Hamsters thrive on a balanced diet that includes commercial hamster food, fresh veggies, seeds, and nuts. Avoid sugary or citrus foods.

It's important to spot clean daily and do a full cage clean every 1-2 weeks to ensure a hygienic and safe environment.

Use soft, absorbent bedding like paper-based materials or aspen shavings. Avoid pine or cedar, as they can be harmful.

Hamsters are active and need plenty of exercise. A large, secure wheel and tunnels in their habitat, along with supervised out-of-cage time, are ideal.

Provide a balanced diet, keep their living space clean, and offer plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Regular checkups with a vet can catch potential issues early.

Absolutely! Hamsters need chewing toys to wear down their teeth, as well as climbing and exploring toys to keep them entertained and enriched.

Syrian hamsters must live alone due to their territorial nature, while dwarf hamsters may tolerate companions if introduced properly.

Hamsters typically live between 2-3 years, though this can vary depending on species and care.

Stress in hamsters can show through excessive chewing, lethargy, or aggression. Ensure they have a peaceful, enriched environment, and avoid loud noises or excessive handling.

Hamsters need a large cage with plenty of space to burrow, climb, and explore. A minimum of 24 x 12 inches is recommended, though bigger is always better.

Choose a small, secure, and well-ventilated carrier specifically designed for small animals. Look for one that’s easy to clean, has a secure lid, and provides limited visibility to reduce stress. It should have a non-slip base, and lining it with soft bedding and a familiar hide will make your pet feel safer.

While a cardboard box might seem like a quick fix, it’s not ideal for traveling as hamsters can easily chew through it. It’s also not secure or well-ventilated. A proper small pet carrier is always a safer choice for your pet's comfort and security.

Line the carrier with soft bedding and add a little bit of familiar substrate from their home cage to make the environment smell like “home.” Adding a hideout, like a cardboard tube or small house, will give your hamster a sense of security. Avoid adding too many items to ensure your hamster has space to move.

If the journey is short, it’s usually best not to feed your hamster to avoid any digestive issues from travel stress. However, you can add a small piece of cucumber or other hydrating vegetables to keep them hydrated. If it’s a longer trip, you can scatter some of our specialised forages, available at www.guineagourmettreats.co.uk, to provide enrichment and comfort during the journey.

Keep noise and movement to a minimum. Avoid loud music, and try to drive smoothly without sudden stops or turns. Covering part of the carrier with a light cloth can help reduce visual stress without blocking airflow. Your hamster will feel more relaxed in a quiet, stable environment.

Regular cages are not suitable for travel as they are often too large, not secure enough, and can cause injury if your hamster slides around during movement. A dedicated travel carrier provides a safer, more controlled environment during transport.

A hamster can stay in a travel carrier for a few hours as long as it is comfortable, has access to air, and isn’t exposed to extreme temperatures. For longer journeys, ensure regular checks, and provide access to water and a small amount of fresh food or vegetables to prevent dehydration.

It’s best not to have an open water bottle or bowl in the carrier, as these can spill and cause wet bedding, which can chill your hamster. If needed, you can provide a small slice of hydrating vegetables like cucumber for short-term hydration during travel.

Signs of stress include heavy breathing, staying frozen in place, or frantic attempts to escape. Keeping the environment calm, quiet, and ensuring the carrier feels secure will help minimize these reactions. Monitoring your hamster closely can help you gauge when they need a break.

Extreme temperatures can be dangerous for small pets. In hot weather, keep the carrier out of direct sunlight, and ensure the car is cool before placing your pet inside. In cold weather, ensure the carrier is insulated and the car is warm before travel. Always check temperatures in the car regularly to keep your pet comfortable.