The hamster is a companion animal with nocturnal habits that, in general, we can keep in any home in a simple way. But this does not imply that you do not need a minimum to guarantee your well-being. In this article on our site we will talk about the essential hamster accessories that we must have at home if we want to receive one of these small rodents. As we will see, a sufficient and safe space, shelter and toys that allow him to exercise are the basics.
The hamster's quarters
The first accessory for hamsters that we have to do is a cage The recommendation is to choose the largest possible according to the space which is available. Hamsters like to have different compartments to eat or rest, hence they feel more comfortable on a larger surface and, in addition, they can carry out all the physical activity they need for their well-being.
In any case, the cage should never measure less than 40-50 cm in length by the same width. Also watch the separation between the bars so that the hamster cannot hurt itself. There are plastic cages for sale that are complete with different tubular modules that increase the available space and provide places for hiding and mobility. At least it is recommended that the cage has several heights.
On the other hand, on the floor of the cage we must have a bedding or substrate It can be made of cellulose, shavings or vegetable fiber and You have to spread a layer several centimeters thick. Choose specific products for hamsters to make sure they are not toxic or raise dust that could be harmful to their he alth. It will do its business in this bed, so it will have to be cleaned and replaced periodically.
Finally, a basic of the cage is the casita-refugio that the hamster will use to rest, protect itself from light or hide of some danger. There are plenty of models for sale both to fix on the floor of the cage and to hang. They are made of different materials such as wood, cloth or hay. Make sure they are non-toxic, as the hamster will gnaw on them. If they are made of fabric, they must be able to be washed. In this other article we talk in depth about this hamster accessory: "Hamster houses".
Hamster feeding accessories
We might think that the hamster doesn't need a feeder and it's okay to leave the food in the cage, but the truth is that using a dish is highly recommended and, of course, a drinker is an essential accessory for hamsters.
As for the feeder, although it is not uncommon for the hamster to take his food and carry it away and hide it, it is good to have concentrated in one spot so you know where to find it. There are feeders of different materials. We recommend opting for ceramic, easy to clean, durable and heavy enough not to tip over. Some feeders include clips to secure them to the cage.
Regarding the drinker, a plate is not the best idea. The hamster must have access to clean water 24 hours a day and it is very easy for a dish to get dirty and spill, also spoiling the bed. That is why those known as bottles or inverted bottles are considered the best option. They are attached to the bars of the cage at a comfortable height for the hamster to access and end in a stainless steel nozzle through which the water comes out drop by drop when the hamster sucks it. The bottle is usually made of transparent plastic, so that we always control the content and can easily disassemble it to clean and refill.
Get to know all the care a hamster needs in this complete guide.
Hamster hygiene accessories
Hamsters are very clean animals that spend time grooming their fur. They do not need or recommend that we bathe them, but it is good that, among the accessories for hamsters, we include a bathtub in which to put sand Hamsters enjoy bathing in sand.
As a bathtub we can find different containers that are usually made of plastic. You have to pay attention to the height of the edges so that all the sand does not come out as soon as the hamster enters. About 5-6 cm is a good measurement. On the other hand, the sand has to be specific for hamsters It is not suitable for cats or beaches, as it could contain toxic substances or raise too much dust.
Hamster Toys
The most abundant group of hamster accessories is toys. There are plenty of options on the market. As rodents that they are, hamsters will destroy many of the toys that we offer them, so it is important to have a reserve and renew them periodically. This way you will always be entertained. We will mention the basic toys to have in the welcome kit.
Thus, an essential that can not be missing in any cage is the famous wheel It is recommended a diameter of about 15-20 cm and better that they are whole, that is, without bars in which the hamster can hurt itself. On the other hand, if it leaves its cage, we can add to the accessories the so-called walking balls The hamster is protected inside and can explore its environment without exposing itself to any danger.
Since it is a rodent, the gnawing toys are other essentials in the hamster's trousseau. There are plenty to choose from. Make sure they are safe and completely edible. The bridges, hanging or not, the tunnels, the swings or the seesaws are toys and, at the same time, structural elements that add possibilities to the cage. You will find them in different materials and sizes.
Discover more toys in this other article: "The best toys for hamsters".
Hamster transport
Finally, it is not an essential hamster accessory, but it is a good idea to have a special carrier for these small rodents. In addition to the obvious transport, such as those we can make to the vet, it is used to keep the hamster in a safe place if, for example, we are cleaning its cage. It is true that we can use any box of the appropriate dimensions, but we must not forget that cardboard, wood or cloth are chewed by the hamster, offering much less security than plastic carriers.
Home accessories for hamsters
Not all accessories for our hamster have to be bought. In a homemade way we can also provide you with some accessories. Of course, we insist on the importance of always choosing non-toxic materials It is also important to pay attention to the size so that it is the right one for the hamster. Finally, it must be easy to clean. These three basics i.e. material, size and cleanliness should also be considered before purchasing any of the hamster accessories we have mentioned.
Let's look at some examples of home accessories:
- Cage: as a cage we can use an aquarium of sufficient size. You have to include the accessories that we have talked about and close it well above with mesh fine enough so that the hamster does not escape.
- Toys: at home you have a lot of possibilities. The star is the cardboard rolls of toilet or kitchen paper. You can ride with various tunnels as sophisticated as your imagination. Make sure that if you insert one into another they are not deformed so that the hamster can move comfortably through them. You can also hang them.
- Casitas-refugio: any box can become an excellent hiding place. An example is those of paper handkerchiefs. You can stick more than one to get different heights. If you pierce them, make sure the edges are smooth so the hamster doesn't get hurt. Easier still is to offer the empty shell of a coconut as a house.
- Stairs: with wooden sticks, like the ones for ice pops, you can build stairs and ramps just by gluing them with a non-stick glue. toxic. Depending on their length, you can hang them from side to side of the cage. Make sure the wood is not treated or painted. With a piece of wood and some ropes you get a swing.
