Paw Post · Small pets
Hamsters: the tiny friends who wake up at night
Hamsters are small, but their needs are big. Let's meet this little night-time digger.
A night animal
Hamsters sleep during the day and play, run and dig in the evening and at night. Don't wake a sleeping hamster — it may get scared and bite. Its wheel can be noisy, so it's best not to keep the cage right next to your bed.
Alone or with friends?
The most common pet hamster, the Syrian (golden) hamster, must live alone. Two Syrian hamsters in one cage will fight and can hurt each other. For them, this isn't loneliness — it's their nature.
A good hamster home
- A cage with a large floor and a deep layer of bedding to dig in.
- A solid (not barred) running wheel that's the right size for it.
- A little house to hide and sleep in.
- Wooden chews, because its teeth grow all its life.
More from Paw Post
-
Reptiles
Tortoises and turtles: a friend who may outlive you
Tortoises and turtles are calm and fascinating, but caring for them is harder than it looks — and lasts for decades.
2 min read
-
Health
For a healthy friend: vaccines, microchips and the vet
Animals often hide their pain. Regular vet check-ups, vaccines and a microchip are the best ways to protect them.
2 min read
-
Care
Hot summers and noisy fireworks: staying safe all year
Summer heat, fireworks and winter cold can be dangerous for animals. A few simple steps will keep your friends safe.
2 min read