Prevention is Key
Small animals like hamsters can be quite challenging to treat once they get sick. Therefore, disease prevention is extremely important.
There are not many hospitals that specialize in treating small animals like hamsters. Additionally, because hamsters are very small, treating them when they are sick or injured is no easy task. Thus, if you want your precious hamster to always be lively and energetic, avoiding illness and injury should be your top priority.
There are four key points to managing the health of a hamster:
- Balanced Nutrition
- Clean Cage
- Moderate Exercise
- Suitable Temperature and Humidity
To prevent your hamster from getting sick, it’s important to pay attention to these four aspects daily. Hamsters are very fragile, and some may not be used to humans. Excessive handling or being woken up during sleep can cause stress. Please avoid over-interfering with their lives.
Even if you maintain a high-quality environment and avoid causing stress, your hamster may still get sick. To prevent the condition from worsening, focus on early detection and treatment. When a hamster is unwell, there will be signs. Through daily observation, even slight changes should prompt you to provide care or consult a vet promptly.
Pay Special Attention to Appetite, Feces, and Urine
When cleaning, it’s a good time to check the status of leftover food, feces, and urine. For example, if the hamster hasn’t finished its food despite having some, or if the feces are soft, the urine volume is excessive, or the color is unusual, do not overlook any minor changes.
Key Points for Health Checks
To catch all minor changes, daily health checks are most important. Start by learning what to observe.
Ear Dirt
If the ears have dirt, turn red, produce odor, or hang lower than usual, it could be a sign of illness.
Coat Color and Shine
Poor grooming due to poor health can lead to dull coat color and shine.
Eyes
Excessive tearing, redness (including around the eyes), swelling, and excessive eye discharge should be noted.
Nose Dirt
Runny nose and dirty noses could indicate illness.
Teeth Color
The normal color of incisors is yellow to orange. Whitening may indicate loss of vitality (inability to function properly).
If the tail is wet (wet tail syndrome), it could be diarrhea; make sure to check carefully.
How Long Do Hamsters Live?
Hamsters have a short lifespan, averaging about 2.5 years. A day in a hamster’s life might feel like several months to us.
★ Syrian Hamsters (Golden Hamsters): 2.5 to 3 years
★ Campbell’s Hamsters, Winter White Hamsters: 2 to 2.5 years
★ Roborovski Hamsters: 2 to 3 years
★ Chinese Hamsters: 2 to 3 years
Appetite and Activity
If a hamster stops eating, moves slowly, or sleeps excessively, it could be sick. Seek veterinary diagnosis.
Weight
Sudden weight changes can occur when sick, and obesity can also lead to illness. Feed vegetables and pelleted food regularly, and control treats.
Lumps on the Body
Finding lumps during touch could indicate tumors. Without regular touching, early detection is impossible. Owners should palpate as much as possible and have regular health checks at the vet.
Claws and Teeth
Unlike wild hamsters, pet hamsters do not dig or run on sand, so their claws will grow long. Provide wheels and sand baths in the cage to create a natural environment within reason.
Focus on Balanced Nutrition
Feed your hamster pelleted food.
The ideal ratio is 60% pelleted food and 40% vegetables.
There is a saying “medicine and food share the same origin.” Whether for humans or hamsters, proper diet is crucial for maintaining health. Humans are responsible for their own diet, while owners are responsible for their hamsters’. Ensure you have the correct knowledge and provide appropriate amounts of balanced nutrition.
What Do Hamsters Eat?
“People might think hamsters just eat sunflower seeds,” but seeds are high in calories and can lead to obesity if overfed. Treat them as a luxury meal occasionally.
For the main diet, use pelleted food sold at pet stores. Pellets are categorized by hamster breed, such as those suitable for dwarf hamsters or Syrian hamsters. Pellets contain essential balanced nutrition for your furry friend.
Pellets come in soft and hard types; feed your hamster hard pellets. Hamsters’ teeth continuously grow, and they need hard food to wear them down. Soft pellets can cause excessive tooth growth.
Some books suggest that providing pellets and water is sufficient, but vegetables are also necessary to supplement the fiber lacking in pellets. Hamsters get moisture from vegetables, which is essential for maintaining a healthy gut environment. Leafy greens are recommended. The ratio of pellets to vegetables should be about 6:4.
