Hamsters are one of Canada’s most popular pets. There are 24 species of hamsters found around the world, with 120 varieties to choose from. Different types of hamsters available at Petland include Chinese, Russian dwarf, and Syrian (Golden, Teddy Bear, Panda Bear, to name a few). Hamsters are available in many colours and coat varieties.

Hamsters are not social animals like gerbils, rats, mice or guinea pigs. They do not like to live in family groups and unless breeding, prefer to live alone. It is for that reason they should be kept as single pets.

Sexual maturity occurs at 30 to 60 days and the gestation period is 16 days. The number in a litter may be four to 10 and their eyes open at 15 days. During birth, and during weaning, only the mother should be with her babies. Very little intervention other than fresh food and water are required. Anything more than a quick change of dishes and the occasional spot cleaning will aggravate the mother, which could cause her to harm her babies.

The optimum room temperature is between 68°F – 74°F (20°C – 23.8°C). Rapid changes in temperature may lead to respiratory problems. Place the cage away from direct sunlight, heat or air-conditioning vents and any drafts.

Hamsters are masters of escape, so it is important that the home you provide for them is escape proof. In regards to his new home, moving from one new environment to another is exciting but stressful for your new pet. Stress can cause a pet's immune system to function poorly. By reducing the causes of stress, your pet will acclimate more easily to his new home. It is recommended after adoption to limit handling for the first seven days. Following the advice and care requirements listed in our tip sheet should result in a successful transition for both you and your hamster.

Our pet counsellors are small animal lovers and because they are, they hold and play with all the small animals in our store. Our guests also play a big part in our small animal’s social skills.* This is why Petland small animals are quick to bond with their new owner.

To provide a happy, healthy atmosphere for your hamster, Petland recommends the following necessary and fun accessories. We have listed them as your new pet’s four basic needs: Nutritional, Environmental, Maintenance and Behavioural. When these needs are met, along with a loving environment provided by you, your hamster can live a long and happy life. Typically, a healthy hamster may live between two to three years.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Your Hamster’s New Home – Whether it is a two-storey cage with a removable plastic bottom, an enclosed plastic unit with tunnels and attachments, or perhaps it is an aquarium with a snug-fitting screen lid; do not underestimate your potential escapee! Try and give your hamster room enough to run, sleep and tunnel.

Nesting Material – This material is specifically made for hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats and degus (it’s safe). One package goes a long way in giving your new pet soft bedding that he can form into a cozy bed.

Hiding Place – Every living creature needs an area to call their own. Their hideaway is necessary in reducing stress and makes them feel secure. Their home can be made of ceramic, wicker or wood, but make sure it is made specifically with a hamster in mind. Tissue boxes or toilet paper rolls, although happily slept in and chewed, are potential health hazards that you should avoid.

NUTRITIONAL

Your hamster is an omnivore, which means he eats both plant and animal food. Your hamster's primary diet is an extrusion food. Follow the recommended guidelines on the bag of food as to how much should be offered daily. Plus add a teaspoon of a gourmet hamster food mix to the extrusion food daily feeding program, to keep him satisfied. Hamsters have a habit of selecting mixes with nuts, corn, seeds and fruit morsels and leaving the healthy pellets behind, so a primary diet of extrusion food is the best option.

Many small animals are susceptible to diarrhea, especially when new foods are introduced too quickly or they encounter a stressful situation (i.e. being adopted). By providing food that is familiar to them, their digestive systems will prevent this type of health problem.

Moss Hollow Adapt – Using Moss Hollow Adapt, while minimizing stress, can help your new pet adapt to their new home by promoting relaxation from stress caused by the environment (Echinacea), offering a prebiotic for building gut flora (Burdock Root), easing diarrhea (Psyllium Husk), increasing palatability (Wheatgrass), providing a natural dewormer (Diatomaceous Earth), and nutrient rich clay (Bentonite). This veterinary health product uses natural ingredients which can aid all small animals before symptoms emerge.

Treats and other diet variations – Supply grass hay to stimulate natural foraging activities to help in the prevention of obesity. Hay is an excellent source of nesting material. The bonus is that they also love it. Choose from a variety of hay. Hamsters especially enjoy oat hay, which often contains immature seed heads.

