Hamsters are nocturnal!- That means they are awake during the night and sleep during the day. They wake up around 8 pm.  You can handle your hamster at any time of the day but they do prefer to be handled at night or in the evening when they are more naturally active. 

 

Male or Female does it matter?- They only real difference I've noticed is that females tend to be al ittle larger than males other than that I've never had one be meaner or nicer than the other.

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How much bedding should they have and what kind?- They need about 5 inches of wood shavings as their bedding. I use aspen wood shavings which can be found at fleet farm or any farm supply store.

 

What to put in their cage?- They love places to make a nest in so 2-3 hides is the best. I use anything from tissue boxes, hides from pet stores, or even very large pvc pipes. Syrian hamsters are one of the largest hamsters and because of that need big wheels so a 8-12 inch wheel is the best size for them. They love toilet paper to use as nesting material. 

 

To use a food dish or not to use a food dish?- I don't use food dishes as over the years i've noticed they take all the food out and hide it some place making the dish pretty useless and they can chew them up which is dangerous if they eat the material the dish is made of

 

Chew toys- Hamsters' teeth naturally constantly grow their whole lives so chew toys are essential. I give my hamster a range of things such as toilet paper rolls, sheared paper, hay, dried bamboo sticks, cardboard, and even dried luffa sponges. I do sell encrement bags which are great for hamsters or rabbits

 

What to feed our hamster?- Hamsters need a blend of nuts, seeds, grains, and protein. I really like the brand Wild harvest. I find it's a nice blend of what a hamster needs. I also like to mix some high protein cat food in to make sure they're getting the protein they need. 

 

What kind of treats?- They can have cooked eggs, carrots, celery leaves, dandelions, apples, uncooked pasta, meal worms, pears and cat food. Citrus food should be avoided completely. Remember these are treats and should be kept to small amounts. 

 

How long do Syrian hamsters live?- I've had some of my hamsters live up till 5 years old but the most common life span is 3-4 years old. 

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What to do if they do escape?- Hamsters are little Houdini's! At some point they will probably escape. So what to do? Leave out a little dish of water and food. Live small rodent traps like *Have A Heart* brand traps are the best solution! They won't hurt your pet and they're easy to set and keep around just in case it happens again. I've used them and they have always worked when I’ve had to use them.

 

I hope you have fun with our new pocket pet!