Hamster Potty Training and Basic Care Tips

With the popularity of Zhu Zhu Pets, its not surprising children are asking for a real pet hamster of their own. Care and training of these fascinating critters is shared by parents and children. The rodent-like creature tunnels through thick bedding, stores food in hiding places and even saves treats for later in his expanding cheek pouches. Healthy and safe care practices teaches children responsibility while keeping the pet happy for his 2-to3-year life span.

Potty Training
Hamsters usually urinate in the same place each time they go. Often a corner of the cage is becomes a potty. Train a hamster to use a miniature litter pan by placing a hamster potty in the corner the hamster uses the most often. Fill the plastic pan with small animal litter (not clay-based like many cat litters) and top with urine soaked bedding and a few pieces of feces. Your hamster will soon get the idea and willingly use the potty. If he is slow to make the transition, place a treat in the potty so he explores the area.

Habitat Set-Up
House hamsters individually in a cage or aquarium approximately 10-gallons in size, according to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). After 10 weeks of age, hamsters are sexually mature and become aggressive to one another while trying to mate or dominate the habitat.

Use ceramic food bowls since hamsters will chew plastic dishes. Water bottles should be secured to the outside of the hamster cage, with only the metal nozzle exposed inside the cage. Curious hamsters will chew through plastic bottles, causing leaks.

Habitat Care
Line the bottom of the hamster cage with an absorbent substrate. Wood pulp-based or shredded paper bedding doesn't contain aromatic oils like wood shavings, which can cause upper respiratory problems. A hamster cage should be sanitized with a mild bleach water solution (10 parts water to 1 part bleach) once a week. Be sure to clean all accessories including the water bottle, food dish, play toys and cage ramps.

Physical Care
Hamster teeth grow like our fingernails. If they aren't trimmed or naturally worn down, they become overgrown, cause discomfort and difficulty eating. Always provide hard wooden or mineral-based chew treats for hamsters. Chewing on hard carrot sticks, firm apples and pecans inside the shell wear down hamster teeth naturally. Hamster toenails also require trimming. A small kitten nail clippers is appropriate. Have styptic power on hand incase the nail is trimmed too short and begins to bleed. Styptic powder will stop the blood flow.

Female Hamsters
Female hamsters often give off a pungent smell weekly as they come into season and prepare to mate. This odor is not a sign of illness or diarrhea, and is normal. Keep female hamsters in a well-ventilated area, as they may release this odor once every four days.

　

Sources and Recommended Reading:

Doctors Foster and Smith Pet Education: Golden Hamsters as Pets
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1799&aid=1617

Hamster Club: Hamster Potty Training
http://www.hamster-club.com/article.asp?ID=84

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Hamster Care
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/hamster-care.html

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