The natural habitat of the Syrian hamster is a small range in the Middle East which includes northern Syria and southern Turkey Wild populations are found in fertile, agricultural, and densely populated areas on the Aleppian plateau in Syria.
What size Habitat does a Syrian hamster need?
Size. Aim for a minimum of 24 inches by 12 inches, and at least 12 inches tall However, to keep your hamster active and happy, try to get a bigger cage—when it comes to hamster cages, bigger is always better. Syrian hamsters need ample space to run and play, and the actual floor space of the cage is important for this.
What do Syrian hamsters like in their cage?
Hamster love to dig and climb so cages with deep plastic bases and wire tops work well. You can give them areas to dig and they’ll also love to climb the bars of their cage. Make sure you choose a cage that’s big enough for your breed of hamster – if in doubt, the bigger the better.
What is the
ideal habitat
for a hamster?
A comfortable, dry, clean place to live, in a quiet place where they can rest undisturbed No draughts or damp – make sure they aren’t exposed to draughty or damp conditions. In the wild, hamsters live in warm, dry climates.
Do Syrian hamsters need a sand bath?
Sand baths are by no means mandatory , as your hamster is capable of cleaning themselves, but it does provide another place for them to go, wash and even play. Whilst some people prefer to keep the sand bath in their hamster’s cage as a permanent feature, others tend to use one less frequently.
How long should a hamster be out of its cage?
Limit free roam time. The recommended time will be about 15-30 minutes for the first few times Your hamster may get disoriented in a bigger environment and prolonged free-roam may stress it out. Dwarves, when given a large space to free-roam, may find a comfortable spot to unpouch and sleep after exercising.
Is a 20 gallon tank big enough for a Syrian hamster?
A 20-gallon tank is big enough for one Syrian hamster or two Dwarf hamsters While this is a sufficient size, a bigger cage is always better. If you have the space in your home to place a
larger cage
, you may consider getting something as large as 55 gallons. A hamster cage cannot be too big.
Can I put my hamster cage on the floor?
Yes, you can – but, should you? This depends. You can keep your hamster’s cage on the floor if the environment meets specific requirements or standards You should not keep your hamster’s home on the floor if your hammie will be subjected to cold drafts or other animals in the household.
Do hamsters like multi level cages?
Multi-level living A multi-level cage with different platforms will make the most of the available space, giving your hamster more areas to explore Wire sides will allow them to climb around the bars of the cage – a favourite pastime and great exercise.
Do hamsters need a bed?
pet hamsters
require two different types of bedding ; the substrate which lines the base of their cage, and nesting material with which they can create a soft and fluffy bed.
Do hamsters need light at night?
Hamsters typically eat their meals at night, and they also typically get their exercise at night. Darkness makes them feel energetic and ready to conquer their “days.” Because of that, hamsters need to have the lights off at night.
Should I cover my hamsters cage during the day?
Cage Covers Hamsters don’t need darkness to sleep, so it’s also unnecessary to cover their cages in the daytime.
What does a Syrian hamster need?
Hamsters have a specific set of needs. They require exercise and mental stimulation, as well as a well-ventilated cage with a place to hide Your hamster will also need a varied diet with a mix of store-bought food and fresh food.
Do Syrian hamsters like to climb?
Syrian hamsters should be housed in a large, mesh cage. They like to climb and roam around large areas, so the cage should have several levels and a large enough floor space to keep them active.
What bedding is best for hamsters?
Litter made from
paper products
, wood, vegetables or grain is absorbent and generally considered the safest type of bedding for your hamster. Shredded paper (such as paper towels and plain paper) is okay if you’re in a pinch. However, this type of bedding is not absorbent and stays damp easily.
How long can you leave a Syrian hamster alone?
While you can leave your hamster without food or water for a recommended amount of 3 or 4 days max, you can leave him alone for up to a week , if you provide the proper amount of food and water. It’s best, though, if you can have someone take care of your hamster for you or at least check in on him once or twice.
Do Syrian hamsters need a friend?
While some animals need friends and companionship, hamsters do not A Syrian hamster can bond with a human guardian, but they should not live with another hamster. They are territorial and will likely fight.
How often should you clean a Syrian hamster cage?
Besides scooping out dirty bedding every day, plan to change out all of the bedding in your hamster’s habitat once a week. This includes removing any food your hamster may have stored throughout the week, as well. Wash the entire habitat once a month.
Do hamsters get lonely?
The simple answer to this question is no; hamsters do not get lonely Although they’re now often kept as pets, hamsters were originally desert animals. In the desert, resources such as food and water are limited, so hamsters have evolved to protect their territory and resources from other hamsters.
Are hamster balls good for hamsters?
The hamster ball is an exercise device for hamsters. The hamster is enclosed in the ball and can then exercise/run in the ball which then rolls around on the floor. There are concerns that such products may, in fact, be stressful for hamsters and so the RSPCA does not recommend their use.
What should I put in my hamsters cage floor?
Generally speaking, it is ideal to cover the floor of the cage with about 3 to 4 inches of wood shaving, pellets, shredded papers, hay, or grass This will provide your hamster with a place to burrow and hide, as well as to absorb smells and urine messes.
Can I put a sock in my hamster cage?
Socks. Yes, believe it or not a sock is an ideal furnishing for your hamster! They can use it like a little hamster sleeping bag and snuggle inside, or give it a
good chew
and use the piece to line their bed.
