Hi there! Are you planning to take care of a hamster? Or maybe you already have one? Either way, welcome! Hamsters are cute, curious, and fun to watch. But just like any pet, they need love, time, and proper care. This guide is here to help you understand the basics of hamster care in a simple and friendly way—perfect for new pet owners, especially for our fellow Filipinos.
Understanding Hamsters
Hamster Basics
Hamsters are small rodents originally from Europe and Asia. They come in different types, but the most common as pets are:
▪️Syrian Hamsters – the biggest, must live alone
▪️Dwarf Hamsters – smaller and may live in pairs (with caution)
▪️Chinese Hamsters – long-tailed and calm
Natural Behavior
▪️Nocturnal – Active at night
▪️Territorial – Syrians must be alone
▪️Burrowers – Love to dig and hide
▪️Chewers – Their teeth grow non-stop, so they need things to chew
Setting Up the Perfect Habitat
Cage Requirements
Your hamster’s home should be spacious, comfy, and safe. The best recommended size is 100 x 50 x 50 cm (about 39 x 20 x 20 inches) – this gives enough room to explore and play.
| Hamster Type | Minimum Cage Size (inches) | Best Recommended Size |
|---|---|---|
| Syrian Hamster | 24″ x 18″ (432 sq in) | 39″ x 20″ x 20″ (100x50x50) |
| Dwarf Hamsters | 20″ x 15″ (300 sq in) | 39″ x 20″ x 20″ (100x50x50) |
✅ Always choose bigger if possible! Bigger cage = happier hamster.
Bedding
Your hamster will spend all its time in this space, so it must be clean and cozy:
▪️Recommended: Soft wood bedding or paper-based bedding
🔹 Bedding depth: At least 6 inches, but 8–10 inches is best for burrowing!
Cage Must-Haves
Here’s a checklist:
▪️🏠 Hideouts – Small houses, coconut shells, or tunnels
▪️🛞 Exercise Wheel – Must be solid and safe
▪️Syrian: 18–24 cm (7–9.5 inches)
▪️Dwarf: 18–21 cm (7–8.5 inches)
▪️Bigger is always better!
▪️🥣 Food bowl and water bottle
▪️🧸 Chew toys and enrichment
Cleaning Routine
🧽 Every day: Spot clean poop and wet spots
🧼 Every week: Full clean with warm water and mild soap only
❌ No strong cleaners like bleach.
Handling and Socializing
Taming Your Hamster
Hamsters can be shy, so be patient and kind. Let them get used to your scent and voice.
Step-by-step:
▪️Let them settle for 2–3 days, no touching
▪️Sit near the cage, talk softly
▪️Offer treats using your hand
▪️Let them walk onto your hand — don’t grab
Handling Tips
▪️Wash hands before handling
▪️Scoop gently with two hands
▪️Handle them close to the ground
▪️Keep handling short and sweet (10–15 minutes)
Feeding and Nutrition
Daily Diet
✔️ Give them high-quality hamster mix daily (grains, seeds, pellets)
⚠️ Avoid mixes with too many sunflower seeds (too oily)
Fresh Treats (2–3x a week)
Vegetables: Carrot, cucumber, lettuce, broccoli
Fruits: Apple (no seeds), banana, watermelon
❌ Do NOT give: Chocolate, garlic, onion, citrus, junk food
Water
Always use a water bottle (not bowl). Check and refill daily. Clean it every 2–3 days.
Health and Hygiene
What to Watch For
Healthy hamsters:
▪️Clean eyes
▪️Smooth fur
▪️Active at night
▪️Eating and drinking normally
| Problem | Symptoms | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Tail | Diarrhea, smell, weak | Vet ASAP |
| Cold | Sneezing, watery nose | Keep warm, vet if needed |
| Long Teeth | Trouble eating | Provide chews, see vet |
Bathing
🚫 Never use water baths!
✔️ Use sand baths (not dust) to clean fur. Offer 1–2 times a week.
Fun and Enrichment
Enrichment Ideas
▪️DIY tunnels from toilet rolls
▪️Rotate toys weekly
▪️Supervised playpen time
▪️Bury treats to encourage digging
Night Time Setup
▪️Quiet, dim environment
▪️No loud noises
▪️Let them sleep during the day
Thanks for reading! Hamsters may be small, but caring for them is a big joy. Just remember:
▪️Give them space
▪️Feed healthy food
▪️Keep their home clean
▪️Handle with love and patience
▪️With the right care, your hamster will live a happy and healthy life by your side.
🐹 Happy Hamster Parenting, Ka-Tomodachi!