Miniature Hamster

A well-balanced miniature hamster diet consists of:

High-quality hamster lab blocks and limited amounts of grains, vegetables, fruits and Timothy hay.

Clean, fresh, filtered, chlorine-free water, changed daily.

Do not feed chocolate, caffeine or alcohol as these can cause serious medical conditions. Avoid sugar and high fat treats.

• Hamsters acclimate well to average household temperatures, not to exceed 80°F; be cautious of extreme temperature changes. The habitat should never be in direct sunlight or in a drafty area.
• Habitat should be plastic, metal or glass and escapeproof with a solid bottom; there should be plenty of room for the hamster to exercise and play. It is best to provide the largest habitat possible.
• 1-2" of bedding should be placed in the habitat; proper bedding includes high quality paper bedding, crumbled paper bedding, or hardwood shavings. Cedar-based products are not recommended.
• Hamsters are solitary animals, but dwarf hamsters may be kept in same-sex pairs if they are raised together; otherwise, keep adult hamsters housed separately. Different types of small animals should not be housed together.

Things to remember when feeding your miniature hamster:

• Fresh food and water should always be available.
• Limited amounts of grains, vegetables, fruits or Timothy hay can be given daily but should not exceed 10% of their total diet.
• Vegetables and fruits not eaten within 24 hours should be discarded.

Miniature Hamsters play during the night and rest during the day (nocturnal) but can adjust to your schedule.

Easy to handle but move quickly; some species, such as Chinese dwarfs and Robos, are less likely to nip or bite.

Chew on objects to maintain incisor teeth, which grow continuously; ensure they have plenty of wood chew sticks or mineral chews.

How to take care of Miniature

Habitat Maintenance:

Clean and disinfect the habitat and its contents at least once a week with a 3% bleach solution. Rinse and allow to dry completely before placing the hamster back into the habitat.

Remove wet spots daily; change bedding at least once a week, or more often as necessary.

Grooming & Hygiene:

Hamsters stay clean and rarely need baths, but can be spot-cleaned with a damp washcloth or unscented baby wipes if needed. Hamsters enjoy a weekly dust bath.

Consult with a veterinarian if a hamster's teeth seem too long.