The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Hamster Care & Maintenance.
Bringing home a hamster? These tiny, adorable pets are fun to watch and easy to love, but they need proper care to stay happy and healthy.
Whether you're a first-time owner or just need a refresher, this guide will cover all the essentials of hamster care and maintenance.
Bigger is Better – Hamsters need at least 450+ square inches of unbroken floor space for comfort and exercise.
Good Ventilation – A glass tank, bin cage, or large wire cage with a deep base works best.
🛏 Deep Bedding – Use paper-based bedding (avoid cedar and pine) and provide at least 6 inches for burrowing.
High-Quality Pellets – Avoid sugary seed mixes; choose a balanced pellet diet.
🥜 Healthy Treats – Small amounts of veggies like carrots, broccoli, or cucumbers.
🚫 No Toxic Foods – Avoid onions, garlic, citrus, and chocolate.
A Proper Wheel – At least 8-12 inches (solid surface, no wire wheels).
🦷 Chew Toys – Hamster teeth never stop growing—provide wood chews and cardboard tubes.
Spot-Clean Daily – Remove soiled bedding and uneaten food.
🛁 Deep Clean Every 2-3 Weeks – Replace bedding and clean accessories with pet-safe soap.
Be Patient – Let your hamster adjust before handling.
🌙 Respect Their Schedule – Hamsters are nocturnal, so interact in the evening.