive problems . do not feed your dwarf hamster too much fruit . if you want to give your hamster a treat , consider dried fruit without added sugar . veggies and legumes are a better option than fruit when it comes to produce . you can feed your dwarf hamster spinach , asparagus , alfalfa sprouts , bean sprouts , squash , green beans , and dandelion flowers . seeds and nuts are also great for a dwarf hamster . pumpkin seeds , sunflower seeds , chestnuts , buckwheat , and sesame seeds can all be a great addition to your dwarf hamsters diet . there are certain foods you should avoid feeding to dwarf hamsters . they can cause health problems or carry other hazards . sticky and sharp foods should be avoided . sticky foods can get stuck in a dwarfs cheek pouches . sharp foods can puncture the mouth . if you feed your dwarf hamster anything that may have sharp edges , like walnuts or squash , examine the food beforehand . remove any sharp bits . certain foods can upset a dwarf hamsters stomach or cause illness . in general , do not feed your dwarf hamster processed food , salted seeds or nuts , garlic , onion , tomato , citrus fruit , almond , kidney beans , eggplant , watermelon , potato , or avocado .

supervise your hamster when hes out of his cage . watch for signs of illness . note abnormal behavior . keep track of water consumption .

how to care for a russian campbell dwarf hamster 3

due to their size , dwarf hamsters can easily get lost in your home . they can be very difficult to find if they escape . they are also highly susceptible to injury if stepped on or attacked by another pet . therefore , never allow your dwarf hamster out of his cage without supervision . many hamster owners get what is called a hamster ball . this is a sealable plastic ball you can place your hamster in . your hamster will be able to run around your home with the ball as protection . however , you should never leave your dwarf hamster unsupervised in a hamster ball . hamster balls can break , allowing your hamster to escape . a dwarf hamster will live for one to two years on average . if you want to make sure your dwarf hamster is healthy for most of his life , watch for signs of illness . certain medical issues should be evaluated by a veterinarian . check your hamsters eyes and nose once a week . hamsters are prone to colds , marked by wetness and discharge around the nose . eye infections sometimes occur in dwarf hamsters , although theyre more common in winter whites than russian campbells . its still a good idea to occasionally check your hamsters eyes for discharge . an eye infection should be evaluated by a vet . you should also look at your hamsters bottom once in awhile . staining , loose stools , or a wet tail can indicate diarrhea . female hamsters may develop infections in the womb , marked by a foul odor and discharge from the area above the anus . diarrhea and other infections require a trip to the vet . as your hamster gets older , its not uncommon for his fur to get patchy in places . however , in a younger dwarf hamster bald spots , rashes , and scaly skin may be a sign of an allergy or a mite infestation . take your hamster to the vet if you notice such changes . when handling your hamster , feel for any lumps and bumps . benign cysts are common in hamsters but , in rare cases , a lump could be cancerous . new lumps should be evaluated by a vet as soon as possible . dwarf hamsters are usually high energy . theyre prone to sudden bursts of movement . they also chew , dig , and make nests frequently . dwarf hamsters groom themselves a lot , so its not uncommon to see a dwarf hamster licking or scratching frequently . if you notice a lack of grooming , a dip in energy , and a disinterest in chewing and digging , take your hamster to see a vet . abnormal behavior can be the sign of a medical condition . however , there is one exception . if your dwarf hamster is on the older side , you can expect him to slow down with age . this is generally not a sign something is wrong . if your dwarf hamster is older than a year or a year and a half , its normal for him to be less high energy . hamsters can develop diabetes . the first sign is usually an increase in water consumption . if you suddenly notice youre filling up your hamsters water bottle more than usual , make an appointment with a vet to have your hamster checked for diabetes .

look for signs your hamster isnt eating . dont assume food that disappears has been eaten . pay attention to signs that your hamster is having difficulty eating or making a mess . notice excessive drool . look for weight loss . inspect your hamsters head for abscesses or a foul odor . look at the front teeth . assess whether the front teeth are too long . decide whether the molars need to be inspected . inspect your hamsters front teeth for genetic dental problems . get your hamsters molars checked by a veterinarian . trim your hamsters teeth . prevent dental problems .

