Hamsters Requirements for Environment and Equipment

The hamster is an active animal and needs a lot of space to move around. It is therefore recommended to buy the largest possible cage that allows varied activity.

The cage can preferably have several floors or compartments with pipe systems between, but make sure that the design is such that the animal cannot injure itself. The bottom of the cage is covered with a thick layer of shredded paper or dust-free pet litter.

The hamster also needs a food bowl, drinking bottle and a house where it can sleep in peace. Access to nesting material is also important for the hamster’s well-being, e.g. hay, wood wool or unbleached paper. Synthetic materials can harm the hamster and should not be used.

In addition, the hamster needs activity objects, such as climbing frames and running wheels. To avoid the risk of injuries and sores on the feet, it is important that the running wheel has a solid surface. Uncolored cardboard rolls are well suited as “tunnels”.

The hamster also needs something to gnaw on, for example twigs and branches or own gnawing stones that you can buy in the pet shop.

Place the cage in a place with comfortable room temperature (20-24 °C), without drafts and with access to daylight. The hamster should have peace and quiet during the day, but is active and can make noise at night. The cage should not be left in direct sunlight, in drafts or on cold and damp surfaces. The cage should also not be placed near TVs, computers or music systems as the hamster is very sensitive to sound.

Cleaning

The hamster is a clean animal. It places the feces in a specific corner of the cage. The litter in this corner should be changed daily. The bottom material in the entire cage should be changed once or twice a week. At the same time, wash the cage with a soap that is harmless to the animal and does not smell too strong.

The hamster makes a nest in a corner of the cage. In the nest, it often lays down food which it brings with it in its cheek pouches. This lining looks like little black beads, not unlike faeces. During the weekly cleaning, the nesting material should also be replaced, but still leave something behind so that the hamster feels at home. It is also important to make sure that the food the hamster brings to the nest is removed before it gets old and bad. Excess fresh feed should be removed everyday.