Hamsters are very small pets, but they will still need a few key items. Here we’ve created a list of what you will need for the first few weeks of hamster ownership, but if you would like some tips on providing care over the first few days then we’ve created a Bringing A Hamster Home page, which is full of advice.
You'll need some key pieces of equipment to look after a hamster
To get you through the first few weeks, you will need:
- A cage large enough for your species of hamster
- A food bowl
- A water bottle
- A suitably-sized exercise wheel
- Toys
- A sand bath
- Scales
- Food
- Bedding
- A hamster house
- Nail clippers
- Scales
- An exercise ball (optional)
- Chews or gnaws (optional)
- A carry-cage (optional)
- A wide-toothed comb (optional)
If you want to give your new pet as smooth a transition to their new home as you can, then you will probably want to set up all the equipment before your hamster comes home. All of the above things will help you provide your pet with what it needs to live a fun, healthy life. Although this equipment should be enough to get you through the first few weeks, it’s good to be aware that you may need more items as time goes on. For example, any pet can develop health problems that require medicines or treatment items.
All pets can sometimes develop health problems
If you suspect your hamster has a problem with its health, then we recommend you have a brief look through our ‘Hamster Illnesses’ section, and seek veterinary advice.
If you need more specific information concerning hamster needs, we’ve compiled many pages on multiple aspects of hamster ownership, from Hamster Health to Hamster Housing, to Hamster Food and Fun.
George, 1 May 2020
I am looking for a black and white male hamster