how to diagnose hamster dental problems

overgrown teeth make it difficult for the hamster to eat . this is because the long teeth force the jaws permanently apart , the long teeth grow into the roof of the mouth or pierce the lips , or the teeth develop sharp jagged edges that make eating painful . if your hamsters food is not disappearing like it usually does , then it may not be eating due to dental problems . since your hamster can store food in its pouch , dont take the disappearance of food from the bowl as absolute evidence it is eating . it is not unusual for hungry hamsters that are struggling to eat , to pack their pouches or else hide food in their bed . if the hamster is trying to eat but having a hard time , it will probably spill food all over the place . so , if your hamster is being messier than usual , you should begin to suspect that they are having an issue . take a look at your hamster for signs of saliva staining around the mouth or down its chin . long teeth can make it difficult to swallow properly . they also cause pain , which makes the hamster drool heavily . if you suspect your hamster isnt eating , then try to determine if it is losing weight . it can be hard to assess a hamsters weight , especially with its fluffy fur , but if you think it is losing weight , that can be a symptom of dental problems . infected teeth can cause accesses to form in and around the mouth . this will cause the region to swell , which should look different from when your hamster packs its cheeks with food . the area may smell badly as well , as infections , such as abscesses , tend to emit a foul odor . it is the incisors , located at the front of the mouth , which most commonly overgrow . these can be seen with the naked eye at home . to check the incisor teeth , gently grasp the hamsters scruff so that its lips are drawn back in a smile . however , take care when handling the hamster not to get bitten . be aware , that being overly enthusiastic when holding a hamsters scruff can cause its eyes to pop out of the socket . so , if in doubt , have a vet or vet tech show you what to do . the tips of the hamster incisors should meet like two chisel blades coming together . the incisors are curved but you need to make sure they grind against each other . otherwise , they are at risk of overgrowing . determining if the incisors are too long can be tricky , and requires some experience . as a general rule , imagine whether your hamster is able to open its incisors wide enough to nibble on a peanut . if the gap between the tips of the incisors when its mouth is fully open is not sufficient to pick up a peanut , then the teeth are too long . also , look for malformation . look for teeth that are angled oddly , such as sticking out to one side . sometimes , hamsters with really bad teeth even have teeth that are pointing straight into the roof of their mouths . the molar teeth are more difficult to check out and you may need a trip to the vet to get these checked . however , molar problems are usually the result of problems with the incisors , so if the incisors are fine then the risk of molar overgrowth goes down but is not eliminated altogether . conversely the hamster with overgrown incisors is at increased risk of molar problems . thus , if you trim the incisors and the hamsters chin remains wet , then get a vet to check the molars . in addition to having dental problems because the teeth are not worn down , it is not uncommon that hamsters have a genetic tendency for their teeth to grow not in perfect alignment . this means the teeth do not meet at exactly the right place , like the blades of scissors coming together , and they do not wear down against each other . spotting signs that your hamsters teeth are misaligned before they cause a real problem will allow you to deal with the issue before it becomes a problem . hamsters have two types of teeth molars located at the back of the mouth , and incisors at the front . the two sets are separated by a large gap , called the diastema . thus , the incisors at the front of the mouth are easy to see , but the molars at the back sit deep within the cheeks and are difficult to see . in order to get a good look at a hamsters molars , the hamster is sedated and a special speculum used by a veterinarian . a vet may use the speculum from an otoscope to peer inside the hamsters mouth and check for spurs on the crowns of the molar . this can be tricky , especially if the hamster has full pouches or has recently eaten . if your hamster is especially unwilling to be looked at , but you suspect a problem , then the veterinarian may need to sedate the animal to inspect its teeth . overgrown incisors can be trimmed down with nail clippers . however , its best to have a vet or vet tech show you how to do this first . it can be tricky to hold the hamster still while clipping its teeth . overgrown molars need to be clipped with special long handled clippers , often with the hamster sedated . this should be done in a veterinary office . prevention is better than a cure , as it avoids the pain and discomfort of dental problems in the first place . to avoid these problems , provide your hamster with blocks of untreated wood or a dog biscuit to chew on . giving your hamster constant access to these things can prevent tooth problems but it is not a guarantee . you still need to inspect your hamsters teeth regularly to look for problems .