Key Points for a Healthy Diet
Precise Control of Pellet Food Quantity
Feeding hamsters whenever they want can lead to obesity. Syrian hamsters should have 10–15g per day, and dwarf hamsters 3–4g. If measured and fed but not finished, it could be due to too many treats or poor health. Monitor your hamster’s condition closely.
Unused Vegetables Must Be Discarded
Vegetables spoil easily; uneaten portions should be discarded immediately. If hamsters eat spoiled vegetables, they might get diarrhea.
Treats Should Be Given in Small Amounts
Pellets can satisfy daily dietary needs, so treats should be given sparingly. Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds are favorites but high in calories and fat. Limit to about one seed per week.
Change Water Daily
Change the water in the water bottle daily to provide fresh water. Check for mold and keep it clean.
Obesity Is a Major Enemy!
Like humans, obesity is a source of many diseases in hamsters. Prevent obesity by providing appropriate amounts of food and allowing moderate exercise.
Hamsters have a strong appetite, but do not feed them whenever they want. Many diseases and complications arise from obesity, so control food intake from an early age.
For healthy young hamsters, avoid high-fat luxury foods like sunflower seeds and mealworms. These foods are nutritionally unbalanced and can lead to obesity or disease; their mineral content is also high, potentially causing stones.
Mealworms contain a lot of phosphorus, which hamsters cannot digest well and can lead to rickets, so do not feed them. Pellets and leafy greens provide sufficient nutrition. Even as treats, limit sunflower seeds to one and mealworms to one every 1–2 weeks.
However, there are exceptions. If a hamster is sick or has entered old age and lost its appetite, rather than not eating at all, it might be better to offer food. At this time, the digestive system is weak, and indigestion can be problematic. Therefore, mixing a small amount of water with omnivorous nutritional powder and pellets to make a soft food is preferable.
To prevent obesity, creating an environment where they can exercise is also important. Place an exercise wheel in the cage. There are differences in body size between Syrian hamsters and dwarf hamsters, so choose a wheel that fits their size. Hamsters can injure themselves if their feet get caught in the wheel, so ensure there are no gaps that can trap their feet. If needed, consider our silent, gap-free running wheel
Appropriate Weight for Hamsters
| Syrian Hamsters | Campbell hamster | Roborovsky Hamster |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended feeding amount of pellet feed per day: 10~15g | Recommended feeding amount of pellet feed per day: 3~5g | Recommended feeding amount of pellet feed per day: 3~5g |
| Appropriate weight for males: about 85~130g | Appropriate weight for males: about 35~45g | Appropriate weight Male and female: up to 40g |
| Female: about 95~150g | Female: about 30~40g | Depending on individual differences, |
| ※Depending on individual differences, the maximum weight can be up to 200g | ※Depending on individual differences, the maximum weight can be up to 70g |
Creating an Exercise Area for Hamsters
Hamsters can feel uneasy in too spacious cages, so choose an appropriately sized cage for their daily living. Creating a separate play area connected by tubes can also be beneficial. As long as there is sufficient space for exercise, hamsters will not lack activity even without leaving their cage.
Creating a Clean Environment
Maintaining a clean cage is essential for the health of hamsters.
When choosing a cage, consider ease of cleaning and safety to avoid injuries.
Eye, ear, and skin diseases in hamsters often result from dirty cages. A clean environment is crucial for their health. Replace bedding and dirty materials daily and perform a thorough cleaning weekly.
Cages come in wire and aquarium types. Wire cages are not recommended as hamsters may chew on the wires, leading to dental problems. Plastic cages designed for hamsters are preferable(https://hamsteruse.com/product-category/hamster-cage/). Avoid overly spacious cages that can cause stress. Some people use storage boxes, but these are generally not recommended due to their size.
Plastic cages can accumulate heat, especially in summer, so temperature and humidity must be carefully managed.
Cages come in various shapes, including castle-like designs. However, prioritize safety to avoid injuries.
Create a Comfortable Home for Your Hamster!
Place a litter box and appropriate bedding. Replace only the dirty part of the sand and refresh it regularly.
Wheel
Hamsters can run 5–20 kilometers a night. To address exercise deficiency, a wheel is essential. Choose one that fits the hamster’s size.
Nest Box (Secret Hideout)
Hamsters often sleep in dark places, so a nest box is necessary.
Sand Bath
Hamsters naturally clean themselves. Use a commercial sand bath container with fine sand.
