KEEPING A HAMSTER: TOP 8 COMMON MYTHS & MISCONCEPTIONS

When it comes to owning a hamster, these are the eight most common misconceptions that potential pet owners have.

When it comes to owning a hamster, these are the eight most common misconceptions that potential pet owners have.

Hamsters are one of Singapore’s most neglected pet species. As they are inexpensive, they are often bought on impulse by owners who have not done adequate research or taken enough considerations on caring for a pet. This results in many hamsters being housed in cages that are too small, with inadequate food, bedding, hideouts and even water.

Before taking ownership of a hamster, take a look at the top five most common misconceptions that potential pet owners have:

1: Hamsters Need A Big Cage

It is a misconception that small cages are okay since they’re small. This is not true. Your hamster must have a large area to roam and burrow. Hamsters in larger cages also tend to be more tame.

The absolute minimum size of a single floor space is:

Dwarf Hamsters: 70cm by 40cm Syrian Hamsters: 80cm by 50cm

Additionally, the larger your cage, the longer it takes to get dirty and stinky. Large cages only require spot cleaning every other day, and be totally cleaned out every 6-8 weeks unlike small cages where you have to clean and wash every single week.

“How about those acrylic tiered cages? There’s multiple floors!” The answer is no. Multi-tiered cages look pretty ‒ but the various levels do not give roaming and burrowing space needed.

2: Hamsters Do Not Need a Partner!

Is my hamster lonely? Ham Solo or partners? Well, hamsters are solitary animals, unlike guinea pigs and rats. They are also territorial and could fight to the death ‒ even if they do not initially. Placing two or more hamsters together can be stress-inducing for your hamster. So just remember: One Hamster, One Cage!

3: Hamsters Do Not Eat Only Sunflower Seeds

Most hamster owners can agree that their hamsters love sunflower seeds a lot. However, these seeds are akin to our human version of junk food. Too much of that will cause obesity and various obesity-related diseases to your hamster such as heart disease. You may continue to give your hamster its favourite seeds as a treat but in moderation.

Popular commercial seed mixes available at pet shops have too much sunflower seeds and lack much of the nutrition that hamsters need. In the wild, a hamster’s diet consists of a mix of fruits, vegetables, insects and nuts.

Read the nutrition information before you buy seed mixes! Look for food that has minimal or no sunflower seeds, pellets and fillers. As a general guide, purchase only mixes with nutritional values as close to this as possible:

Protein: 17% - 20% Fat: max 7% - 8% Fibre: 10% - 12%

To supplement vitamins and protein, top up your hamster’s diet with fresh vegetables, chicken (boiled, unsalted), mealworms, and more.