Hamster Adoption Care Guide

Hamsters might fit in your hand, but their care is not pocket sized. They are crepuscular explorers who run miles every night, build intricate burrows, and thrive when given space and stimulation. Sadly, most live in cramped cages with plastic tubes that belong more in a toy aisle than in animal care.

If you are ready to do it right, here is how to give your hamster a life that is as enriching as it is safe.

1. Habitat & Space

The number-one welfare issue for hamsters is cage size. Most pet shop cages are far too small.

Minimum recommended floor space: at least 100 × 50 cm x 50 cm with a solid base, not wire.
Depth of substrate: at least 20 cm (8 inches) for digging and tunnelling. All breeds of hamsters love deep bedding to burrow.
Wheel: solid (no bars) and large enough for a straight back, 28 cm+ for Syrians, 25 cm+ for dwarfs.
Avoid cages with lots of narrow tubes; they restrict movement and airflow.
Hamsters are naturally not good climbers, so avoid multi level cages.

The best setups are large glass tanks or DIY enclosures with proper ventilation and enrichment.

2. Crepuscular Life

Hamsters are solitary and crepuscular, meaning their morning starts around 8 p.m. and can run until sunrise and they like to live on their own.
They will dig, chew, and sprint through the night.

Handling or disturbing them during the day can make them stressed or bitey. Respect their rhythm and they will be far friendlier for it.

Fun fact: Hamsters are crepuscular because they are prey animals. The quieter hours of dusk and night give them a better chance of avoiding predators, so their natural rhythm is built around staying active when the world is safest for them.

3. Substrate & Enrichment

Hamsters are natural engineers. They need materials to dig, hide, and build with.

At least 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) of bedding substrate. This depth allows them to build stable tunnels and underground nests.
Ideal bedding types: Unscented paper bedding (e.g., Carefresh, Kaytee Clean & Cozy)
Avoid: scented bedding, pine/cedar shavings, or bedding mixes with artificial additives
Provide multi chamber hides. In the wild, hamsters build burrows with separate rooms for:
* Sleeping
* Eating/hoarding
* Toileting
A multi chamber hide allows them to mimic this natural behaviour and feel secure.
Add tunnels, cork logs, sand baths, and chew toys. A sand bath is vital for coat health, cleanliness, and enrichment. The container must be at least 3× the size of the hamster. This, allows rolling, digging, and natural grooming.
Hamsters thrive with multiple textures in their environment. Aim for at least three different substrate types, such as: Beech chips, Cork granules, Coco soil, Aspen shavings.
Hamsters need safe materials to gnaw on and explore. Great options include:
- Natural chews or chews such as xs whimzees
- Foraging toys
- Grass mats & seagrass items
- Foraging mix
- Sprays for Foraging
Sprays are a crucial enrichment source and also help create cover:
- Flax (a universal favourite!)
- Wheat
- Sorghum
- Barley

4. Handling & Temperament

Hamsters vary by species and personality.

Always let a new hamster settle for a few days before attempting handling.
Talk softly to get them used to your voice.
Use your hand flat, not from above. They are prey animals, and overhead grabs scare them.
Never wake them suddenly; being startled mid nap is a guaranteed bite

5. Diet & Feeding

Feed a balanced hamster mix with natural grains, seeds, and herbs. Avoid muesli type mixes that encourage selective eating.
Supplement with:

Tiny bits of fresh veg (broccoli, cucumber, carrot)
Occasional protein (boiled egg, mealworm, or plain chicken)
Limited treats, their bodies are tiny.
Fresh water in a bottle and bowl daily.

6. Health & Maintenance

Hamsters are prone to overgrown teeth, wet tail, obesity, and respiratory infections.

Signs of trouble:

Lethargy, loss of appetite, damp rear end, breathing noises, or sudden aggression.
They need vet care as small animals decline quickly.

Keep their environment clean, but do not overdo it:

Spot clean daily, full clean every 3–4 weeks. Keep part of their old bedding so they still recognize the scent.