Hamsters do not make a
suitable pet for children under
school age.

Golden or Syrian Hamsters
are solitary animals preferring
to live alone and can
become quite aggressive towards
each other.

Hamsters are nocturnal,
sleeping in the day and playing
in the evening.

Hamsters love to exercise
so a cage with plenty of room,
play wheel, toys & tubes is the
most suitable.

Plastic or metal cages are better
than wooden ones as hamsters
will gnaw the wood possibly
causing damage to their pouches.

Cages should be kept out of drafts
or direct sunlight and in a
temperature range of 15°C - 20°C.

Play balls are a good form of
exercisebut they must be
supervised at all times
when not in their cage.

Avoid sudden changes in diet
and temperature .

Bedding should always be
kept clean & dry with the cage
being disinfected weekly.

Hamsters teeth continue to grow
throughout their lives so require
mineral stones, hamster treats
and chew toys always to
be available.

Hamsters can cage colds from
humans, so when you have a
cold avoid handling your hamster.

Signs of illness in a
hamster arelose of appetite,
listless, coughing, runny eyes,
sneezing or diarrhoea.

There are various types
of hamster foods available.
Both cereal mixtures & pellets
provide a complete and
balanced diet.

Fresh food should be given
in very small quantities.

A Hamster will eat a tablespoon
of food daily but will carry
more than this to the ladder.

All sticky or sharp foods must
be avoided as these can block
the cheek pouches

Always handle your hamster
gently but firmly as with all
animals a nervous handler
will communicate this to
the hamster.

Hamsters have very poor
eye sight and recognise you
by smell and voice.

Pick up your hamster by
cupping one hand underneath
him and the other over him.

A hand that grabs suddenly
from above runs the risk of being
bitten.

Hamsters live on average
2 - 21/2 years.