Hamster FAQs
Are hamsters good with children?
Older children tend to do best. Hamsters are tiny prey animals so they do not handle rough handling well. Also, bonding with them takes time. You should get them used to you having your hand in the cage and hand feeding treats before you even try to get them out of the cage. This makes many children lose interest. Also, if you get one for your child, you must understand that they are ultimately your responsibility to ensure they get fed, watered and cleaned. If you are going to rehome it because your child "loses interest," please do not buy a pet for your child until they are old enough and responsible enough to care for them regularly.
If you want a better pet for a younger child, I'd recommend a rabbit (which I also breed), as long as the child is calm enough to sit still and hold it.
Do they bite?
Yep, they can! I work hard to make sure that they are properly socialized from a young age so that when they go home, they should be well-adjusted quickly. But, being prey animals, they will bite if they feel threatened. Apart from cute-ing us to death, biting is the only defense they have against potential predators. You need to take it slow and get them use to your hand inside the cage before you try to get them out. When you do go to get them out, you should scoop them out with their hiding house or a tissue box because they are going to be protective of their space, but are usually ok once they're out.
Crittertrail cages are so cute! Are they good cages for them?
Heck no! Hamsters need a minimum of 600 square inches. Syrians need wheels that are at least 11" in diameter. Apart from the Crittertrail cages being much too small, the tubes are too small and Syrians can get stuck.
My hamster has diarrhea! What should I do?
Hamster diarrhea is commonly known as wet tail. Any stress, such as going to a new home, can cause a weakened immune system and make them susceptible to the bacteria that causes wet tail. If you change foods, you need to do it slowly because that can cause it too. I typically recommend when they first go to their new home to add plain old fashioned oats (comes in a canister) to their food for extra fiber to prevent diarrhea.
If your hamster has diarrhea, you need to take it to a vet that treats exotics to get medication ASAP. Hamsters can die within a day if left untreated.
What is torpor?
Torpor is the hamster form of hibernation. If they get too cold, they may go into torpor and die. If you feel like your hamster is attemping to, you need to put it under your shirt to warm it up. Prevention is best. Don't put your hamster near windows or drafts. This includes air vents.
Can I bathe my hamster?
No, you'll almost certainly make them have a heart attack. Hamsters are generally clean creatures and shouldn't require a bath, but you can wipe them down with baby wipes if you must.
Older children tend to do best. Hamsters are tiny prey animals so they do not handle rough handling well. Also, bonding with them takes time. You should get them used to you having your hand in the cage and hand feeding treats before you even try to get them out of the cage. This makes many children lose interest. Also, if you get one for your child, you must understand that they are ultimately your responsibility to ensure they get fed, watered and cleaned. If you are going to rehome it because your child "loses interest," please do not buy a pet for your child until they are old enough and responsible enough to care for them regularly.
If you want a better pet for a younger child, I'd recommend a rabbit (which I also breed), as long as the child is calm enough to sit still and hold it.
Do they bite?
Yep, they can! I work hard to make sure that they are properly socialized from a young age so that when they go home, they should be well-adjusted quickly. But, being prey animals, they will bite if they feel threatened. Apart from cute-ing us to death, biting is the only defense they have against potential predators. You need to take it slow and get them use to your hand inside the cage before you try to get them out. When you do go to get them out, you should scoop them out with their hiding house or a tissue box because they are going to be protective of their space, but are usually ok once they're out.
Crittertrail cages are so cute! Are they good cages for them?
Heck no! Hamsters need a minimum of 600 square inches. Syrians need wheels that are at least 11" in diameter. Apart from the Crittertrail cages being much too small, the tubes are too small and Syrians can get stuck.
My hamster has diarrhea! What should I do?
Hamster diarrhea is commonly known as wet tail. Any stress, such as going to a new home, can cause a weakened immune system and make them susceptible to the bacteria that causes wet tail. If you change foods, you need to do it slowly because that can cause it too. I typically recommend when they first go to their new home to add plain old fashioned oats (comes in a canister) to their food for extra fiber to prevent diarrhea.
If your hamster has diarrhea, you need to take it to a vet that treats exotics to get medication ASAP. Hamsters can die within a day if left untreated.
What is torpor?
Torpor is the hamster form of hibernation. If they get too cold, they may go into torpor and die. If you feel like your hamster is attemping to, you need to put it under your shirt to warm it up. Prevention is best. Don't put your hamster near windows or drafts. This includes air vents.
Can I bathe my hamster?
No, you'll almost certainly make them have a heart attack. Hamsters are generally clean creatures and shouldn't require a bath, but you can wipe them down with baby wipes if you must.
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