Q&A for How to Keep Your Hamster Happy

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Question

When should I entertain my 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

Don't forget that hamsters prefer to be active at dawn and dusk. For a happy hamster, engage them in play at these times, rather than when they'd prefer to be sleeping.

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Question

How often do you need to clean a hamster?

Alisa Rassin
Exotics Veterinarian
Alias Rassin is an Exotics Veterinarian and the Owner of The Exotic Animal Hospital of Pennsylvania in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in treating reptiles, birds, and small mammals. She holds a Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris from The University of Pennsylvania and a BS in Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences from Penn State University. She was also certified by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Alisa Rassin

Exotics Veterinarian

Expert Answer

You don't actually need to clean your hamster at all—they're good at cleaning themselves. Instead, make sure that you're cleaning your hamster's cage once a week and giving them fresh bedding. They don't want to live in their own filth!

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Question

My hamster is eating his own wet poo, only weighs 57 grams and is so thin we can see his back bone and feel his ribs. Is this a normal thing 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

I'm sorry to say this doesn't sound normal. Hamster pellets should be dry little nuggets rather than wet and a healthy hamster is plump with good fat cover over his ribs and spine. From what you write it sounds like your little chap needs to see the vet.

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Question

What should I do if my hamster is too scared to let me pick it up?

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

Take things back a few steps and get the hamster used to your voice and being around him. Then wash your hand so it doesn't smell of food, and let him get used to your scent. Try stroking him and bit by bit win his confidence. When you first pick him up keep your hand low, so that he isn't whizzed up into the air which will be scary for him. Be patient as for fearful hamster it can take weeks or even months to win him over.

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