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Caring for Your Hamster
By Mark Burgess, DVM
There are two types of hamsters commonly sold as
pets. Most are golden hamsters, also known as Syr-
ian hamsters. These have many hair colors and may
be short- or long-haired. Siberian dwarf hamsters are
smaller, with short, greyish-brown hair on top and
white hair below. Hamsters may be friendly pets when
handled regularly, but some individuals fail to tame well
and are prone to biting, especially when first awak-
ened. Golden hamsters tend to be less aggressive than
Siberian dwarf hamsters and therefore are probably
better pets. With good care, a hamster may live two to
five years.
If you’re thinking about getting a hamster, please adopt one from a rescue group rather
than buying from a pet store or breeder. There are many wonderful hamsters out there
just waiting to be adopted. To find a hamster rescue, do a search for “hamster rescue” on
the Internet. Or, check out the “small and furry” category on www.petfinder.com.
Housing
Golden hamsters are native to hot, arid regions, so they do not tolerate cool tempera-
tures. They should be kept above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, since they may become un-
conscious at temperatures below 65 degrees. Siberian hamsters tolerate cool tempera-
tures well, but they are usually kept at normal room temperature (70 to 72 degrees).
Hamsters may be housed in wood or wire cages with solid floors. Avoid wire floors, since
feet may become caught and bones broken as the pet tries to free himself. Wire floors
also tend to cause sores on the feet. Provide a thick layer of good bedding, such as re-
cycled paper, straw, or hardwood shavings (not cedar or pine). Hamsters, especially the
males, are often aggressive if housed together, so they may need to be kept separate to
prevent fighting.
Hamsters are active when awake, and like to run on a wheel (use a solid, rimmed wheel
to prevent foot trauma), but they do not need large amounts of space. Enclosures with
tunnel systems provide some ent