HOW TO CARE FOR A HAMSTER
While sometimes considered a low-maintenance pet, these cute creatures actually need plenty of TLC. Make sure your pet has a happy and healthy home with our expert tips from the RSPCA
There are several breeds of hamster, and the most common ones to be kept as pets are Syrian, Russian, Chinese and Roborovski. Syrian and Chinese hamsters generally prefer being kept on their own but, in the right conditions, dwarf hamsters like the Russian can be kept in groups. On average, they tend to live for around two years, but some can live a little longer. Hamsters need a lot of room, so buy as large a cage as possible. Look out for one with a deep plastic base and wire top. Cages with stainless steel bars or mesh sides will allow your furry friend to climb. When choosing bedding, never use anything that separates into thin strands, like cotton wool, as it can be dangerous. Instead, use dust-free wood shavings with good quality hay or shredded paper for nesting. To keep them entertained, you need to provide lots of places for your hamster to hide and burrow, as well as small boxes and tubes such as the inner cores from toilet rolls.
They also need constant access to fresh, clean water from a valveless sipper tube. To keep your hamster in the best health possible, make sure you provide a balanced diet including pellet feed or a mixture of seeds. They also benefit from a small quantity of greens, cleaned root vegetables and pieces of fruit, but not grapes or rhubarb. Try to avoid sudden dietary changes and also monitor how much they eat and drink.
For more information on caring for hamsters, or if you think you could re-home a hamster, visit rspca.org.uk