How to Raise Hamsters

Last Updated: October 6, 2022

Hamsters are very loving and cute creatures. However, they are actually really difficult to look after despite their small size and the misconception that hamsters are for children. With some effort though, your hamster will be an excellent and loyal companion.

Steps

1
Get a young hamster so you can form a very close bond. One around 5-7 weeks old is best٫ but you can also get an older hamster. It is recommended that you do not get a hamster younger than 5 weeks as that is when it relies on it's mother to take care of it. While young hamsters are cute٫ it is much harder to care for them. If this is your first hamster٫ get one that is at least 1 year old.
2
Once you have your hamster, leave it in its cage. This means no taking it out for playing or handling. Give it about two days to explore its new home and get used to its habitat. Provide them with a food dish٫ water bottle٫ exercise wheel٫ and toys.
- Keep other pets out of the room. While this should be done always٫ it is especially important when your hamster is just settling in. Even if it can't access your hamster٫ the sight and/or smell of the animal could be very stressful for your hamster.
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3
Get your hamster used to you. Talk to your hamster gently so it gets used to your voice. Put your hand in your hamster's cage (without taking them out or picking them up) so it gets used to your smell. After this٫ you can start carrying your hamster.
- Do this when you see your hamster awake. The exact time depends on the hamster٫ but all hamsters will be active at night.
  - Just because it is night٫ doesn't mean it is okay to wake your hamster up. You also shouldn't do this during the day either.
4
Give your hamster good care. This means nutritious food٫ a big cage٫ (an 80+ gallon aquarium is recommended) lots of toys٫ and a stress-free environment. If you are unable to achieve all this٫ then get the bare minimum of each or don't get a hamster.
5
Take a treat and give it to your hamster. Put a handful into the palm of one of your hands (preferably your weak hand) and wait for your hamster to step onto your hand.
- Be careful; hamsters see their world through their nose and have poor vision٫ so your hamster might bite your hand thinking it's food.
- If you are giving your hamster a fruit or vegetable٫ cut the fruit or vegetable into many small pieces so it's easy for your hamster to eat.
- Once it eats from your hand, hold it and stroke it every day. Your hamster will learn to love you very quickly.

Community Q&A

Question

What should I do if I dropped my hamster?

Community Answer

Look at your hamster to see if he is walking with a limp or acting strangely. If he looks okay and is acting normally, he could be fine. However, if he's limping or behaving strangely, you should take him to be examined by a veterinarian.
Question

How long do they live?

Community Answer

It varies a little bit by breed, but generally they live 2-4 years.
Question

If they have babies, do I take the male out of the cage with the babies?

The Replier

Community Answer

Try taking the male out, so the mother doesn't breed again. If they react aggressively, leave him, but you shouldn't move the mother and babies. Take them to the vet.