Syrian Hamster Pet Care

The Syrian hamster, also known as the golden hamster, is popular for small pets. It’s generally easy to tame, fun to watch, and relatively low-maintenance, making it an excellent pet for beginners.

About the Syrian Hamster

Syrian Hamster Pet Care: Habitat Set-Up

• Choose a habitat with a solid bottom with a well-ventilated wire mesh top or a standard glass aquarium with a tightly fitting mesh top. The wire cages allow for better airflow, though they offer less protection against drafts. The enclosure should be at least 1 foot by 2 feet and a foot tall.
• You’ll want to have a water bottle and a food bowl (heavy enough not to be tipped over).
• In the enclosure, fill the habitat with treats and toys. An exercise wheel with a solid surface (not bars) is ideal, as this minimizes the risk of injuries. Other options include tunnels and bridges for hiding and climbing and wooden chew blocks for dental hygiene (chewing maintains a hamster’s incisor teeth, which grow continuously). Also, add a nest or sleeping hut (we have several options) in the enclosure corner.
• Line the bottom of the enclosure with bedding, preferably paper or aspen products. Don’t use cedar or pine bedding, as the strong smell can harm a hamster.
• Scoop out any wet spots in the bedding daily. Change all the bedding weekly as you scrub the entire enclosure with soap and water.

Temperament

Syrian hamsters can be somewhat nippy pets, but with frequent and proper handling, your hamster should learn to be content. The Syrian hamster is a solitary animal and should always live alone. They are territorial and don’t get along well with others.

Syrian hamsters sleep during the day and are active at night. Never pick up a sleeping hamster. It will become startled and most likely bite you. They are the most peaceful during the early mornings and evening hours.

Syrian hamsters won’t form a close bond with you, but they will visit when you’re near their cage. Many enjoy lounging in your hands or sitting on your shoulder. Expect to spend a few hours per week on feedings and maintaining your hamster’s habitat. After that, make sure you devote time to handling your hamster. You want to be sure to keep your hamster tame.

Syrian Hamster Pet Care: Diet and Nutrition

• Feed your Syrian hamster a diet of nuts, grains, seeds, and timothy hay supplemented with fruits and vegetables, such as apples, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and pears. As an occasional treat, offer your hamster a hardboiled egg or feeder insect for an extra protein shot. Commercial food blends provide all of the vitamins and minerals they need. Therefore, supplemental foods generally shouldn’t make up more than 10% of the hamster’s overall diet.
• Keep a bowl of food in the enclosure, and discard uneaten food after 24 hours. When you feed your hamster fresh foods, offer it to them in the evening. Your hamster is waking up from its slumber and is ready to eat.
• Hamsters like to graze and store food in their cheek pouches. And sometimes they’ll stash food in their cage for later. Your hamster might also wake up a few times a day to eat and then go back to sleep.
• Always provide a clean source of water for your hamster, and refresh it daily. Cage water bottles work well because they are easy to keep clean and sanitary. You can also use a shallow dish for water until your hamster learns to drink from the bottle.

Pet Safety

• Use caution when handling pets and remember they may bite or scratch (especially when stressed).
• Supervise children around pets.
• ALL ANIMALS can potentially carry viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases contagious to humans.
• Thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after contact with any pet or its habitat.
• Adults should assist children with handwashing after contact with a pet, its habitat, or aquarium water.

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