Bedding
Wood shavings and kitchen towels are less likely to cause allergies and can help detect bleeding or changes in urine color. Avoid pine and cedar shavings, as some hamsters may be allergic. Newspaper can also cause allergies. Monitor your hamster for changes in behavior when introducing new bedding.
Water Bottle
Change the water daily. Keep the bottle clean to avoid mold and blockages.
Small Knowledge
Black hamsters or those with black fur secrete more oil than other breeds.
Temperature and Humidity Control
Be cautious of heatstroke in summer and hypothermia in winter.
Use air conditioning to maintain comfortable temperature and humidity.
Sudden temperature changes can be fatal for hamsters. Many cases of death due to uncontrolled temperature occur when owners are away.
Hamsters dig burrows in the wild, where temperature changes are minimal, maintaining around 17°C year-round. In captivity, the ideal temperature for healthy young hamsters is 20–26°C. Maintain this temperature year-round, with humidity between 40–60%. Place a thermometer and hygrometer near the cage to monitor temperature and humidity.
Use air conditioning to maintain stable temperatures. While pet heaters are available, they do not control humidity. Prioritize air conditioning, using heaters only as a supplement. Hamsters dislike drafts, so avoid using fans, which cannot regulate temperature or help reduce body heat.
The ideal temperature varies slightly by breed, but avoid going below 18°C to prevent colds. Temperatures below 10°C are dangerous, and below 5°C, hamsters may enter a state of torpor, which is very dangerous. Temperature control is essential year-round.
Use a humidifier in winter and check the hygrometer frequently during the rainy season in summer.
Cleaning the Cage
Keeping the cage clean is crucial for hamster health. Clean bedding and dirty materials daily and perform a thorough cleaning weekly. Once a month, remove the cage, nest box, litter box, wheel, and sand bath for cleaning and sun disinfection. However, thorough cleaning can remove familiar scents, causing stress. For newly acquired or sensitive hamsters, partial cleaning may suffice.
Creating a Safe Environment
Injuries often result from fractures or sprains. Be cautious of accidents outside the cage.
Eliminating potential hazards is crucial.
Common causes of injury include:
- Fighting among multiple hamsters
- Falling from heights
- Feet getting caught in cage wires
- Chewing on wires, leading to broken teeth or malocclusion
- Accidents during outdoor time
To reduce the risk of injury:
- Avoid housing multiple hamsters together
- Do not use toys or tall cages that can cause falls or entrapment
- Hold hamsters close to the ground
- Do not use wire cages
- Use spacious cages and supervise outdoor time
Especially note point 5. Hamsters love to explore, and if the cage is spacious, they may not need to go outside. Outdoor time can lead to accidents like hiding, falling into hot water, or electrocution. Limit indoor playtime and never leave them unattended.
Emergency Treatment for Injuries
Learn emergency treatment methods.
Amateur judgment and self-treatment are dangerous.
Do not underestimate minor injuries; seek veterinary care promptly.
Hamsters are fragile. Minor injuries can worsen quickly, so seek veterinary care immediately. Learn basic first aid before going to the vet.
Sprains or Fractures
Hamsters often suffer from sprains or fractures due to falls or getting caught in cage wires. Swelling or limping may indicate a fracture. Prevent further injury by keeping the hamster immobile and seeking veterinary care promptly.
Scratches or Cuts
Multiple hamsters may fight, causing scratches or cuts. Clean wounds with a damp cloth and apply pressure to stop bleeding. Seek veterinary care if wounds become infected.
Burns
Hamsters may burn themselves when exploring outside the cage. Never leave them unattended.
Apply a cold compress to burns and seek immediate veterinary care.
Avoid Keeping Multiple Hamsters Together
Hamsters may fight and get injured over territory.
After about 8 weeks of age, they should be housed separately.
Although it varies depending on the environment and personality, hamsters generally have a strong territorial instinct and are not suitable for group housing. Even if provided with adequate space and environment, some hamsters may develop territorial awareness as early as 6 weeks after birth and start attacking their companions. Males tend to show this behavior earlier. After 10 weeks, even females without individual differences may engage in almost lethal fights. By the 8th week, they must be housed separately.
Roborovski hamsters can potentially be kept in groups if they have enough space. However, if you still want to keep multiple hamsters, choose females and start housing them together from a young age. Observe their cohabitation; if they fight, it’s better to house them separately.
