All you need to know for a happy and healthy hamster

Welcome to Happy Hamster

 

We know there is a ton of information out there about how to care for small animals. Not every source is useful or gives the correct advice. Why should you trust us?

This project is brought to you by Tori Peterson-Keyser, an Anthrozoology Master’s Student at Canisius College. This was part of a semester-long animal welfare project to research the welfare implications of hamsters in pet homes. Tori identified the sources of poor and positive welfare and has made the findings accessible to pet hamster parents.

 

Learn what matters to your hamster

Hamsters have basic needs such as food and water, but did you know that hamsters need exercise and enrichment?

Enrichment is when we engage the hamster’s senses and natural behaviors to improve their lives.

It can be as easy as having deeper bedding in the bottom of their cage or spreading their food around their cage instead of using one bowl!

DID YOU KNOW?

  • HAMSTERS DON'T LIKE THE COLOR RED

    When given the chance, hamsters will avoid red huts, wheels, and other cage decor.

  • HAMSTERS MUST HAVE WHEELS FOR EXERCISE

    Hamsters that don’t have wheels high levels of stress when they don’t have access to an appropriate size wheel

  • HAMSTERS SLEEP DURING THE DAY AND ARE AWAKE AT NIGHT

    Hamsters are nocturnal, meaning that they are most active at night and sleep during the day.