There are many varieties of hamsters, however, the traditional short and long hair are the most common pets. Hamsters are nocturnal, meaning that they are active mainly at night. It is not a good idea to wake sleeping hamsters as they may give your hand a nip! Also, hamsters are solitary animals and should be kept alone as adults. Hamsters are clean, odorless, and entertaining pets, but it is important to remember that they should only be handled in the evening when they are active.

Hamsters have large cheek pouches that they use to transport food from one location to another. Feeding: Any high quality hamster food is recommended. As with all animals, clean, fresh water should be available at all times. While green vegetables such as dark green lettuce and sprouts are a welcome addition to their diet, they should be served sparingly because they have a high moisture content.

Recommended treats include small pieces of apples and carrots. Fresh food that is served and not eaten within 24 hours should be removed from the cage as it will spoil. You can also add small amounts of plain oats (oatmeal) to their food, this is a supplement that adds needed fiber and a treat for the hamsters.

Please remember that adult hamsters should be housed alone, they are solitary animals.The decision on where to place a hamster cage should be made carefully. Hamsters require a quiet place during the day, and a place where they can be noisy in the evening. They should be kept in an area that stays cool, approx. 68 degrees, and with low humidity. If you are using a glass aquarium, please watch the heat and humidity carefully as tanks can tend to get too warm. Kaytee Aspen bedding is the recommended bedding in the cage or aquarium. Also, do not place the cage in direct sunlight or in an area that is drafty. A food dish is needed, although the hamster will just remove the food and stash it in another location. A water bottle, and a small box or house should also be in the habitat. Also, a hamster exercise wheel is a necessity in order to meet the high energy level of this nocturnally active pet. As with all animals, a nervous handler will communicate this to the hamster. All handling should be done as gently and quietly as possible. In general, hamsters do not like to be handled a lot.

All rodents have incisor teeth that constantly grow. In a captive environment, these teeth can grow to a length that makes it difficult to the animal to eat. To prevent this, an abrasive gnawing material (such as a chew stick or chew treat) should be provided at all times. As stated before, since hamsters are nocturnal they may not be suited for a small child who wants to handle and play with them during the day. Again, hamsters like to live alone and are protective of what they consider to be "theirs." Do not put your fingers in their nest or "special area" as you may have a finger nipped.

A healthy hamster should have a well rounded body, bright eyes, and a blunt nose. Ears should be set well apart and be uncreased or upright when the animal is fully awake. The coat should be even with no bare patches. Baby hamsters are called cubs and are weaned at 3-4 weeks of age.