Treats are a great way to help keep your hamsters from becoming bored with their fare, and staying healthy and active. All hamsters should be introduced to new foods gradually. Never more than 5% of their total diet should consist of treats, or about a ½ tsp daily. Offer treats to encourage interaction between you and your pet, but only after your pet eats his basic food.

We recommend that for the first few days in your home, you do not feed your new pets any fruits, vegetables or treats. It is at this time that they will be most prone to getting diarrhea (wet-tail). Limiting their variety of foods is best until they are settled. Fresh foods are considered treats for hamsters rather than a staple in your pet’s diet. Carrot and beet tops, dandelion greens and flowers (that have not been subjected to spraying), kale, collard greens, romaine and leaf lettuce (not iceberg lettuce), parsley, carrots and pea pods are some good choices. Large amounts of green foods should be avoided, since they are difficult to digest and can cause health concerns.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplement – This should be added to the drinking water or food according to bottle directions. In the wild, animals can choose the foods their bodies require. Even if you give your pet a variety of foods, you may not be providing him with certain vitamins/minerals that he needs.

Salt and Mineral Stone – Your hamster needs a salt and mineral stone available at all times. Salt will encourage him to drink enough water, and the water aids in digestion.

MAINTENANCE

Water Bottle – The use of a four to eight water bottle is necessary, so the water stays clean and free of bedding and the vitamins are not wasted. Fresh water should be available at all times and replaced daily. Water bottles need to be kept clean of not only any bacterial growth, but also of sediment that may be caused by using nutritional supplements. Use a bottle brush set to clean both the inside of the bottle and the inner surface of the stainless steel drinking tube. Brushes may be used with dish soap. Be sure to rinse bottles and tubes well and to wash and rinse brushes themselves following use. If your pet is housed in an aquarium, a bottle holder or bottle guard will be required.

Litter – Pine or aspen shavings or soft bedding made from natural fibres (e.g. carefresh®) is recommended for your hamster. Many hamster owners use a hamster toilet. It is easy to remove, reduces the time and cost of maintenance and cuts down on odour. Use a small litter scoop to spot clean corners every one or two days.

Cage Cleaner – There are pet safe stain and odour removers available for small pets. Many are enzyme-based formulas that work naturally to permanently break down stains and odours. Once a week, you should clean his cage with a pet safe cleaner, or hot water and mild soap, rinse well and dry. Do not use bleach, or other household cleaners, which will irritate your hamster’s respiratory system, or even cause worse problems.

Crock Bowls – These are easy to clean, and your hamster cannot chew them! Pick up two, one for food and one for treats.

Brush – Most hamsters enjoy a gentle brushing a few times a week. Afterward, reward him with a treat and it will be an activity he will look forward to.

BEHAVIOURAL

Chew Blocks – Your hamster’s teeth will grow throughout his life. Give him a variety of chewing aids to keep his teeth trimmed. A branch from outside may not be safe nor will a toilet paper or paper towel roll. Hamster chews are generally made from balsa wood, which is hard enough to gnaw on, but soft enough not to splinter or cut.

Exercise Wheel – Just like us, hamsters need exercise to stay healthy and trim. As any hamster owner can tell you, the wheel is used nightly for your little one’s instinctual need to run, run, run!

Exercise Ball – An exercise ball can be a fun and safe way for your hamster to gain a little more freedom, while staying in shape. Remember to keep his ball far away from stairs to prevent an accident! A ball should never replace an exercise wheel.

Harness and Leash – Hamsters enjoy an outing! Take him out for a safe walk and don’t worry, he won’t pull you over!

Please ask your pet counsellor what other items pertain to your particular pet’s needs.

Cleanliness and Safety

All pets can potentially carry diseases that may be contagious to people. Young children, infants, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems and the elderly are at greater risk of infections and should use caution when in contact with pets or their environments. Regular cleaning of your pet’s environment with a pet safe cleaner may help avoid the spread of contaminants.

Hygiene procedures such as washing your hands before and after handling your pet and/or after having any contact with their habitat, is a necessary routine. Children should be assisted with hand washing and always have adult supervision when interacting with pets. 

Click here to find all your hamster's needs.