There are two types of hamster – the larger Syrian/Golden hamster and the smaller Siberian (or Russian dwarf) hamster. Syrian hamsters are solitary animals and are better kept alone, as adults will fight viciously when caged together. Siberian hamsters are more sociable and will live in family groups.
Always buy hamsters that are healthy and from a reliable supplier.
Hamsters are semi nocturnal and at their most active in the evening. This can cause problems if they are kept in the children’s bedrooms, as the hamster will play noisily on his wheel just as the children are trying to get to sleep.
They can be aggressive and can inflict a painful bite. Those that are handled frequently at an early age will become the most friendly and will be easily handled even by small children.

HOUSING
Hamsters chew everything, so a strong plastic or metal cage is best. They should be kept in a warm room, as they can go into a state of hibernation or even unconsciousness, below 5C. Equally, keep the cage out of direct sunlight.
Paper or wood shavings can be used in the cage (fairly deeply bedded, as they like to burrow), and an enclosed sleeping box should be provided with suitable bedding. In the past, nylon-type fibre beddings have caused problems when the strands become twisted around hamsters’ legs like a tourniquet, or are swallowed and cause serious abdominal problems.
The cage should be cleaned regularly.
Hamsters need plenty of exercise and play – exercise wheels and toys are usual.

FEEDING
There are many good hamster foods available which provide a complete diet. Small amounts of fruit and vegetables can be given in addition, but their amounts must be the same every day, as sudden changes can cause diarrhoea. Do not overfeed, as obesity can occur, and the excess food stored away by the hamster will go off and could then make the hamster very unwell. Fresh water must be available at all times – the steel nozzled water bottles can resist sharp hamster teeth better than those with an aluminium nozzle.
Remove uneaten food and droppings daily.

BREEDING
Hamsters are sexually mature at 6-8 weeks old, pregnancy lasts 16-18 days. The average lifespan is 2-3 years.
Mating takes place at night, this is the only time that males and females can be mixed without fighting.

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