A Complete Guide to Raising Hamsters for Beginners: Raising Strategies from Scratch

Raising hamsters is a fun thing, but for novices, how to raise hamsters correctly from scratch is a process that requires careful learning. This article will provide you with a complete guide to raising hamsters for beginners to help you get started quickly.

1. Choose a suitable hamster breed

For novices, it is recommended to start with the following varieties:

• Syrian Hamster (Golden Silky Bear): Large in size, docile and easy to handle, it is this most suitable breed for novices.
• Jakalia hamster (third-line hamster): Small in size, lively and affectionate.
• Campbell’s hamster (first-line hamster): Similar in size to third-line hamster, but has a slightly more impatient personality.

Newbie Tips: Syrian hamsters are preferred because they are large, easy to hold, have a gentle personality and are not prone to biting.

2. Prepare the breeding environment

1. Choice of hamster cage

The hamster cage is the core space for the hamster’s life. It is recommended to choose the following types:

• Organization box transformation cage: Large space, high cost performance, suitable for DIY enthusiasts.
• Acrylic cage: It is good for viewing and convenient for observing hamsters.
• Wire cage: It is well ventilated, but the distance should not be too large to prevent hamsters from escaping.

Cage size recommendations: At least 60cm × 40cm floor area, the bigger the better. Hamsters need plenty of room to move around.

2. Essential supplies list

• Running wheel: Syrian hamsters need more than 21cm, dwarf hamsters need more than 17cm.
• Drinking Fountain: Choose a ball-type drinking fountain to keep the water clean.
• Food bowl: Choose ceramic material, which will not be easily knocked over.
• Cushion material: Recommend wood chips, paper cotton, etc. Avoid using pine and fir wood chips.
• Cottage: Provides a private space to hide and sleep.
• Sand bath tub: Hamsters use bath sand to clean their hair and cannot bathe with water.

3. Feed hamsters scientifically

1. Staple food selection

The staple food of hamsters is mainly professional hamster food. Branded food is nutritionally balanced and is the best choice. It can be paired with a small amount of grains and seeds as complementary food.

2. Snack recommendations

Giving the following snacks in appropriate amounts can enrich the nutrition of hamsters:

• Fresh vegetables: broccoli, carrots, cucumber (a small amount)
• Fruit: Apple (remove seeds), blueberry, strawberry (a small amount)
• Protein sources: boiled chicken breast, boiled egg whites, mealworms

3. Taboo foods

The following foods are harmful to hamsters and must not be fed:

• Chocolate, coffee, tea
• Onions, garlic, leeks
• Citrus fruits
• Almonds and walnuts (too high in fat)
• Human processed foods (containing salt, sugar, seasonings)

4. Daily care points

1. Cleaning work

Clean food bowls and drinking fountains daily, partially replace bedding materials weekly, and clean cages thoroughly every 2-3 weeks. Be careful to keep a small amount of old bedding material to keep the smell familiar to your hamster.

2. Temperature management

The suitable temperature range for hamsters is 20-26°C. Temperatures below 10°C may cause pseudo-hibernation, and temperatures above 30°C may cause heat stroke. Pay attention to cooling down in summer and keeping warm in winter.

3. Interaction and domestication

Newly arrived hamsters need 3-7 days to adapt. During this period, do not grab them by force. After that, you can slowly feed snacks with your hands to build a trusting relationship and gradually get started.

5. Health observation

Observe the hamster’s mental state, appetite, and feces every day. If you find the following abnormalities, you need to seek medical treatment promptly:

• The hair is unkempt and dull
• Cloudy eyes with discharge
• Diarrhea (wet tail syndrome)
• Appetite decreased significantly
• Abnormal movements and unsteady walking

Summary

Although raising hamsters seems simple, scientifically raising hamsters requires attention to many details. As a novice, the most important thing is to do your homework, be fully prepared, and provide your hamster with a safe and comfortable living environment. I hope this guide will help you start your hamster raising journey smoothly!