Make sure you’ve hamster-proofed the area in which your hamster will be playing. Remove any electrical cords so he does not chew on them. Keep the area enclosed, either by closing the door to a small room or by setting up “walls” around your hamster’s play area. [1] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Give your hamster a wheel to run on. Hamster wheels are a great way for hamsters to get exercise and work out extra energy. Avoid wire-frame wheels, as these could potentially injure your hamster. [2] X Research source Use a scoop or a small box, held in front of your hamster, to remove him from his enclosure. Reaching into the cage might make your hamster feel that his space is being invaded. [3] X Research source Let your hamster crawl around on top of you while you lie on the floor. Hamsters love to explore, and once your hamster has developed a trust in you as his owner, he’ll want to climb on and around you.
As a general rule, a dwarf hamster needs at least 450 sq inches of floorspace, and benefit from having even bigger cages. Do not house your hamster with another hamster, as they are not social animals.
Hamsters need to chew everyday to prevent their teeth from becoming too long, which could cause serious pain and potentially harm your pet. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Untreated, paint-free, oil-free wood is the best choice for chew toys. Avoid using wood harvested from outdoors, as this wood has not been properly inspected and could harbor harmful parasites or be treated with pesticides. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Wood from an apple or pear tree is ideal, as these woods do not have any harmful oils and are therefore less likely to pose any threat to your hamster’s respiratory or digestive health. Never give your hamster pine or cedar wood to chew on. The oils in these woods can be toxic to your hamster.
Give hamsters hard treats like dog biscuits about once every week. [8] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Be sure the dog treats you give your hamster are free of garlic. Garlic is known to cause digestive problems in hamsters.
Try cutting a small hole in the tube before you give it to your hamster. That may help him see the potential in the tube, and may inspire him to make his own chew holes.
Having a vet trim your hamster’s teeth is quick and does not cause any harm to your hamster. Do not attempt to trim your hamster’s teeth on your own, unless your vet has approved this procedure and given you proper instruction in how best to do this.
