The "To Keep Up" Wiki

The size of the cage you need depends on the number of hamsters and their species, as some require more space than others:

• For One Hamster:
  • Minimum floor space: 450 square inches (e.g., 24“ x 18.75”).
  • Larger is always better, as hamsters are active and need space to explore.
• For Two Hamsters:
  • If you’re housing dwarf hamsters (e.g., Roborovski or Campbell's), they can sometimes live together. You’ll need at least 600 square inches of floor space and multiple hiding spots to avoid territorial conflicts.
  • Syrian hamsters must always be housed alone, as they are highly territorial.

• Ensure the bars are close enough to prevent escape:
  • Dwarf hamsters: ≤ 0.25 inches.
  • Syrian hamsters: ≤ 0.5 inches.

• Bin cages (DIY plastic storage containers): Affordable and spacious.
• Glass aquariums: Provide great visibility and prevent escapes.
• Wire cages: Suitable but must meet size and bar spacing requirements.

• Include the following:
  • An exercise wheel (minimum size: 8 inches for dwarfs, 10–12 inches for Syrians).
  • Tunnels and chew toys for enrichment.
  • Plenty of bedding for digging.

Hamsters need a balanced diet consisting of pellets, seeds, fresh vegetables, and occasional treats. Here's what you should consider when feeding your hamster:

• High-quality hamster pellets or lab blocks:
  • These provide a balanced and complete diet with the necessary vitamins and minerals.
  • Avoid seed-only mixes as they can lead to selective eating and nutritional deficiencies.
  • Brands to consider: Oxbow Essentials, Kaytee Forti-Diet, Higgins Sunburst (with pellets).

• If you use seed mixes, ensure they include pellets for balance.
• Avoid sugary or fatty seeds like sunflower seeds as a primary food source.

• Safe options: Carrot, cucumber, broccoli, zucchini, spinach, kale, bell peppers.
• Serve small, bite-sized pieces 2–3 times per week.
• Avoid: Onion, garlic, potato, and citrus fruits (toxic or too acidic).

• Safe options: Apple (no seeds), banana, blueberry, grape, strawberry.
• Serve sparingly due to sugar content (once or twice a week).

• Hamsters benefit from protein-rich foods:
  • Cooked egg (small piece).
  • Mealworms (dried or fresh).
  • Boiled chicken (unseasoned).

• Toxic foods: Chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, raw beans, avocado, and citrus fruits.
• Sugary treats: Avoid sweetened foods to prevent diabetes, especially in dwarf hamsters.

• Frequency: Provide fresh food daily in small quantities. Hamsters will hoard food, so check their stash regularly to remove spoiled items.
• Fresh Water: Always provide clean water in a bottle or bowl.

Sand baths are an excellent way to help hamsters keep their fur clean and healthy. Hamsters naturally enjoy rolling and digging in sand, and a sand bath can mimic their wild behavior. Here's what you need to know:

• Cleans Fur: Sand removes excess oils and dirt from the hamster's fur, keeping it soft and healthy.
• Natural Behavior: Hamsters love burrowing and rolling in the sand, which can reduce stress and provide enrichment.
• Prevents Over-Grooming: A sand bath satisfies your hamster’s grooming instincts, reducing excessive licking or scratching.

• Chinchilla Bath Sand: Specifically designed for small animals and safe for hamsters.
• Children’s Play Sand: If properly sterilized and dust-free, it can be an affordable option.
• Reptile Sand: Ensure it is non-calcium-based and free of dyes or additives.

• Dusty Substances: Sand labeled as “dust” (like chinchilla dust) can irritate a hamster’s respiratory system.
• Scented Sand: Fragrances can be harmful to hamsters.
• Beach Sand: It can contain harmful salt, bacteria, and other contaminants.

• Choose a Container:
  • Use a shallow dish, a small ceramic bowl, or a plastic container.
  • Ensure the container is large enough for your hamster to roll around but shallow enough for easy access.
• Add Sand:
  • Fill the container with about 1–2 inches of sand.
• Placement:
  • Place the sand bath in the hamster’s cage, ideally in an area where they won’t kick bedding into it.
• Duration:
  • You can leave the sand bath in the cage permanently for dwarf hamsters.
  • For Syrians, offer it a few times a week as they use it less frequently.

• Check the sand daily for soiling, such as urine or feces.
• Replace the sand completely every 1–2 weeks or sooner if it gets dirty.
• Wash the container before refilling with fresh sand.

• Monitor your hamster’s behavior to ensure they enjoy and use the sand bath.
• Some hamsters may eat small amounts of sand, which is usually harmless, but excessive ingestion could indicate a problem.