Syrian Hamster

Provide as much continuous, unbroken floor space as possible: a minimum of about 5000 square centimetres (for example 100 by 50 cm) is now the accepted welfare standard, and bigger is better. Fill the base with at least 20 to 30 cm of paper or aspen bedding for deep burrowing, and add a solid, silent running wheel of at least 20 cm diameter to protect the spine. Include a multi chamber hide, a sand bath and chew items, and avoid tube heavy cages that lack real floor area.

Feed a good quality hamster seed and grain mix as the staple, scattered to encourage foraging, alongside a little fresh vegetable and occasional protein such as a mealworm or plain cooked egg. Provide a constant supply of clean water from a bottle or bowl. Small daily portions suit them, and they will naturally hoard food in their cheek pouches and store it in a larder. Avoid sugary treats, citrus, and sticky foods that can pack into and injure the cheek pouches.

Keep the room at about 18 to 24 degrees Celsius, away from direct sun, radiators and draughts, as hamsters can enter a dangerous torpor if they get too cold. They are nocturnal and need genuine darkness and quiet during the day to sleep. Keep humidity moderate and ensure good ventilation without a draught over the cage.

Syrian hamsters are fiercely solitary and must live completely alone: adults will fight, sometimes fatally, if housed together. They can become tame and enjoy gentle handling once they trust you, best begun by letting them walk onto your hands in the evening when awake. Never wake a sleeping hamster abruptly, as a startled hamster may nip.

Deep bedding for burrowing and a large wheel are the two most important forms of enrichment. Add tunnels, cork logs, cardboard, willow chews, scatter fed food and a sand bath for digging and coat care. Supervised time in a secure playpen or hamster ball substitute lets them explore safely.