The hamster
Solitary, nocturnal, to be respected
The hamster is nocturnal and, unlike the guinea pig, lives alone: putting two hamsters together ends in fighting. He is a short-lived animal that needs a large space in which to dig.
| Life expectancy | 2 to 3 years |
|---|---|
| Social life | Strictly solitary |
| Level required | Beginner |
| Legal framework | No permit required — find out more |
Its essential needs
- The largest possible cage with a deep layer of bedding to dig in (far more than in shop-bought cages).
- A solid wheel of a good diameter, with no bars.
- One individual per cage only.
- Respect for his rhythm: he should not be woken in the middle of the day.
Key health points
- He does not live long (2 to 3 years) and hides illness by instinct. Every change counts: he turns away from his food, stays curled up, drinks much more, or stops digging. In such a small animal, a few days are enough for the situation to become serious — see a vet early rather than waiting.
- He carries his food in two pouches inside his cheeks (the cheek pouches). They can become blocked or infected, especially with sticky foods. A cheek that stays swollen, soft or smelly after a meal must be shown to a vet.
- Tumours are common at the end of life. Any lump that appears or grows deserves an opinion: some can be operated on successfully if they are caught while small.
In Switzerland: no permit required No permit required, but keeping is subject to the TSchV requirements on living conditions: minimum space, social contact, and appropriate feeding and care. Legal framework in detail →
A word from the Au Furet practice A hamster filling his cheek pouches with food is not hoarding out of greed: it is an instinct to carry food back to his nest.
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