Pet Hamster FAQs #5

Published July 22, 2023 | By luxorganic

ID	Question	Answer
97	Can hamsters eat tomatoes?	Yes, hamsters can eat tomatoes. They are a good source of vitamins and can be a healthy part of their diet. However, the green parts of the tomato plant are toxic to hamsters and should never be given to them.
98	Do hamsters play dead?	Yes, hamsters can play dead when they are extremely scared or stressed. This is a natural defense mechanism. If you see your hamster playing dead, it’s important to ensure that it’s not in a stressful environment.
99	Can hamsters eat grapes?	Yes, hamsters can eat grapes. They are a good source of vitamins and can be a healthy part of their diet. However, due to their high sugar content, grapes should only be fed in moderation. Also, the grape should be chopped into small pieces to prevent choking.
100	How do hamsters drink water?	Hamsters typically drink water from a water bottle that hangs on the side of their cage. They use their teeth to drink from the bottle’s metal spout.
101	Can hamsters eat bread?	Yes, hamsters can eat a small amount of plain, whole grain bread. It can be a source of carbs but should not form a significant part of their diet as it doesn’t contain all the nutrients they need. It’s also important to ensure the bread is not mouldy as mould can be very harmful to hamsters.
102	Do hamsters like to run?	Yes, hamsters love to run. In the wild, hamsters travel several miles a night in search of food. Having a wheel in their cage allows them to exhibit this natural running behavior. It’s important to ensure the wheel is solid-surfaced (not wire) to prevent injuries.
103	Can hamsters eat cucumber?	Yes, hamsters can eat cucumber. Cucumber is hydrating and can be a refreshing treat for your hamster, especially in hot weather. However, it should be given in moderation as it’s not nutritionally dense.
104	How long do hamsters live?	The lifespan of a hamster can vary depending on the species and care it receives. Syrian hamsters live between 2 to 3 years, on average. Dwarf hamsters, including Roborovski and Campbell’s, live about 2 to 3 years on average. Chinese hamsters have a similar lifespan of 2 to 3 years.
105	Can hamsters eat banana?	Yes, hamsters can eat bananas. They are a good source of vitamins and can be a healthy part of their diet. However, due to their high sugar content, bananas should only be fed in moderation.
106	How big do hamsters get?	The size of a hamster can vary depending on the species. Syrian hamsters are the largest and can grow up to 6 or 7 inches long. Dwarf hamsters, including Roborovski and Campbell’s, are smaller and usually only grow to about 2 to 4 inches long. Chinese hamsters are usually between 3 to 5 inches long.
107	Can hamsters eat broccoli?	Yes, hamsters can eat broccoli. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals. However, due to its potential to cause gas and bloating, broccoli should only be fed in small amounts as an occasional treat.
108	How much do hamsters cost?	The cost of a hamster can vary depending on where you purchase it and the species. As of my knowledge cutoff in 2021, you might expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $20 for the hamster itself. However, there are additional costs for a cage, bedding, food, water bottle, toys, and any vet care that might be necessary.
109	Can hamsters eat chocolate?	No, hamsters should not eat chocolate. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to many pets including hamsters. Even a small amount can cause digestive upset and in larger quantities it can be life-threatening.
110	How often do hamsters need to be fed?	Hamsters generally need a small amount of food once a day. They have a habit of storing food in their cheek pouches and saving it for later. It is recommended to check and clean out their food storage area regularly to prevent spoilt food.
111	Can hamsters eat apples?	Yes, hamsters can eat apples. They are a good source of vitamins and can be a healthy part of their diet. However, the seeds contain a small amount of cyanide and should be removed before feeding apples to your hamster. Also, due to their sugar content, apples should only be fed in moderation.
112	Do hamsters need a wheel?	Yes, hamsters need a wheel. Hamsters are active and in the wild they would travel several miles each night. A wheel provides them with an opportunity for exercise. It’s important to ensure the wheel is of appropriate size and solid-surfaced (not wire) to prevent injuries.
113	Can hamsters eat strawberries?	Yes, hamsters can eat strawberries. They are a good source of vitamins and can be a healthy part of their diet. However, due to their high sugar content, strawberries should only be fed in moderation.
114	Do hamsters need to be in pairs?	This can depend on the species. Syrian hamsters are solitary and must live alone. Dwarf hamsters, including Roborovski and Campbell’s, and Chinese hamsters can live in same-sex pairs or small groups if introduced properly and from a young age, but they can also live happily alone. However, it’s always important to monitor for signs of aggression and have a separate cage available if necessary.
115	Can hamsters eat lettuce?	Yes, hamsters can eat lettuce, particularly darker, leafy varieties like romaine lettuce. Iceberg lettuce, however, has very little nutritional value and can cause diarrhea if given in large amounts, so it’s best avoided.
116	How often do hamsters sleep?	Hamsters are crepuscular, which means they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk and tend to sleep during the day and night. However, the exact amount of sleep can vary from hamster to hamster.