Hamsters have captured the hearts of many with their adorable appearance and gentle nature. This makes them one of the most popular small animal pets worldwide, especially in India.

Whether you're drawn to the cuddly teddy bear looks of a Syrian hamster or prefer the energetic antics of a dwarf hamster, these petite creatures bring joy and companionship to countless Indian homes.

As a new hamster parent, embarking on this journey of caring for your furry friend can be both exciting and daunting. Proper care is essential to ensure your pet hamster's health, happiness, and longevity.

This handbook will guide you through all aspects of hamster care in India, from selecting the right home, providing a nutritious diet to handling your hamster with gentle care and creating a stimulating environment for them to thrive in.

Providing your hamster with a safe and comfortable home is crucial for their well-being. A suitable cage acts as a sanctuary where they can rest, play, and engage in their natural behaviours. Choosing the right cage and setting it up correctly is an essential step in becoming a responsible hamster parent.

The ideal hamster cage should be spacious enough to allow for ample movement and exploration. As a general rule of thumb, the cage should provide at least 2 square feet of floor space for dwarf hamsters and 4 square feet for Syrian hamsters. Consider your hamster's size and activity level when making your selection.

Once you've chosen the perfect cage, it's time to equip it with the necessary accessories to create a stimulating and comfortable environment for your hamster. Here are some essential items to include:

• Water Bottle: A water bottle is essential for providing hamsters with fresh, clean water at all times. Choose a leak-proof bottle with a sipper tube that your hamster can easily reach.

  
  

• Food Bowl: A sturdy food bowl is necessary to keep hamster food clean and accessible. Choose a bowl that's large enough to accommodate your hamster's daily food intake, but not too deep that they can burrow into it.

  
  

• Hiding Places: Hamsters are naturally curious creatures, but they also need places to retreat and feel secure. Provide multiple hiding spots, such as plastic tunnels, cardboard boxes, or ceramic igloos, to give your hamster a sense of safety.

  
  

• Chew Toys: Hamsters' teeth grow continuously, and providing chew toys helps prevent dental problems and boredom. Choose chew toys made from safe materials, such as wood, plastic, or compressed hay.

  
  
• Bedding: Proper bedding is essential for absorbing moisture, providing insulation, and allowing your hamster to burrow. Choose soft, absorbent bedding materials like shredded paper, aspen shavings, or paper pulp-based bedding.

After selecting the right cage and accessories, arrange them to create a stimulating environment for your hamster. Place the cage in a quiet, draft-free location away from direct sunlight. Consider adding a variety of toys and play structures to keep your hamster engaged.

Regular cage cleaning is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment for your hamster. Spot clean the cage daily to remove soiled bedding and droppings. Perform a thorough cleaning every week, replacing all bedding and disinfecting the cage with a mild, pet-safe solution.

By providing your hamster with a suitable cage, essential accessories, and a clean, well-maintained living space, you'll be laying the foundation for a happy and healthy hamster.

Hamsters are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Hamster diet should consist mainly of a high-quality pellet food that is specifically formulated for hamsters. This pellet food will provide them with all the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy.

In addition to pellet food, hamsters can also enjoy a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Some good fresh food choices include apples, carrots, broccoli, and spinach. However, it is important to only give them a small amount of fresh fruits and vegetables each day, as too much can cause them to have diarrhoea.

Hamsters also need access to fresh water at all times. Use a water bottle with a ball-tip spout to prevent them from tipping over the water bowl and getting their bedding wet.

Hamsters are nocturnal, i.e, active at night. So, it's best to handle them in the evening when they are awake and active. Start by gently handling them for short periods of time each day. You can gradually increase the amount of time you handle them as they become more comfortable.

Here are some tips on gentle handling techniques to gain your hamster's trust:

• Let your hamster come to you. Don't try to scoop them up or chase them.

  
  

• Speak to your hamster in a soft, calming voice. This will help them to feel relaxed.

  
  

• Offer your hamster treats from your hand. This will help them associate you with positive experiences.

  
  
• Be patient and consistent. It may take some time for your hamster to get used to being handled.

There are a few signs that may indicate your hamster is sick. These include:

• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea or vomiting
• Wet tail
• Respiratory problems

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to consult a vet immediately.

Hamsters are crepuscular animals, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. They need at least an hour of exercise each day. A hamster or exercise wheel is a great way for them to get exercise. You can also let them play in a playpen for a while each day.

Hamsters are very clean animals and do not need to be bathed regularly. In fact, bathing them too often can actually dry out their skin and make them more susceptible to skin problems.

You can spot clean your hamster's cage every few days. This means removing any soiled bedding and replacing it with fresh bedding. You should also clean your hamster's water bottle and food bowl every week. And you can also give dry baths to your hamster whenever necessary.