Pets

HAMSTER

Hamster with Stuffed Cheeks

Sasha (Piccolo)

He is 1 year old as of 5/4/2025 and might just be the least affectionate hamster in the world, but also the best behaved, having somehow trained himself. He lives comfortably in my closet and has a serious love for mealworms.

This tiny, furry creature might look like the perfect low-maintenance pet, but there’s more to hamster ownership than just a wheel and a cage. Owning a hamster can be ethical when you provide proper space, enrichment, and care tailored to their natural behaviors. However, it can become unethical if they’re kept in cramped cages, bought impulsively, or neglected due to misunderstandings about their needs.

There are several domesticated hamster breeds: Syrian hamsters are large and solitary, Dwarf Campbell’s Russians are social but skittish, Winter White Russians can change fur color with the seasons, Roborovskis are tiny and fast with low handling tolerance, and Chinese hamsters are long-tailed, calm, and less commonly kept as pets.

Three Fun facts about hamsters:

Hamsters are nocturnal, meaning they’re most active and make plenty of noise at night.

They can run up to 5 miles in a single night on their wheel!

Hamsters have cheek pouches that can stretch all the way to their shoulders to store food.

Why You Should Get a Hamster

Hamsters are adorable, low-maintenance pets compared to cats or dogs, making them great companions for busy people or small living spaces. They don’t need walks, grooming appointments, or constant attention, but still offer loads of personality and entertainment. Plus, watching them stuff their cheeks or zoom around at night is endlessly fun!

How to Read a Hamster’s Body Language

Hamster Supplies on a Budget

Bin Cage

This is a budget-friendly, spacious, and customizable alternative to store-bought hamster cages, which are often too small. With the right setup, it offers better ventilation, more room to burrow, and meets ethical housing standards for your hamster.
🔗 Tutorial: How to Make a Bin Cage (Victoria Raechel on YouTube)
$20

Water Bottle

This is the safest and cleanest way to keep your hamster hydrated.
You can use a water bottle or a small, shallow glass dish, low enough to prevent drowning, as both help reduce spills, keep bedding dry, and lower the risk of contamination.
$0

Hideout and Chew Toys

Hamsters need hideouts to feel safe and secure; as prey animals, they love cozy spaces to sleep and de-stress. Chew toys are equally important because their teeth never stop growing, and chewing helps prevent painful dental issues. To stay on budget, you can use hard cardboard for both hideouts and chew toys.
$0

Food

A healthy hamster diet includes mouse and rat pellets, Sunburst seeds (in moderation), fresh veggies like carrots and cucumbers, and fruits like apples (without seeds) every few days. Buying in bulk is cheaper, and they last around a year.
$30

Paper Bedding

Paper Bedding is an excellent choice for hamsters as it’s absorbent, soft, and safe, providing a comfortable and hygienic environment while reducing odors and preventing respiratory issues often associated with wood-based bedding.
$10

Running Wheel

A running wheel is a must-have for hamsters, and the Niteangel wheel is highly recommended due to its silent design, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep for you while providing your hamster with the exercise they need. You definitely won’t regret it!
$45

Looking to Get a Hamster?

Adopting a hamster is a more ethical choice because it gives a second chance to animals that were surrendered, neglected, or rescued from poor conditions, often due to impulse buying or misinformation. Instead of supporting mass breeding and pet mills, adoption helps reduce overpopulation and promotes responsible pet ownership.

Adopt Now