Hamster Questions
Q: What do I do if my hamster bites?
A: Your hamster is afraid or ill. A tame, healtly animal will not bite, actualy a hamster's first instinct when scared is to freeze or run away, biting is a last resort. To tame your hamster take your time, and gradually build up the trust. Talk to your hamster so that they learn your voice, and offer them treats so that they associate you with positive things! read a Taming Guide, for more details.
If a normally docile hamster starts to bite, check them over, is something wrong? are they still eating normally? normal stools? Aggression in a placid animal can be a sign of illness and you should probably see a vet for diagnosis.
Q: how can I keep my hamster cool in the summer?
A: make sure your hamster has plenty of fresh, cold water, you can crumble ice cubes into the water bottle as well. Your hamster will probably get rid of its nest/house and sleep in the open to keep cool. Move the cage away from direct sunlight. Place a plate or terracotta tile in the freezer or fridge, when cold, lay it in your hamster's cage, they may appreciate the cold surface to lay on! keep two plates/tiles on the go at once, so one is in the freezer whilst the other is in the cage.
Q: How can I keep my hamster warm in the winter?
A: Hamsters tend to sleep more and be less active in the colder months. Move the cage away from drafty areas and place in a warm room (not in front of direct heat such as radiators). Give your hamster plenty of plain white toilet roll to rip up and use as bedding. Given enough material, your hamster will build a nest to keep warm. You can also supplement your hamster's diet with warm (not hot) porridge!
Q: Is my hamster ill?
A: Please see the health section.
Q: Is my hamster pregnant?
A: A pregnant female will have prominant nipples and will display strong nesting instincts. If you suspect your hamster is pregnant, clean the cage out (if you can) and feed her a high protein diet. The gestation period is 16 days, after this she will need peace and quiet for 2weeks, or until the pups open their open. If you disturb her or the nest during this time, she may cull the litter. Once the pups have opened their eyes you can begin to handle them. For more information follow this advice.
Q: I want to breed hamsters, where can I go for help?
A: It is strongly advisable to begin breeding with an unrelated pair of pedigree hamsters. Members of the National Hamster Council in the Uk would be happy to give advice, and it is free to attend a show where you can meet the experts! and maybe purchase your hamsters. For details on hamster genetics, please see the FAQ.
Q: Where should I buy my hamster from?
A: It always good to support your local animal rescue shelter, and they often have hamsters that need new forever homes. You can also buy your hamster from a reputable breeder, please see the NHC for more details. A well bred hamster will be tame and possiblby have stronger health than a pet shop hamster (which will have been bred from a commercial mill). At the end of the day, all hamsters deserve a loving home.
A: Your hamster is afraid or ill. A tame, healtly animal will not bite, actualy a hamster's first instinct when scared is to freeze or run away, biting is a last resort. To tame your hamster take your time, and gradually build up the trust. Talk to your hamster so that they learn your voice, and offer them treats so that they associate you with positive things! read a Taming Guide, for more details.
If a normally docile hamster starts to bite, check them over, is something wrong? are they still eating normally? normal stools? Aggression in a placid animal can be a sign of illness and you should probably see a vet for diagnosis.
Q: how can I keep my hamster cool in the summer?
A: make sure your hamster has plenty of fresh, cold water, you can crumble ice cubes into the water bottle as well. Your hamster will probably get rid of its nest/house and sleep in the open to keep cool. Move the cage away from direct sunlight. Place a plate or terracotta tile in the freezer or fridge, when cold, lay it in your hamster's cage, they may appreciate the cold surface to lay on! keep two plates/tiles on the go at once, so one is in the freezer whilst the other is in the cage.
Q: How can I keep my hamster warm in the winter?
A: Hamsters tend to sleep more and be less active in the colder months. Move the cage away from drafty areas and place in a warm room (not in front of direct heat such as radiators). Give your hamster plenty of plain white toilet roll to rip up and use as bedding. Given enough material, your hamster will build a nest to keep warm. You can also supplement your hamster's diet with warm (not hot) porridge!
Q: Is my hamster ill?
A: Please see the health section.
Q: Is my hamster pregnant?
A: A pregnant female will have prominant nipples and will display strong nesting instincts. If you suspect your hamster is pregnant, clean the cage out (if you can) and feed her a high protein diet. The gestation period is 16 days, after this she will need peace and quiet for 2weeks, or until the pups open their open. If you disturb her or the nest during this time, she may cull the litter. Once the pups have opened their eyes you can begin to handle them. For more information follow this advice.
Q: I want to breed hamsters, where can I go for help?
A: It is strongly advisable to begin breeding with an unrelated pair of pedigree hamsters. Members of the National Hamster Council in the Uk would be happy to give advice, and it is free to attend a show where you can meet the experts! and maybe purchase your hamsters. For details on hamster genetics, please see the FAQ.
Q: Where should I buy my hamster from?
A: It always good to support your local animal rescue shelter, and they often have hamsters that need new forever homes. You can also buy your hamster from a reputable breeder, please see the NHC for more details. A well bred hamster will be tame and possiblby have stronger health than a pet shop hamster (which will have been bred from a commercial mill). At the end of the day, all hamsters deserve a loving home.