Clinique Vétérinaire Lasalle

(514) 364-1233

Your Hamster

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General Information | Captivity Conditions | Nutrition |

The word hamster comes from the German word—hamstern which means to put aside or reserve. The hamster is a small docile animal which does not require a lot of care.

General Information [top]

The average lifespan of the hamster is 2 ½ years.

Puberty occurs between the age of 1 ½ and 3 ½ months. The gestation period is between 15 and 19 days and litters vary between 1 and 12 offsprings. The latter are born naked and blind; they are weaned when about 21 days old. Important fact: hamsters can sometimes resort to cannibalism if the nest is handled during the week following the birth. We therefore recommend to separate the male with enough food and water for 6 to 7 days and to wait 19 days before touching the babies.

Captivity Conditions [top]

Your hamster needs a cage which is at least 45 sq. centimeters and there should never be more than one animal per cage.

Offer him certain materials which can be chewed and shredded such as paper, cardboard or wood branches. Moreover, he must also be able to remove himself from the sight of humans (small boxes, opaque plastic tubes, etc. are great hideouts). As in the case of most rodents, your hamster will prefer a small shelter to a large one so that his skin can touch the walls of his refuge. He will also love to exercise on a wheel.

Room temperature should be maintained between 21° C and 25° C; avoid drops in temperature and excessive heat

Nutrition [top]

Your pet’s diet includes 75% seed mix for hamsters and 25% mix of fresh green vegetables (spinach, broccoli, parsley), as well as carrots, apples, bananas and other fruits. It is important to check his food reserve since mold due to moisture created by fruits and vegetables could develop. Avoid sugar, salt, fat and raw meat.

Offer him fresh water at all times and change it regularly.

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