Syrian
Hamster
SHOPPING LIST
The standard for pet care
The Vet Assured Program includes:
•Specific standards our vendors agree to
meet in caring for and observing pets for
common illnesses.
•Specific standards for in-store pet care.
•The PetSmart Promise: If your pet becomes ill
during the initial 14-day period, or if you’re not
satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly
replace the pet or refund the purchase price.
HEALTH
New surroundings and environments can be
stressful for pets. Prior to handling your pet, give
her 3-4 days to adjust to her new surroundings
while monitoring her behavior for any signs of
excessive stress or illness.
THINGS TO WATCH FOR
• Cloudy, sunken or swollen eyes
• Overgrown front teeth
• Bare patches in the fur
• Diarrhea or discolored droppings
• Lethargic behavior
• Weight loss; not eating or drinking normally
• Sneezing; discharge from the eyes, nose
or mouth
If you notice any of the signs described above,
speak with a PetSmart store associate or small
animal veterinarian about the health of your pet.
Step 1: Habitat
Minimum cage size is 12x12x12"; multilevel
homes are preferred.
Water bottle
Food bowl
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: BEGINNER
Step 2: Exercise & Chew
Hide house
Exercise wheel
Exercise ball
Wood chew toys
Step 3: Care
Bedding and Grooming
Paper bedding or wood shavings
Nesting material
Shampoos and sprays
Brushes
Small animal habitat cleaning solutions
Nutrition
Lifespan: Average 2 years
Size:
5-7” (13-18 cm) body
octurnal, most likely
Habitat: N
to be active at night
Housing: Alone
Fortified Hamster diet
Treats or treat sticks
Fresh fruits and veggies
Shop for your small pet in
Mineral wheel
3 Simple Steps
Habitat
2 Exercise
& Chew
3
Pick a type
Add play
& hide toys
Choose
bedding,
food & more
1
This care guide contains general information
for the proper care of your pet, but is not
comprehensive. For more information, visit
petsmart.com and other educational material.
SPC_SMP_CRGD_008
Mesocricetus auratus
©2012 PetSmart Store Support Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PETSMART & Bouncing Ball
Designs and VET ASSURED are trademarks of PetSmart Store Support Group, Inc.
Care
PetSmart® Care Guides were developed and approved by
PetSmart veterinarians. For more information on the care of
Syrian Hamsters or other pets, visit
petsmart.com/careguides
STEP 1 Habitat
STEP 3 Care
STEP 3 Care
Housing
•Multilevel homes are preferred since they provide
additional space for exercising
e
•Provide
Bedding
Nutrition and Tips
• Syrian Hamsters are herbivores and seeds should
be an additive or treat, not their primary food.
• Cedar shaving is not recommended for
small pets.
•Food should always be placed in a bowl and
not directly on the bedding to avoid accidental
ingestion of the bedding.
• Your Syrian Hamster needs a home large enough
for a a food bowl and B water bottle, a hiding
area and an exercise wheel. There should be
plenty of room for all cage accessories, and for
your hamster to move around freely.
lots of clean, paper bedding or wood
shavings. Line the home with 1 - 2” of bedding.
• Bedding should be spot cleaned weekly
and completely changed monthly.
• Minimum cage size is 12x12x12" with wire spacing no larger than ½" apart.
•Hamsters will shred nesting material and
make sleep areas. Paper or cotton fabrics are
acceptable.
Cage Placement
• Place the habitat in a cool 65-75º F (18-24º C),
low humidity area, out of direct sunlight.
• Clean the habitat with small animal cleaning
solutions only.
These items are essential for your Syrian Hamster’s
comfort, health and well-being.
Wood Chew Toys
• Your Syrian Hamster’s front teeth never stop
growing, so your pet will need lots of healthy
things to chew on like treat sticks and wood
chews. Chew toys should be available at all times.
•Water must be available in the cage at all times
and food and water bowls/bottles should be
cleaned once daily.
Dietary Guidelines
Pelleted diets
Refresh food daily keeping
the bowl approximately
¾ full. Pelleted food should
be 75% of diet.
Vegetables
Dark, leafy greens
(kale, collard,
mustard, dandelion,
escarole) and
vegetables (zucchini,
broccoli, squash,
shredded carrots)
Every other day; should
constitute 15% of diet.
Offer only enough to be
consumed in four hours.
Fruits
Papaya, banana,
melon
Once weekly; should only
constitute 5% of diet.
Remove after four hours.
Treats
Raisins, seed and
alfalfa hay
Treats should be offered
sparingly; once to twice
weekly and should be no
more than 5% of the diet.
a
c
e
d
Feeding Guidlines
Prepared
Diets*
B
Exercise Wheel
C
• Remember hamsters are nocturnal and may use
the exercise wheel after your bedtime. Syrian
Hamsters also enjoy running in an exercise ball
when outside of the habitat.
Hide House
hide houses should be cleaned regularly.
Edible homes give the additional benefit of
encouraging normal chewing behavior.
•Mineral wheels should be provided in the habitat.
Examples
STEP 2 Exercise & Chew
•Plastic
d
continued
*Pelleted diets are fortified with optimal levels of
vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D3 for the health
of your pet. Pelleted diets may also have additives to support
digestive health.
Traits and Behaviors
Easily Startled
•Be careful, especially when waking your pet. If
startled, your pet may bite. Take extra care when
awakening your hamster and always handle your
pet gently.
Exercise
•Syrian Hamsters have tons of energy and need to
run on a wheel in their habitat, or in an exercise
ball daily.
Clean
• You’ll notice your Syrian Hamster grooming
frequently while awake.
Safety and Cleanliness
Use caution when handling pets and remember
that all pets may bite or scratch especially when
stressed. Handle your hamster gently; scoop your
pet up in both hands and hold against your body
with cupped hands. Remember to never grab
your hamster’s fur or tail. Supervise children
around pets.
Pets may transmit disease to humans; be sure to
wash your hands before and after handling your
pet or cleaning their home.