Hamsters as Pets

Small Animal Management130.4(c)4C

Today We Will…

• Identify common species of hamsters kept as pets

• Compare and contrast different housing options

• Describe the basic needs of hamsters

What is a hamster?

• Short-tailed, stout-bodied, burrowing rodents

• First found in Syria in the 1700’s

• Originally used for research– Ease of breeding– Few diseases

• Entered the United States pet trade in the late 1930’s

Syrian Hamster• Also known as the Golden or

Teddy Bear Hamster• Most common species kept as a

pet• Most docile with socialization• Lifespan: 2 ½-3 years• Size: 6-7 inches• Solitary- one per cage• Coat: short and longhaired

varieties– Wide range of colors and patterns

Dwarf Campbell’s Russian Hamster• Most common dwarf species • They can be territorial and are

more likely to nip than Syrian• Lifespan: 2 ½-3 years• Size: 4-4 ½ inches• Colonial - keep in same-sex pairs

or group• Coat: short grayish brown fur on

the back with a darker strip of color down the spine, a creamier color on the sides, and a white stomach

Dwarf Winter White Russian

• More timid than Campbell’s and less likely to nip

• Lifespan: 1 ½ - 2 years• Size: 3 - 4 inches• Colonial- keep in same-

sex pairs or group• Coat: short wild (agouti)

dark brown or a sapphire gray

Roborovski Hamster • Also known as Robo Hamsters• Smallest of the pet hamsters• Extremely quick, can be

difficult to handle• Lifespan: 2 ½ - 3 years• Size: 1 ½ - 2 inches• Colonial- keep in same-sex

pairs or group• Coat: short sandy gold with

an ivory belly, black eyes and grey ears

Chinese Hamster• Has a short tail• Good temperament, rarely nip• Lifespan: 2 - 3 years• Size: 4 – 5 inches• Solitary- one per cage• Coat: Short fur, brown backs,

black fur along spine, and ivory coloring

Selecting a hamster

• Decide which breed is right for your family based on number desired and temperament

• Hamsters can be found at animal shelters, breeders, and pet stores

Where to Buy?

• Animal Shelters– Owners often relinquish hamsters after realizing

they cannot commit to proper care of the animal– Usually the hamster is examined by a veterinarian – Age and background are usually unknown

Where to Buy?

• Breeders– Hamsters can be bred for the purpose of showing

or creating desirable coat colors– Some hamster owners have litters produced

accidently by unknowingly placing a male and female together

– Often the hamsters are well cared for and frequently handled

– Most expensive option

Where to Buy?

• Pet Shop– Often come from commercial breeders– Usually the hamsters are not handled regularly– Cheap and easy way to obtain a hamster

Selection• Decide on a breed appropriate to your household • Hamsters should be at least 5 weeks old at time of sale• Seller should have males and females separated• Check for cage conditions:

– should be clean,– droppings should be firm, – should not be crowded

• Look for health of all the hamsters: – clear bright eyes, – sneezing, – excessive scratching, – dirty or patchy coats, – lethargy, etc…

Habitat

• Plastic Cage– Most common cage– Pros:

• Visually Appealing• Easy to expand• Bedding stays in• Design provides exercise

and stimulation

– Cons:• Difficult to thoroughly clean• Accessories often break• Can be poorly ventilated

Habitat • Wire Cage

– For dwarf hamsters, make sure wires are less than 0.5 cm apart

– Pros:• Excellent Ventilation• Easy to clean• Floor space for accessories

– Cons:• Bedding may fall out• Harder to see hamster through

bars• Need to keep away from drafty

areas• May rust in potty areas

Habitat

• Aquarium– Close with fitted wire lid– Pros:

• Plenty of floor space• Easiest habitat to clean• Best for observing

hamsters

– Cons:• Poorest Ventilation• Not compatible with

many accessories

Bedding• Absorbs urine• Allows burrowing

– Provide at least 2 inches deep of bedding

• Aspen, recycled paper, or wood pulp are excellent bedding choices

• NO CEDAR OR PINE!– Causes respiratory issues

• Should be changed weekly– The corner which they urinate in

should be cleaned more frequently

Exercise Wheel• Hamsters require a lot of exercise

– At minimum a wheel should be provided at all times

• Hamsters are nocturnal– Invest in a quieter wheel if the hamster

will be near someone's sleeping area

• Choose a wheel with either a wire mesh or solid bottom– Feet can fall through slats and be

injured

• Select the proper size– At least 5 ½ inch diameter for dwarf

hamster– At least 7 ½ inch diameter for Syrian

hamsters

Cage Accessories

• A water bottle must be provided– Should be cleaned weekly– Check frequently for clogs or leaks

