Hello Hamster Lovers.
I got a lot of questions on what items are needed for owning a hamster. So this is a list of things that I find necessary for a happy and healthy hamster. ENJOY!
1.
Cage/Habitat: Now this can be any type of cage. Wire, aquarium, bin, etc. One thing I can not stress enough is CARDBOARD BOXES. Do not use anything paper related because the hamster will gnaw through it and run away.
2.
Bedding: Aspen is the only type of shaved wood bedding that should be used. Any other type of wood can cause the hamster to lose fur. Shredded up tissue paper, carefresh, cobcorn are all alternatives. But I prefer ASPEN over all other beddings. Stay away from Cotton wool. Those are not digestible.
3.
Food/Food Bowl: all pet stores have varieties of different types of food. There are mixed seeds, pellets, and treats. I like to use variety of everything. I will be posting another post on what fruits, veges, and other human foods are allowed for hamsters.
4.
Water Bottle: Always have a water bottle for your hamster. This is one of the things that are a must for all hamster owners. Make sure you get a nice one that doesnt clog up. And check the ball (tip) regularly to see if its not dried out and clogged.
5.
House/Hut: You can always improvise and make houses/huts out of cut up boxes such as tissue paper box. Or you can just buy inexpensive houses or huts from the pet store. Hamsters need a house to feel secure and safe when they are scared or sick.
6.
Wheel: All hamsters need exercise whether your hamster is lazy or not. I never recommend a hamster ball but I do recommend getting a wheel. There are many types of silent wheels such as silent spinner or saucer wheel that are very quiet.
These are the bare minimal necessities for owning a hamster. Of course you can enhance your hamsters living style and happiness by purchasing toys, chew toys, etc. Everything depends on cage space and your personal preference. But this is the list that is bare minimum.
-Molly