Size: Syrian hamsters, 6 inches; dwarf hamsters, 2-3 inchesLife expectancy: 1 ½ - 2 yearsGroup or solo: Syrian or teddy bear hamsters must be kept alone. Dwarf hamsters can live in same-sex pairs. Diet: High-quality rodent chow (rat blocks) should be available at all times. Supplement this with hamster mix, …
Size: Syrian hamsters, 6 inches; dwarf hamsters, 2-3 inchesLife expectancy: 1 ½ - 2 yearsGroup or solo: Syrian or teddy bear hamsters must be kept alone. Dwarf hamsters can live in same-sex pairs. Diet: High-quality rodent chow (rat blocks) should be available at all times. Supplement this with hamster mix, made up of pellets, grains, seeds and dried veggies. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times. A water bottle with a drinking tube that attaches to the cage works well. Small, bite-sized bits of fresh veggies and fruits such as spinach, lettuce, carrots, or apples, should be given daily. Avoid: chocolate, candy, junk food, onions, uncooked beans. Habitat/Housing: Hamsters should be housed in a wire-cage with solid floor or in a large glass aquarium with a wire top. Hamsters enjoy having multiple levels and hiding places. Try to purchase the largest enclosure you can. Hamsters must have a cardboard box or similar enclosure for hiding and sleeping, and their cage should be lined with shredded paper, aspen shavings, (no pine or cedar) or paper-based litter. Clean soiled litter/bedding daily and completely clean out the habitat weekly and replace with fresh bedding. Hamsters enjoy chewing, digging, and nesting and should be provided with appropriate hamster-safe chew toys. Cardboard boxes and toilet paper tubes can make fun and easy enrichment. Provide an exercise wheel, and some hamsters enjoy exercise balls. Handling and Care: Many hamsters do not like handling, and hamsters should never be startled awake. Hamsters are nocturnal by nature and may nip or bite if woken up suddenly. Only handle your hamster if they are already awake, move slowly, and do not corner, scruff, or pin them. If they are comfortable with handling they can be removed daily for out of cage time or time in an exercise ball. Pick them up using minimal restraint. Bring your hamster to the veterinarian annually for check-ups. Don't wait if you think your pet is sick-seek help immediately. Common signs that something isn't right include dull-looking eyes, overgrown teeth, matted fur, weight loss, shaking, runny nose and diarrhea.More information on hamsters:
https://www.thesprucepets.com/hamsters-4162083
