EXPERIENCE ROXY'S PET SHOP CARE SHEETS

• Cage Size: Syrian hamsters need plenty of space to roam, burrow, and explore. The minimum cage size should be 360 square inches of floor space (about 24" x 12" or 60 cm x 30 cm), but larger is always better. If possible, a habitat with multiple levels will provide extra room for climbing and foraging.
  • Recommended Cage Types:
    • Wire cages with solid plastic bottoms (avoid wire floors as they can cause foot injuries)
    • Glass or plastic aquariums (10-20 gallon size or larger)
    • Plastic modular cages with tunnels and play areas (make sure the bars are small enough to prevent escape).
• Bedding: Provide soft, absorbent bedding to help control odor and keep your hamster comfortable. Good bedding options include:
  • Paper-based bedding (e.g., Carefresh, Kaytee Clean & Cozy)
  • Aspen wood shavings (avoid cedar or pine as they can cause respiratory issues).
  • Hemp bedding is also a good, eco-friendly option.
• Cage Location: Place the cage in a quiet, temperature-controlled area, away from drafts, direct sunlight, and loud noises. Syrian hamsters are nocturnal and sensitive to stress, so avoid placing their cage in high-traffic areas.
• Cage Accessories:
  • Wheel: Hamsters are active and need a solid exercise wheel for running. The wheel should be at least 8 inches in diameter to prevent back injury, and it should have a solid surface (not a wire wheel) to avoid foot problems.
  • Hideouts: Provide at least one or two hideouts where your hamster can sleep and feel secure. This can be a small wooden house, cardboard box, or a plastic tunnel.
  • Tunnels: Syrian hamsters love to burrow, so include some tunnels and tubes in their cage to satisfy their natural instincts.
  • Food dish and water bottle: Use a heavy ceramic dish for food to prevent tipping, and a water bottle with a ball bearing mechanism to ensure clean water at all times.

• Hamster Food Mix: Syrian hamsters should be fed a high-quality hamster mix that includes a variety of seeds, grains, and pellets. Avoid mixes with excessive sugary treats or dried fruits. A good mix should have a variety of healthy ingredients like:
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Oats, barley, and wheat
  • Pellets that contain added vitamins and minerals.
• Fresh Vegetables & Fruits: Syrian hamsters can be given small amounts of fresh vegetables and fruits. Offer about 1-2 teaspoons per day. Good options include:
  • Carrots, broccoli, spinach, cucumber, and bell peppers.
  • Small pieces of apple, banana, or melon can be offered occasionally as treats.
  • Avoid high-sugar fruits like grapes, and never feed them citrus or onions as they are toxic.
• Protein: Occasionally, you can offer a small portion of protein-rich foods, like boiled egg, cooked chicken, or mealworms, as a treat.
• Hay: Offer small amounts of timothy hay to provide fiber and encourage natural foraging behavior. Hay also helps wear down their continuously growing teeth.
• Fresh Water: Ensure that your hamster always has access to fresh, clean water. Use a water bottle with a ball bearing or a drinking tube to prevent spillage. Clean the water bottle regularly.

• Exercise Wheel: Syrian hamsters are very active and require a solid, spacious exercise wheel. Make sure the wheel is quiet (so it doesn't disturb you during the night) and has a solid surface to prevent injuries to their feet.
• Tunnels and Burrows: Syrian hamsters are natural burrowers, so provide plenty of tunnels, tubes, and soft bedding to encourage this behavior. You can also add cardboard boxes or paper towel rolls for them to explore.
• Climbing Toys: They enjoy climbing, so include climbing toys like wooden ladders, ropes, or cardboard boxes in the cage. You can even hang a hamster hammock for them to lounge in.
• Chew Toys: Hamsters’ teeth grow continuously, so it's important to provide chew toys to help wear them down. Wooden blocks, chew sticks, and cardboard are all excellent choices.
• Playpen Time: If you want to give your hamster extra space to roam, you can set up a playpen or a safe play area outside their cage. Make sure the area is free of hazards and that they can’t escape.

• Gentle Handling: Syrian hamsters are generally friendly but can be a bit skittish or territorial. Always handle them gently and avoid grabbing them roughly. When picking them up, support their body with both hands, cupping them in your palm. Start with short handling sessions to build trust.
• Interaction: It’s important to give your hamster time to adjust to their new home before trying to handle them, especially if they are new. They may be more active and willing to interact during their nocturnal hours. Let them explore you by placing your hand in their cage and letting them come to you.
• Bonding: While Syrian hamsters can become tame and enjoy human interaction, they are solitary animals and should not be housed with other hamsters. Keeping multiple hamsters in the same cage can lead to territorial fights and stress.
• Signs of Stress: If your hamster is stressed or scared, it may make loud squeaking noises, hide in its burrow, or bite. Make sure to provide a quiet and calm environment for your hamster.

• Regular Grooming: Syrian hamsters are generally clean animals and don't require much grooming. However, if you have a long-haired hamster (such as a Teddy Bear hamster), you may need to brush its fur occasionally to prevent tangles. Use a soft, small brush for this task.
  • Short-haired hamsters typically don’t need much grooming unless their coat gets dirty.
• Nail Trimming: Hamster nails can grow long and sharp, so it’s important to trim them every 2-4 weeks. Use a small animal nail clipper or human nail clippers. Be careful not to cut the quick (the pink area inside the nail).
• Teeth Care: Hamsters’ teeth grow continuously, so it's important to provide enough chew toys and hay to help wear down their teeth naturally. Overgrown teeth can lead to malocclusion, a condition where the teeth don't align properly and can cause difficulty eating.
• Signs of Illness: Watch for signs of illness, including:
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Excessive scratching or hair loss
  • Discharge from the eyes or nose
  • Wet tail (a sign of possible diarrhea)
  • Labored breathing or wheezing If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a veterinarian specializing in small animals immediately.

• Breeding: Syrian hamsters should only be bred responsibly, as they are solitary animals and often become aggressive toward each other outside of mating. Female hamsters can give birth to litters of 4-12 pups after a 16-day gestation period.
  • Breeding should only be undertaken by experienced hamster breeders. It’s crucial to have a separate space for the male and female before mating, and you should prepare for the responsibility of raising the pups once born.

• Avoid Toxic Substances: Keep your hamster away from toxic plants, such as:
  • Lilies, poinsettias, daffodils, and dandelions.
  • Citrus fruits, onions, and garlic can also cause digestive issues or toxicity.
• Escape-Proofing: Syrian hamsters are excellent escape artists. Ensure their cage has a secure lid and that any gaps in the bars are small enough to prevent them from squeezing out. They can also chew through plastic if it's not sturdy, so check for weak spots in their habitat.

Syrian hamsters are wonderful, low-maintenance pets that are perfect for first-time pet owners or anyone looking for an independent yet interactive companion. With proper care, a balanced diet, and plenty of enrichment, your hamster can live a long, healthy, and happy life. By providing the right environment and handling them with care, your Syrian hamster will become a well-adjusted, friendly pet that can offer hours of entertainment and companionship.