purchase a brush . buy a comb if your hamster is long - haired . have plenty of treats available . place your hamster in your lap . brush your hamsters fur . handle tangles carefully . groom your hamster frequently . trim your hamsters hair if necessary .

how to groom a syrian hamster 1

hamsters are tiny creatures , so a small brush is all you really need . you can look for one at pet supply stores . however , a soft bristle toothbrush or paintbrush , about 1 inch 2 . 5 cm in size , will also work well . the fur length of hamsters can vary . some syrian hamsters can have very long fur , however , making it difficult to groom them with a brush . if yours has long hair , you can use a small pet comb such as a cat flea comb instead . some hamsters love being brushed , others are more reluctant to be groomed in this way . it is a good idea to have some treats available when attempting to brush your hamster , especially if it is a new pet . offering it plenty of treats before , during , and after brushing will encourage it to form positive associations with being groomed . gently pick up your hamster and set it in your lap . pet it and offer it treats . do not start brushing until it seems calm . move the brush or comb lightly down the hamsters belly back . always work in the direction that your pets fur grows in . this will make the process more comfortable for the hamster . if you encounter knots or tangles in your hamsters fur , do not force your way through them , or tug at them . instead , gently brush through them a little at a time until they are cleared . brush your hamster any time it appears to have tangles or dirt in its fur . otherwise , groom your pet about once a week . some hamsters , especially long haired syrians , may need brushing twice a week . this will prevent matting . if your hamster is prone to frequent matting or tangling , or refuses to be brushed , you may need to shorten its fur . carefully use a pair of cosmetic scissors to trim its fur to about 1 inch in length . work cautiously so that you dont cut the hamster . if you feel anxious about trimming the fur , see a vet or professional pet groomer for help .

tame your hamster . practice holding your hamster in the nail - trimming position . practice holding his paw between your fingers . examine his nails carefully . consider having your hamsters nails trimmed by a veterinarian . gather your supplies . hold your hamster firmly in one hand . hold one of your hamsters paws . look for the quick . place the nail in the clipper . continue trimming your hamsters other nails . reward your hamster . ask someone for help . show your friend how to hold the hamster . have your friend hold the hamster . grasp your hamsters paw in your hand . reward your hamster .

