Q&A for How to Toilet Train a Hamster

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Question

How do you teach a hamster tricks?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Go slowly and break the trick down into simple steps. Use food to lure the hamster into doing each action, then reward and praise them.

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Question

What is the best bedding for a hamster?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Great question, especially as the list of what's not safe is much longer than what's safe. Look for a soft bedding that can't tangle round the hamster's delicate legs, such as Carefresh Confetti bedding. Another alternative is Aspen (avoid pine or cedar shavings.)

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Question

How do you bathe a hamster?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Hamsters are vulnerable to chilling, so be sure the water is warm (but not hot) and keep hammie warm afterwards. Instead of immersing the hamster in water, try sponge-bathing them by dabbing all over with damp cotton wool.

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Question

Do hamsters pee a lot?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Compared to other small pets such as gerbils, hamsters do pee more. However, the wet patches should not be huge. Any change in the puddle size from what the hamster usually produces may be a sign of ill health and should be checked by a vet.

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