We follow TVT recommendations when it comes to enclosure size and we will not adopt any hamster out to an enclosure that does not have at least 100x50cm / 5000cm2 floorspace. 

This footprint must be made up by one level (2 levels of 2500cm2 wont suffice) and must be tall enough to fit an appropriately sized wheel with deep bedding under it, this usually means 50cm tall as a minimum.

All enclosures should be secure from children and other pets and they MUST have a secure lid. 

A correctly sized running wheel is an essential part of enrichment for your hamster. Your wheel must have a solid running surface without deep ridges. 
 

Minimum sizes by species: Syrian & Chinese 28cm - Hybrid Dwarf/Roborovski 20cm

Your hamster must be able to run on their wheel without their back arching upwards. The sizes mentioned are the minimum for each species however larger hamsters may need bigger wheels, we will advise you if the hamster you are looking to adopt needs something out of the norm.

Hamsters are ground dwellers and enjoy burrowing. In the wild they create complex burrow systems underground and as domestic pets we need to provide an environment for them to continue this behaviour. 

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We require a minimum of 8" of bedding throughout your enclosure. We will make an exception in a small area if the bedding needs to be lowered slightly to allow for the wheel. 

Your main substrate must be safe and hold burrows well.  

Take a look at our substrate guide for suitable options.

Hamsters do not bathe in the traditional way you would expect, instead they use sand to keep their fur clean. 

Provide your hamster with a large sand bath that they can roll and dig in. You should choose a calcium free, dye free, dust free sand - reptile desert sand is a good option.

You should leave the sand bath in your enclosure 24/7. 

In the wild hamsters would create a complex burrow system and use the different chambers for different purposes, sleeping, storing food and going to the toilet. Hamster care has come a long way and a range of products now exist that allow us to mimic a hamsters natural environment. 

You should offer your hamster a main sleeping hide with soft nesting material. Ideally this will be some form of multi-chamber hide. 

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*Note* we have found some dwarf hamsters prefer smaller hides to make their nest in but we will always advise you of specific preferences once you have chosen a hamster to adopt. 

As well as being a natural addition to your hamsters diet, sprays also offer enrichment and ground cover. 

Popular sprays include sorghum, flax, panicle millet, oat, amaranth, pagima grass and delicha millet. 

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Ensure you have a variety of sprays in your enclosure prior to adoption day.

Dig boxes are a great form of enrichment for your hamster and can keep them busy for hours with a few simple seeds scattered inside. 

The boxes can come in many different forms from purpose built luxury wooden boxes to a simple cardboard box. 

Fill your dig boxes with items like beech chips, coco soil, cork granules, floral/leaf forage, willow bark or coconut chips.

Ensure you have at least one dig box in you enclosure prior to adoption day.

As prey animals hamsters benefit from a cluttered enclosure and we recommend you fit in as much enrichment as you can to help them feel safe and keep them entertained. We require at least 5 additional hides and tunnels in your enclosure. 

Hides and tunnels come in many different forms, ceramic hides, wooden houses, birch tunnels and cork logs to name a few. If you are crafty you can even DIY your own from safe wood and cardboard. 

Remember to carefully consider the size, syrians must have openings at least 7cm diameter and dwarf species 5.5cm diameter.

Platforms are an essential part of every enclosure and we suggest you invest in several. Once your hamster starts creating their complex burrow system your platforms will hold up heavy items and keep your hamster safe from a burrow collapse. 

Use your platforms for items such as your wheel, sand bath and heavy ceramic hides. 

As well as burrowing and dig box substrates, natural items like cork logs, grape vine branches or rough stones help simulate your hamsters natural habitat and offers them an environment to thrive.

In addition these items also offer other benefits. They act as ground cover/clutter to help your hamster feel safe in their enclosure, They can also help keep your hamsters nails trim. 

We need to offer a food mix that is tailored to the species of hamster we keep. We strongly recommend you taking a look at our DIET page to learn more about which staple food mixes are best.

We will send away a small amount of food with our rescues on adoption day. This will almost always be a Getzoo species specific seed mix. 

We always suggest you offer two water sources to your hamster in case one is compromised. Water bowls offer a natural drinking position for your hamster but should be small and shallow enough that your hamster doesn't end up in the bowl! A bowl will need to be placed on a solid surface like a platform or on top of a MCH. 

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We will advise you if your chosen hamster has a preference to a water bottle or bowl.

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Water should be changed daily. 

Hand feeding a few tasty treats is a great way to build a bond between hamster and human. It's good to have some healthy options like pumpkin seeds to help you in your first month or taming and bonding with your hamster. Take a look at our DIET page for some inspiration.

There will be a selection of small hand feeding treats in your welcome pack to get you started. 

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Treat's should always be fed in moderation and access should be limited in conjunction with any weight gain you see from your hamster. 

Your hamsters teeth will grow continuously through their lifetime and as such it's important to provide them with opportunities to gnaw and grind their teeth down. 

Whimzees are a favourite for hamsters along with things like safe wooden chews, loofa, apple wood sticks or dandelion root. 

Chews also provide a form of enrichment for your hamster so try to ensure they have at least a couple of option in their enclosure at all times. 

Whether you are collecting your hamster or having them delivered you will need a carrier on hand right away. Hopefully it is never needed but it's essential to be able to get to the vet quickly in an emergency or be able to evacuate your hamster from the home in an emergency. 

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It's a good idea to keep your carrier ready to go with bedding and a small hide.