Do you like hamsters?
Are you planning to get one?
Please think twice before making your decision
I hope this video can help...
There are five common types of pet hamsters
Syrian/golden hamsters
Campbell's dwarf hamsters
Winter white/Djungarian dwarf hamsters
Roborovski dwarf hamsters
And Chinese hamsters
They do vary a lot in speed
I do not recommend Robos to new owners
Because...
Hamsters have different personalities
But most of them can be tamed with patience
The majority of hamsters are solitary
Adults over 8 weeks old must live alone
Otherwise...
They may fight to death
Hamsters themselves are not expensive
Costing around £15-£30 each
But that doesn't mean they are cheap pets
Hamster products cost much more...
You will need a big enclosure
Large bin cages are the cheapest
They also need big wheels
At least 28cm for Syrians and 20cm for dwarves
The bedding depth should be at least 15cm
Tissue, hemp, spruce, aspen & birch are all safe
Hamster food mixes cost around £3 per kg (for 2 months)
They will also need a water bottle...
And lots of enrichment
You can DIY using safe materials
In addition, there are vet costs
A vet visit in the UK costs around £50
Although there are ways to save money...
I still suggest a minimum budget of £150
Be sure to do your research first
Good mixes are high in protein & fibre and low in fat
I often use Mr Johnson's
Although hamsters are omnivores...
It doesn't mean everything is safe for them
Fresh vegs and fruits are the best treats
Always check if it's safe before feeding
Vegetables are high in water content
Please feed in moderation
Never give hamsters seasoned human food
Excessive additives can make them very sick
Nuts and mealworms are high in calories
2-3 pieces per week are enough
Or they will be overweight...
Unlike some other pets...
Hamsters are very clean animals
They can clean themselves...
Their poops don't smell...
And they only pee in corners
You only need to spot clean their cages
Never wash your hamster with water
Or they could be killed
If your hamster looks a bit greasy...
Just give them some sand bath
So your hammies will look fresh!
Hamsters are crepuscular animals
They are only active in the evening
Please do not disturb them during the day
If your hamster doesn't come out at night
Just dim your light first
I don't recommend putting the cage in the bedroom
Otherwise you will have trouble sleeping
Hamsters usually live for 1.5 to 2 years
The current world record is 4.5 years old
If you want your hamster to live longer...
They need to maintain a healthy weight
Different hamsters have different weight ranges
Just check their bellies
Pet store hamsters are more prone to health issues
Please try to get them from good breeders
Hamsters aren’t as smart as dogs or cats...
They are naturally curious and timid
It may take longer to build trust with them
Patience will always pay off
In most cases, hamsters do not bite on purpose
They are just checking if it’s food
If you become the unlucky one...
Just disinfect the wound
Domestic hamsters do not carry diseases
More and more people are getting hamsters
There is plenty of good information online
I hope everyone can actively learn...
And be nice to each other
So we can make the community better...
And more people can learn proper hamster care
I hope this video is helpful