10 Things You Need For Your Pet Hamster

Caring for a hamster is a lot of work and a big responsibility. If you think you have everything you need ready to bring your new pet home, you might be surprised at what you have missed. So, here are 10 things you need for your pet hamster with links and prices and descriptions.

1) The Right Size Cage:

Kaytee CritterTrail Two Level Habitat for Pet Dwarf Hamsters $69.99

We need to emphasize the phrase right size here too. Just because your hamster is a dwarf, that doesn’t mean that he won’t need plenty of room to move. Also, if you have a baby, that little dude is going to grow. Go for something bigger than you think you need from a “starter” home as this gives you plenty of room for adaptations and other features, such as the items below. This cage is a great starting point with plenty of customization.

 

 

 

 

2) A Place To Sleep:

Niteangel Multi-Chamber Hamster House Maze  $19.99

Hamsters like to build little dens where they can curl up and make cozy nests, much like they would in the wild. There are lots of stores that sell cute little plastic houses that look adorable when they peek out the doorway. But, these aren’t always the safest options, especially for rodents that like to chew. A breathable home such as this won’t get damp from condensation or pose a safety risk. The extra chambers are a nice touch too.

 

 

 

 

3) The Right Bedding For That New Den:

Carefresh Confetti Pet Bedding $23.74

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There are three main considerations when getting the best bedding for your new hamster. First, you need something soft and comfortable enough to provide a good night’s sleep with plenty of warmth. Then, you need something absorbent and biodegradable that you can replace with ease. Finally, you want large quantities at a good price. Check out this affordable solution with its natural paper and odor control.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4) The Right Food:

Kaytee Food From The Wild Hamster Food $9.99

No hamster is going to thrive without a good supply of hamster food. You can supplement this with treats and the right fresh greens – as long as you are sure they are safe to eat. But, you want a good basic mix of hamster food first. These dry mixes are easy to measure out and should have all the nutrients your hamster needs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5) A Food Bowl:

Hamster Bowls 2 Pack $11.99

You can’t just throw a handful of hamster mix into the cage and let them forage around for it. It is much better to have a controlled feeding area where you can watch them eat and monitor their appetites and preferences. They may take food away to stash, but a ceramic bowl is the best starting point. Look for one that isn’t too difficult to access and that you can clean with ease. This 2-pack is a great example with a nice design and free scoop.

 

 

 

6) A Water Bottle.

No Drip Small Animal Water Bottle $11.69

Just as food is essential for the health and well-being of your new hamster, so is water. You can’t put out a separate water bowl. Instead, you need a little water bottle that clips to the side of the cage. You can refill this regularly from the outside and your little friend just need to take little drops from the dispenser to quench his thirst. A simple 2-pack like this is more than adequate for the job and means there is always one in use while the other is cleaned out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7) Toys For Enrichment:

Sofier Hamster Chew Toy Set $18.99

A big concern when getting any small rodent at home, not just hamsters, is that they will get bored and this will affect their mental and physical health. Enrichment through toys and chewable structures is one way to prevent this. It means that the hamster can amuse itself at night while everyone else is asleep too. This starter pack could be the ideal first step when building a hamster playroom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8) Toys For Exercise:

Kaytee Critter Cruiser Car $19.16

Exercise is also a good idea to keep your pets fit and healthy. There are two ways to go about this. Lots of people will attach hamster wheels to cages so that pets can run as much as they want without needing extra room. But, they can be a bit boring and noisy. The alternative is to get a plastic ball that they can use to roam the living room. Just make sure it is secure so there are no escape attempts and no threats around other pets. This one is a good controllable example that could offer a fun bonding experience.

 

9) Tubes To Extend The Cage Further:

Kaytee Critter Trail Look-Out Kit $11.07

If you are worried about your hamster getting enough exercise and having room to run around, you might consider creating a tube network. These attachments help you create a network of tunnels and perhaps even additional chambers where they can spend their time, stash food, or maybe make a new nest. It gives them more to enjoy, and it is also fun to watch them scurrying around. A set like this is a great place to start.

 

 

 

 

 

10) A Carry Cage For Vet Trips:

Kathson Travel Carrier Portable Cage with Water Bottle $20.99

Finally, there is one product that you should get but hope to never have to use. There may come a time when your hamster becomes poorly. Perhaps they go off their food, or just generally seem under the weather. How do you get them to the vet? It is too awkward to take them in their cage and too unsafe to find a small box. A little carry cage is the perfect solution for security and portability. This one should be the right size and easy to use.

 

 

 

This Starter Kit Should Get You Ready For Your New Pet.

As you can see, there is a lot to consider to keep your new friend happy and healthy. Take your time going through this list to set up the ideal home and give your pet the best possible start.