Hamster Care
Often times people think that hamsters are cheap pets and easy to maintain. Well, that's a common misconception. Hamsters require as much attention and care as dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. Hamsters should have a suitable cage and bedding, toys, chews, wheel, hiding house, etc.
Cages
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Hamsters need at least 360 sq. in. of floor space, not including levels and tunnels. CritterTrails and HabiTrails should not be used. An aquarium that is larger than 10 gallons can be used, or a DIY or bin cage. A rabbit or guinea pig cage can also be used if it meets the minimum. If you buy a fish tank, remember that width and length matter more than height. But don't get one that's too short. From personal experience I can tell you that your hamster can run away from those if they are too short. (In the picture I have shown a 30 gallon tank, but it can be any size that is 10+ gallons. Obviously do not fill your hamsters tank with water.)
Bedding
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Bedding is an important part of a hamster cage because it imitates the desert sand from a hamster's natural environment. You can use aspen bedding or paper bedding, or make your own bedding. Do not use pine or cedar bedding! It is poisonous to all small animals! If you notice your hamster sneezing, it may be because he or she is allergic to the bedding, or there is dust in the bedding and they should be moved from near any air ducts/vents and their bedding should be replaced with fresh bedding.
Wheels
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Wheels will probably provide your hamster the most exercise they will ever get. They are very important. Wire or mesh wheels should not be used. They could cause bumble foot, which is very painful and harmful to your hamster. Silent Spinners, Wodent Wheels, Flying Saucers, etc. are recommended. If your hamster's back is bending when they run on the wheel, this means it is too small and should be replaced. They could break their backs from running on a too small wheel. Syrian hamsters need wheels that are at least 8 in. and dwarf hamsters need wheels that are at least 6.5 in. or larger.
Hiding House (Sleepers/Hideouts)
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A hiding house is probably one of the most important parts of a hamster cage, as it imitates the hamster's burrow that they would make in the wild. Your hamster will probably make a wall of bedding inside their hiding house, or use the nesting fluff (see "Nesting Fluff") you have provided for them to make a mini-nest in their hiding house. You can use an igloo hiding house or another kind. Make sure your hiding house is a suitable size for your hamster.
Nesting Fluff
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Nesting fluff is what hamsters use to make their nests. For this, to save money, you can simply rip up toilet paper and put it in your hamsters cage. They'll do the rest. You can watch as they stuff it into their cheek pouches and run into their hiding house. You can also just put in a different kind of bedding for them and they will on their own make it into a nest. It's often not recommended to buy nesting fluff from the pet store because they often sell cotton fluff. Do not use cotton nesting fluff. Cotton will get stuck in your hamster's check pouches and system and may even kill them.
Rocks
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Hamsters should be provided with a sanitized rock to keep their claws down. Otherwise, their claws will grow and curl, sinking into their pads and causing them to bleed. It will also be very painful to you when you pick your hamster up. Please do not clip your hamsters nails, unless you are experienced. If you take your hamster to the vet, they can clip them, or a groomer for small animals could as well. Do not try on your own, unless you know how and are experienced.