The hamster is a nocturnal animal, and handling it during the day makes it aggressive. This must be taken into account when acquiring this animal: adopt it very young and get it used to being handled. Attending to it at the end of the day would be preferable.
Living environment
- Cage: Minimum 50x30x30, preferably larger, with horizontal bars. It must be fun, filled with toys, brushwood, a wheel, a ladder, and with a house that is essential for its long naps and for storing its considerable food reserves.
- Bedding: fir shavings, hemp bedding, paper on the floor.
- Ambient temperature: 21-25 degrees (below 10 degrees it will naturally go into hibernation from November to March).
Diet:
- It is an omnivorous rodent; it should be given a diet made up of a commercial seed mix or hamster pellets. Its food must contain 16% protein. In the case of a home-prepared ration: seeds, oat flakes, vegetables, fresh fruit, animal protein (milk, hard-boiled egg, meat).
- Predisposition to obesity; avoid excessive treats.
Care:
No particular care needed.
Common diseases
The hamster may present skin and parasite problems, abscesses, hormonal disorders, tumours and dental or digestive disorders.
The hamster's teeth grow throughout its life. If they wear down poorly (malocclusion), the animal starts to drool, eats less and loses weight.
The skin can be affected by parasites or by a fungus (mange, ringworm). Itching, hair loss and scabs are then seen.
The hamster stores its food in its cheeks (cheek pouches): a lump or an abscess (a pocket of pus) can form there. In the elderly hamster, growths (tumours) can also appear under the skin; palpate it regularly.
When to see a vet promptly it drools, eats less or loses weight; it scratches, loses its fur or has scabs; you feel a lump under the skin or in a cheek.
When to see a vet urgently diarrhoea with a wet rear end (“wet tail”), a very listless animal, or one that completely refuses to eat and drink.
The veterinarian's advice the hamster puts on weight easily: limit treats and give it something to keep it active.
Key points check its weight and appetite every day: a change is often the first sign. This information does not replace a consultation.