Hamster Essentials

Hamsters aren't a "simple" and "easy" pet. They require money and resources, lots of it. If you're thinking about getting a hamster, make sure you have the money for emergencies and monthly costs. Things you will need include:

• Funds for monthly costs such as bedding, food, forage, chews, etc.
• Funds for an exotic vet. Checkups can cost between $25-$100. Emergency visits can cost $100+. Nail trimmings are around $20.
• Someone who can take care of your hamster if you are gone.
• A carrier to bring them to the vet.
• An enclosure to live in, obviously.

For the enclosure you will need...

• a food bowl and a water dish/bottle
• a wheel (8 inches for a Robo, 8-10 for a dwarf, 12+ for a syrian)
• levels (platforms, bridges, branches from safe woods, etc)
• a container to put safe sand in (aka a sandbath)
• stilts or platforms for heavy objects
• hideouts (multi-chamber, ceramic, terracotta, etc)
• tunnels are optional but they do help as a burrow starter
• a dig box (coconut soil, terrarium soil, cork granules, etc) is optional but does help with enrichment
• an absolute minimum of 6 inches of bedding (paper, aspen, birch)
• pet-safe chews and toys
• food and water
• forage mixes and sprays