Today we’re sharing our research about hamster care for beginners because we are brand new parents of two hamsters. (Cookie and Tank are their names.)
Before we agreed to the responsibility of having two more pets in the house, we had to spend some time reading about hamsters and talking to people who’ve had them. Our family includes two dogs- Sully and Sunday, so we had to keep that in mind, too. (Some say kids with dogs are often better behaved. Who knows?)
Hamster Care For Beginners
These little bundles of fur are active and as friendly as can be. They can grow up to 4″ (not counting their tails) and live up to 4 years. *We’ve sourced these tips from reputable sites, hamster owners, and local pet center.
Health and feeding of hamsters.
Hamsters are susceptible to fleas, lice, and ticks. If you have other animals, or these critters are getting into your home some other way, pay close attention.
Sneezing might be a sign of a potential health issue. Diarrhea, lethargy, and difficulty breathing are also signs you should call the vet.
Feed your hamster a pellet-seed mix. “If your mix happens to include sunflower seeds, you may notice the hamsters pick them out first to eat and leave the other ingredients behind. Sunflower seeds are tasty and high in fat. Your hamster will eventually eat the remaining seeds.” – Animal Humane Society
Keep these cute fur babies indoors in a covered habitat. Make sure they are away from direct sunlight, draft, or air conditioning vent. Don’t forget to put them away from cats and dogs and any other pets in the house. Here’s a company that makes the cutest little pink and blue hamster cages. Adorbs!
Hamster care includes keeping them busy.
Create different levels of climbing “toys” inside the habitat. They love to run and burrow, hide, and climb. When they’re tuckered out, they like to sleep in a cave-like space. (They sleep a few hours at a time, up to 12 hours a day.) This little hamster house for their habitat is soooo cute!
Hamsters have to chew a lot to keep their teeth from growing too big. You can buy little pieces of wood they can chew on, but you can also give them a small dog bone or twig and they’ll happily gnaw on it.
Empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls are fun! Not only can they run through them and hide in them, but they can also safely chew them up.
Toys are not only fun, but they’re also necessary. To keep your little guy (or girl) happy, change out toys every week if you can. You’d be surprised at the kinds of things you can use that you already have around your house.
That said, PLEASE check to be sure any DIY toys you use do not have tape or glue on them. You can simply roll up a piece of paper, wrap it in twine and hang it from the roof inside the cage. Another thing to keep in mind is that your hamster really, really wants to dig around so consider putting a little seed treat inside to get them excited!
Fun fact: Hamsters let you know they’re upset by clicking their teeth together like a chatter and/or “screaming.”
Keep it clean.
Wash the “cage” once a week. Take everything out and clean it well with warm water and soap. You don’t need anything fancy.
Remove soiled bedding and droppings daily.
Bathtime for hamsters is a thing! While you don’t want to put them in the tub with you, they do adore “sand baths.” No water! All it means is that you get a small container they can roll around in for their cage and fill it with bathing dust. They need it to scrub themselves.
How to handle your hamster and bond with it.
There are correct ways to handle and socialize with a hamster. They are super social pets and love being with their owners so holding them is important. Plus, you want them to get to know you… and they will.
Hamsters bite because they are scared. They aren’t mean. It can take a month for your hamster to get to know you, and bond with you. You’re going to be together for years, so it’s worth it to take the time to tame your pet.
Start by putting your hand in the cage, palm up. Hopefully, they’ll climb on. If not, put a sunflower seed in your palm and they’ll come to you eventually. It may take more than one time before they feel safe. Gently stroke your little guy’s fur while it’s in the cage. Be sure your touch is very light.
To pick up a hamster, gently scoop it up with both hands. It’s better for the hamster if you let it come to your open hands rather than snatching it up. Don’t rush this new relationship. Don’t pick it up when it’s sleeping or laying on its back.
Does your family have a hamster?
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Liz is a just a mom trying to keep it real about how little she sleeps, how often she gets puked on and how much she loves them. You can find her here every day writing about real-mom moments.
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Charles Everhar says
This beginner’s guide to hamster care is incredibly thoughtful and thorough—great job covering everything from health and habitat to bonding tips! Cookie and Tank are lucky little pets. It’s also wonderful that you’re prioritizing safety with other animals in the house, especially since hamsters can be delicate.
If you’re planning to adopt or purchase hamsters internationally or move with pets across borders, keep in mind that some countries may require documentation like an Apply for Nbi Clearance or similar police check as part of pet ownership or relocation processes, especially when interacting with regulated pet centers or housing arrangements.
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I like hamsters too, but I don’t know how to take care of them. I understand and can take care of a hamster as a pet now that you sent me the writing. Level devil download.
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How do you keep your hamsters safe and stress-free in a home with Retro Bowl College dogs like Sully and Sunday around?
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Lock & Key Bradford values thoughtful care—just like proper hamster care for beginners ensures a happy, healthy pet. Start with a spacious cage, clean bedding, and a balanced diet. Provide fresh water daily and safe toys for stimulation. Hamsters thrive with gentle handling and a quiet environment. Regular cleaning and observation keep them safe and content. Just as secure locks protect homes, good care practices safeguard your furry friend’s well-being from day one.
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This guide is super helpful for first-time hamster owners! From choosing the right bedding to understanding their habits, it really covers all the basics in a friendly, easy way. Just like caring for a pet requires regular attention, keeping an eye on your account is just as important—especially when it comes to tracking spending or checking your FAB (formerly NBAD) balance quickly.
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This guide is an excellent starting point for new hamster owners—simple, beginner-friendly, and packed with practical advice. Being well-informed before taking on any responsibility—be it caring for a pet or handling your finances—is key. And if you’re someone who likes to stay organized, doing a quick NBAD balance inquiry is a smart
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This guide is a great resource for new hamster owners—easy to understand, beginner-friendly, and full of useful tips. Staying informed before taking on any responsibility—whether it’s caring for your pet or managing your finances—is vital. If you like to stay in control, a quick NBAD balance inquiry is a smart and hassle-free way to keep your banking on track.
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So helpful for first-time hamster parents! Thank you for sharing such practical advice—especially on wheel size, hiding spots, and daily care routines.
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Faustino Yates says
This beginner’s guide is really helpful—especially the reminders about proper cages, safe bedding, and avoiding scented shavings. New pet owners often underestimate how much care even a small hamster needs, so this breakdown is very useful. By the way, if anyone also needs guidance on official documents in the Philippines, you can check out https://policeclearances.org/ which explains how to easily set an appointment and get your police clearance.
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Thanks to the author. The article focuses on helping hamsters live happily and healthily thanks to a cleverly designed cage environment. The author encourages the creation of a rich living environment that encourages the natural activities of pets.
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