What should I do when I bring my hamster home?

When first bringing your hamster home, place it in its cage, with fresh food and water, and leave it alone. Cover the hamster’s cage with a light cloth so that it can explore the cage or habitat in privacy. Make sure there is enough food, water, and toys to keep the hamster occupied for a few days,…

What should be included in a hamster cage?

The cage will need to have a large, usable floor area and enough space of tubes and different levels. Your hamster’s home should include plenty of things to keep them active and entertained. An ideal cage will include: Plenty of nest boxes and sleeping areas. You can read more about how to provide these for your hamster below.

Is it OK to give hamsters shredded newspaper?

Don’t use shredded newspaper as ink can be toxic to hamsters. Don’t give your hamsters cotton wool. It can cause dangerous blockages in their stomach if they eat it and can get wrapped around their legs. You’ll need to regularly clean out your hamster’s cage to make sure that it’s a healthy and hygienic place for them to live.

What happens when you put your hand in a hamster enclosure?

When you place your hand in the enclosure of a hamster you’re thinking of purchasing, it’s a good sign if the hamster… Hides and doesn’t reappear. Not exactly! It’s normal for a hamster to hide when confronted with an unfamiliar hand; it’s neither a good nor a bad sign.

What should you do if you have a hamster?

Thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after contact with any pet or its habitat. Adults should assist children with hand washing after contact with a pet, its habitat or aquarium water. Use caution when handling pets and remember they may bite or scratch (especially when stressed).

Is it better to buy or adopt a hamster?

Adopting rather than buying is a great way of helping a pet in need. By adopting a hamster from a shelter, you also help the shelter, which will be a charity, and will no doubt be struggling for funds. A pet shelter will also be able to offer you lots of advice on looking after your new pet.

Is it safe to put a hamster in a cage?

Your hamster’s cage should be safe from hazards (like sharp metal or gaps they could get stuck in) and secure, as hamsters can easily escape from poorly constructed cages! Hamsters

How old do you have to be to buy a hamster from a pet shop?

Ideally your new hamster should be between four and eight weeks old and bought from a responsible breeder or good pet shop, or rehomed from a charity such as Blue Cross. Hamsters in pet shops should have clean, good-sized accommodation and access to food and fresh water.