faq

06/30/03: I'm leaving for the weekend. Can I leave my hamster at home?
You CAN leave your hamster alone for two or three days without getting someone to come in to take care of it. Hamsters are very independent creatures! Food shouldn't be a problem: if you put a handful of dry food in the cage before you leave it should last until you come back. Hamsters will never "over-eat", so you don't have to worry about this. Do not put any fresh food in the cage.

Water, however, is more of a problem: a hamster can become dehydrated if it goes for more than a day without water. Double-check that the water bottle is working before you leave, and it is suggested that another full one is attached to the cage as well, in case the first one stops working. If your hamster has a habit of knocking water bottles so that they stop working, you will have to find a way of fixing the bottle so your hamster can't do this while you are gone (lots of thick metal wires work well!).

Also, make sure the temperature of the house stays constant while you are gone, that the door is securely closed on the cage, and that other pets stay out of the room your hamster is in.

05/17/03: My two dwarf hamsters are fighting. Should I separate them?
Two recently acquired dwarf hamsters will often squabble to establish dominance. This type of fighting is usually no more than loud squeaking and will not result in severe injury. After a few days the fighting should stop. If injury results at any point (especially if blood is drawn) or if the fighting hasn't stopped within a week and is becoming more and more aggressive, the hamsters should be separated.

If you are keeping a male and a female hamster, the female may become pregnant. Pregnant hamsters can be very aggressive towards the males, but should be kept with them for as long as possible. Make sure the male has plenty of places to hide!

Frequently Asked Questions