how to trim hamster nails

if your hamster is not tame enough to be handled , you will need to tame him before you can even think about trimming his nails . be patient when working with your hamster . remember that it will take time for him to get use to you , and to being handled . if you lose your patience , it will frighten him , prolonging the process even more . if your hamster badly needs his nails trimmed , but is too wild to be handled , take him to your vet where they can use a sedative to take care of the nails . have plenty of treats ready during the taming process , too once your hamster is tame , and doesnt mind when you hold him in your hand , spend a few minutes each day holding him in the position you will hold him in when trimming his nails . there is no right way to hold your hamster when trimming his nails . find a way that is comfortable for both you and your hamster . you can try holding him upright in your hand so that his paws stick out above your fingers , or try holding him flat , so that you will be able to grasp his his paw between your fingers . dont hold on to his paws when first practicing this position . get him comfortable with it before moving on to that . give him a treat to reward him when he sits still in your hand . after practicing for a few times , you might also consider wrapping him in a small towel to keep him more contained , if you think it is necessary . if he sits very still in your hand , it may not be necessary . once your hamster is comfortable sitting in the nail - trimming position , spend time each day holding each of his paws between your fingers . begin with a very gentle grasp , and when he becomes more comfortable e . g . doesnt try to jerk his paw out of your fingers begin to grasp a bit more firmly . you want your grasp to be firm but gentle when you trim the nails . remember to reward him after each training session either with a treat or some time spent running around in his ball , if he has one . once your hamster will allow you to grasp his paws , take time to examine them carefully . it is critical that you understand where the quick is . if you trim the quick , it will bleed and be very painful for your hamster . if you do trim the quick it is unlikely he will let you trim them again . most hamsters have nails that are translucent , so when you look very carefully , you will see a part that is nearly clear , but closer to where his nail meets his paw , there will be a more cloudy part this is the quick . the quick is the area where the blood supply to the nails ends . if you have never done it before , it is a good idea to have your vet do it the first time . this way , you can watch the procedure , and see how it is done , as well as how long the nails should be . do not try to trim your hamsters nails on your own if he is not tame enough to sit still while you hold him in your hand . ask your vet if you can watch him trim the nails , and if he can explain the process as he goes through it so that you can do it on your own . you will need good lighting a small desk lamp may work well , a pair of small pet nail clippers or human nail clippers you can also use nail scissors as well , some styptic powder to use in case you cut one of the nails too short , and treats for your hamster . styptic powder can be found at most pet stores or online . this powder is used to stem bleeding . hopefully , however , you wont need to use it . you might also consider wearing gloves if youre worried your hamster might bite you , although this should not be the case if you have spent adequate time taming him . dont squeeze him too tight , but firmly enough that he is secure in your hand . you can also wrap the bottom half of your hamster in a towel to help keep him contained . this will also give your hamster a feeling of security . with the thumb and forefinger of the hand you are using to hold the hamster , hold his paw firmly . this way , you will be able to trim the nails of that paw . this is why it is important that you have a bright light or that you sit in bright sunlight . hamsters nails are usually translucent , and with brighter light you will be able to see the quick . you should absolutely not cut this if you do , it will be painful for your hamster and the nail will bleed . the quick is the area where the blood supply to the nails ends . make sure that you are trimming only the nail , and not the quick clip the nail . your hamster may squirm at the point if he feels frightened . offer him a treat , if necessary . on some days , your hamster may be too squirmy to trim more than one or two nails . if this is the case , dont try to force him . simply trim the nail that is the longest , and try again tomorrow . if you were successful with the first nail , and your hamster is still calm and still in your hand , proceed to the next nail . you should only continue to trim the nails for as long as your hamster will sit still . if he gets impatient and squirmy , either take a break for a few hours or try again tomorrow . you should also try to choose a time of day where your hamster is least active . hamsters are nocturnal animals , so they will be less active during the day . once you are finished with the nail trimming session , reward your hamster with a treat . although nail trimming will not usually be a pleasant experience for either of you , if you consistently reward him with treats , he will learn to associate nail trimming with something good . if you feel that you need some help trimming your hamsters nails , you can have someone hold him for you while you trim . however , you should ask someone who has spent time handling your hamster rather than someone who has not . if the person who will help you has never handled your hamster , let them spend some time holding and petting your hamster for a couple of weeks before trying to trim his nails . this may be the best option if your hamster is very squirmy every single time you try to trim his nails . it will allow the person to hold the hamster to hold on more firmly because heshe will be able to use both hands , and it will allow you to hold the paw more carefully while trimming because you will also have two hands to use . teach them how they should hold the hamster , and let them spend time holding your hamster in this position before attempting to trim the nails . once your hamster is comfortable , you can ask your friend to hold the hamster in the correct position . make sure you are underneath a bright light so that you will be able to see the nails easily . this will probably work best if you and your friend face each other . this way , your hamsters paws will be pointing out , directly at you . if you need to talk during the trimming , make sure you keeps your voices soft and relaxed . you may scare the hamster if you shout or talk very loudly . if he squirms , give him time to relax before attempting to trim the nails . once he is still , very carefully place the nail between the blades , and snip it off . repeat this for each nail . again , be sure that you are not cutting the quick once you have trimmed all of the nails , have your friend either hold him more loosely so he can relax , or place him back in his cage . give your hamster some treats to let him know he did a good job . dont forget to thank your helper , too