The adequacy of space depends on the breed of the hamster. For example, for dwarf hamsters like Campbell’s or Roborovski, theoretically, five could be kept in a 1 square meter area, but due to their strong territorial instincts, this is not practical. To avoid injuries or accidents from fighting, it’s better not to do this.
Appropriate Housing Space for Hamsters
Appropriate living space per hamster (floor area):
★ Campbell’s or Roborovski hamsters (adults): 0.12 m²
★ Syrian hamsters (adults): 0.2 m²
*Having appropriate living space allows hamsters to live calmly and happily without needing to go outside the cage for exercise.。
Breeding Hamsters
Hamsters reproduce at an alarming rate, often described as a “geometric progression.” Before breeding, consider whether you can love and care for them until the end.
Hamsters reach sexual maturity between 5 to 6 weeks after birth and have a high reproductive capacity. Female hamsters enter estrus every 4 days, lasting about 12 to 20 hours.
The number of offspring can range from 4 to 16 for Syrian hamsters and 1 to 9 (average 5) for dwarf hamsters (Campbell’s, Roborovski). Maintaining a comfortable environment and caring for them until the end requires significant commitment. If you plan to breed at home, consider this carefully.
Small Knowledge
Sexual Maturity and Pregnancy Period of Hamsters
Syrian Hamsters
Sexual Maturity: After 5 weeks
Pregnancy Period: About 2 weeks
Campbell’s, Roborovski Hamsters
Sexual Maturity: After 6 weeks
Pregnancy Period: About 20 days
*Sexual maturity refers to the state where they can reproduce.
Care During Illness
Do not disturb them too much; let the hamster rest.
Maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity is crucial for their recovery.
When a hamster is sick, it’s important to let them relax in a quiet, dark place. Regardless of the illness or injury, monitor the room temperature, keeping it around 22–26°C.
In winter, use a pet heater and check the thermometer to ensure the hamster rests well. Hamsters are sensitive to temperature changes, so set the heater to 24°C and let the air conditioner run automatically.
In summer, set the air conditioner to 26°C and run it continuously. This is easy to overlook, but it’s important to maintain a suitable temperature.
If multiple hamsters are kept together and one gets sick, it must be moved to a different cage. During illness, soften the pellets before feeding, or mix mashed vegetables or seeds. Nutritional powders for small animals can also be useful.
If the hamster is not eating well, try to encourage them to eat, even if it’s just a little. You can also make a watery mixture of mashed vegetables and feed it with a dropper.
Finding a Veterinarian
There are not many vets who treat hamsters.
Get your hamster used to health checks from an early age.
Most vets treat cats and dogs, and there are few who specialize in hamsters. Some vets may not have the knowledge or skills to diagnose dwarf hamsters and may refuse treatment.
Prepare for unexpected illnesses or injuries by finding a vet who can treat hamsters. Research online for vets that accept hamsters, including their days off, night services, and surgical capabilities. If unsure, call and ask for more details.
Hamsters are fragile and dislike being touched by strangers. It’s better to get them used to visiting the vet when they are healthy rather than when they are sick.
Annual health checks are ideal. Ask the vet to help with body checks, dental examinations, and feces and urine tests.
When Your Hamster Reaches Old Age
Hamsters are prone to illness, so don’t overlook any changes.
Monitor their food intake, urination, and stool condition.
Hamsters typically live 2.5 to 3 years. Those that age faster may start showing signs of aging at 1.5 years. By 2 years, they are considered quite old. As they age, their bodies change, such as slower movements, dull fur, white eyes, tooth loss, and long nails. They are also more susceptible to diseases, so check their health daily and observe any changes. This applies to all hamsters, not just older ones.
If their teeth seem weak, soak their pellets in water.
As they slow down, they can no longer wear down their nails, which become longer. Trim the tips of their nails to prevent injury. If you’re not confident, ask a vet for help.
Avoid having height differences in the cage and remove the wheel.
Saying Goodbye to Your Hamster
Since they are living beings, saying goodbye is inevitable.
Plan ahead for what to do when your hamster passes away to avoid being unprepared.
The day to say goodbye may come sooner than expected. It’s painful to part with a beloved pet, so prepare in advance for what to do when your hamster reaches old age. Options include burying them at home or using a pet funeral service.