How do I know if my hamster is happy?
- Being Active at Night. If your hamster is awake and running around their habitat at night, have no fear—this is a sign of a happy hamster
- A Whole Lot of Chewing
- Stuffing Their Cheeks
- Burrowing and Hiding
- Hibernating
- Lethargy
- Not Eating or Drinking
- Not Chewing.
Can I put hamster in closet?
Most rooms in a home are acceptable for hamster habitation, including the closet, with proper preparation So, can I put my hamster cage in my closet? If you have nowhere else to put an enclosure for your pet, a closet with doors open or off could work if the proper considerations are made.
Do hamsters need salt licks?
Hamster do not need salt licks any more than they need mineral chews They get enough salt from their food mix, so they should not have any deficiency.
Can I shower my hamster?
Never bathe your hamster Bathing your hamster in water washes out their natural oils and can seriously harm them! Hamsters can’t swim very well and therefore can drown, they will be extremely stressed during the process as well and this can lead to stress-related illnesses such as Wet Tail which can kill a hamster.
Do hamsters need a wheel?
Hamsters need their exercise and they love to run, so you need a good hamster wheel to keep your little pet happy.
Should I hold my hamster everyday?
Interact with your hamster(s) every day, and handle them as often as you can , but respect their sleeping pattern. Hamsters should not be handled when they are resting or sleeping, unless absolutely necessary as they can find this stressful.
Do hamsters need their balls everyday?
Though some hamsters may enjoy their ball, it is best to limit the amount of time that they spend in it Just like us, our furry companions can become fatigued from over-exertion.
Should I play with my hamster everyday?
Daily Activity. Once your hamster feels comfortable with being held, be sure to hold him and play with him once a day He’s a nocturnal animal, so he’ll probably want to play with you at night — approach him in the evening after he’s awakened.
Can I put my hamster in a fish tank?
If you have one Syrian hamster, or a pair of dwarf hamsters, an aquarium is a good choice for a hamster cage The glass or plastic 10 or 20 gallon fish tank offers a lot of benefits including visibility, safety, and cleanliness.
Can hamsters drink out of a bowl?
Hamsters can drink from a bowl If you’re having issues getting your hamster to drink from a bottle, using a bowl is a good alternative. There are several reasons you might want to hydrate your hamster [1] via bowl instead of using the typical bottle setup. You don’t have a bottle, or your bottle is malfunctioning.
Is a glass cage good for a hamster?
Keeping your hamster in a glass tank may cut down on cage odors ; however, this could come at a price. Glass tanks are poorly ventilated. Ammonia may build up and lead to respiratory illness. Glass tanks can heat up quickly and cause your hamster distress.
Where should my hamster sleep?
Place your hamster’s cage in a dark, quiet area where she can sleep comfortably during the day and where her digging, scratching and wheel-running won’t disturb you in the middle of the night. 4. Provide a cozy enclosed space, such as a small box or clay pot turned on its side, where your hamster can sleep.
Can a hamster be near a TV?
1) PLACE THE CAGE IN THE KITCHEN OR NEAR AN OPEN WINDOW. Avoid putting your hamster in noisy rooms where people come and go at all hours. Hamsters love quiet places, far from draughts and direct sunlight, and far from the TV and kitchen , where the strong smell of food bothers its finely honed sense of smell.
What is a good name for a hamster?
- Cheeks.
- Chewy.
- Chomper.
- Fuzzy.
- Harry.
- Hoppy.
- Mr. Whiskers.
- Nibbles.
Can Syrian hamsters fit in tubes?
In order to be safe to use for larger hamsters, Syrian hamster tubes must have a minimum width at every point along the tube of 2.36 inches (6 cm) for young Syrian hamsters and a minimum width of 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) for mature Syrian hamsters.
What size wheel should a Syrian hamster have?
The size will also depend on the sex of your hamster, with females tending to be larger than males. For Syrian hamsters, the wheel should be between 8-12 inches For dwarf hamsters, the wheel should be at least 6 inches.
What toys should I get my hamster?
Hamsters need a good supply of items and toys that they can gnaw on to keep their constantly growing teeth in good condition. Wooden pet chew toys are an ideal choice. Wood items not purchased from the pet store (stay away from cedar or other evergreen type woods) should be pesticide- and chemical-free.
How do you teach a hamster its name?
Hold out your hand with a treat in it, then call your hamster’s name. Say its name slowly and clearly. If your hamster does not immediately come over, call its name again and reposition your hand so that the treat is more visible. Then, as your hamster approaches, repeat its name using the same inflection.
Can I sleep with my hamster?
Just like with humans, lack of sleep can impact a hamster’s mood and personality A quiet room away from the chaoticness that lies inside a human’s household will help brighten your hamster’s day. It simple really; a hamster that’s well-rested will be more open to being sociable.
Can I use toilet roll for hamster bedding?
In addition to being a toy, an empty toilet paper roll can also be a source of comfortable bedding for your hamster For larger hamsters, such as Syrian hamsters, you can cut the toilet paper roll into large strips and allow your hamster to shred it more himself.
Sources
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/hamsters/environment
https://www.amazon.com/syrian-hamster-cage/s?k=syrian+hamster+cage
https://www.thesprucepets.com/hamster-cage-for-your-syrian-hamster-1238927