• Food Bowl– Not necessary, hamsters enjoy foraging for their food– Do not use plastic, they will end up chewing on it

• Nesting Material– Tissues, paper towel, commercial nesting material– Hamsters will move it around and burrow in it

Cage Accessories • Toys

– Provide enrichment and hiding places

– Should be rotated out to keep the hamster stimulated

– Can be home-made• Toilet paper rolls, cardboard

• Chew Toys– Keeps their teeth trimmed– Commercially available– Can also be given items like apple

branches

• Exercise Balls– Allow hamster to safely exercise

outside of its cage

Feeding• Any basic diet for a hamster should

include some:– Hard, gnawing-type food

• “Lab-blocks”– Complete and balanced meal

• Pressed green pellets– Mostly consists of alfalfa

• “Milk-Bones” for Dogs

– Some seed and grain• Come in commercially prepared mixes• Avoid mixes with overabundance of

sunflower seeds– Too much fatty oils

– Some fresh foods (vegetables and fruits)• Offer small pieces 2-3 times a week as

a treat

Feeding

• Do not feed:– Almonds– Celery, whole stalks – Chocolate (particularly

dark chocolate)– Garlic – Kidney beans, uncooked – Lettuce, iceberg – Onion– Peanuts

– Potato, Potato tops – Rhubarb, Rhubarb leaves– Spicy or seasoned

products– Sugary products– Tomato leaves– Unwashed Fruits and

Vegetables

Handling

• Socialize a hamster by offering it food by hand in its cage to get used to human contact

• Pick up hamsters by scooping them up rather than grabbing• Do not hold to high off the ground in case they do fall• Handle frequently to make the hamster more docile• Be quiet and do not make quick movements when handling• Avoid handling after touching food

– Hamsters rely on their sense of smell and are more likely to bite if they smell food on the hand

Health

• Visible Body Illnesses– Eyes: Hamster eyes are poor but should be alert and clear. Signs:

dull, cloudy, discharge, shut. A vet may provide eye drops. – Ears: Like humans, if hamsters have ear issues, it may affect their

balance. Signs: losing balance, scratching ear. – Nose: Respiratory signs may include: wheezing, sneezing, breathing

out of mouth. Causes may be environmental (such as bedding) to internal infections.

– Mouth/Cheeks: Cheeks could be scratched from sharp foods. Signs include swelling and loss of appetite.

– Anus: Anus may be swollen, red, and loss of appetite. Causes are internal.

Health Problems• Hamster Enteritis (Wet Tail)

– Contagious bacterial infection– If untreated can lead to rectal prolapse, dehydration, or

death– Causes

• Stress– Moving young hamsters to a new home– Poor living conditions

– Symptoms• Diarrhea

– Enough to cause the back end to have wet appearance • Unpleasant Odor• Lethargy (Decrease in energy)

– Treatment• Antibiotics• Anti-diarrheal• Quarantine animal

– Prevention• Minimize handling first few days of moving a hamster• Isolate hamsters that may have wet tail

Health Problems• Tyzzer’s Disease

– Contagious bacterial infection– Animals usually die within 48 hours of showing symptoms– Causes

• Stress– Poor living conditions– Malnutrition– Parasitic infections

– Symptoms• Diarrhea • Scruffy Coats• Lethargy (Decrease in energy)

– Treatment• Antibiotics• Usually unsuccessful

– Prevention• Proper environmental conditions• Treat any parasitic conditions

Health Problems• Diabetes

– Occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body is unable to use it properly

– Most often seen in Dwarf Campbell's Russian Hamsters – Causes

• Poor diet

– Symptoms• Excessive drinking and urination• Low body temperature• Shaking or trembling

– Treatment• Add pedialyte to the water• Sugar-free diet

– Prevention• Properly balanced diet• Avoid giving to many sunflower seeds or sugary fruits

Health Problems• Overgrown Teeth

– Hamster teeth grow continuously through the animal’s life– Causes

• Occurs when hamsters are not given sufficient items to gnaw on

– Symptoms• Loss of appetite• Bad breath• Drooling

– Treatment• Teeth clipped by veterinarian

– Prevention• Provide hard objects regularly to chew on

– Dog biscuits, apple wood

• http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?c=6067&articleid=2053&d=161

• http://www.smallanimalchannel.com/hamsters/

• http://www.petwebsite.com/hamsters.asp• http://www.hamsterfanciers.com/