Top 10 hamster care resources for kids
Learning to look after a hamster is a big job. These are the places Potato's family trusts.
By Potato’s family · Published
How we choose and check our recommendations
This is our family’s reading and viewing list. It is not an independent league table, and we include our own project. Nobody paid for a place. Children should explore external websites with a grown-up.
- 1
RSPCA: keeping hamsters as pets Charity guide (UK)
The animal charity explains what a hamster needs: a big home, the right food, and peace and quiet.
For grown-ups: The reference standard. Pages on environment, diet, behaviour, health and company. Read the environment page before buying a cage.
Read the guide - 2
Hamster care for kids at PotatoTheHamster (this site) Kids' guides + live cam
Ten short guides written for kids, with Potato's pictures, quick quizzes and a bit for grown-ups on every page.
For grown-ups: Our own pages, so of course we like them. Written for 6+, welfare-first, with the standards behind each rule in the "For grown-ups" box. Pair with the RSPCA pages above.
Open the guides
- 3
Blue Cross: caring for your hamster Charity guide (UK)
Clear pictures and short tips about homes, food and handling.
For grown-ups: Housing, diet, health and handling in plain language; good for a first read with a child.
Read the guide - 4
PDSA: hamsters as pets Vet charity guide (UK)
Written by vets. Tells you how to keep a hamster healthy.
For grown-ups: Vet-backed basics including health signs and when to see a vet.
Read the guide - 5
National Geographic Kids: wild hamsters Kids' magazine
Where do hamsters really come from? A fun story about wild hamsters.
For grown-ups: Genuinely kid-voiced; good for the "why does my hamster do that?" questions.
Read the article - 6
Victoria Raechel: Hamster Care playlist YouTube playlist
Lots of short videos that show, not just tell, how to care for a hamster.
For grown-ups: Around 90 videos: cage setup, taming, diet, health. Watch together and pause to talk.
Watch the playlist - 7
Looking After Hamsters (Usborne) Children's book
A picture book about hamster care that you can read by yourself.
For grown-ups: Usborne Pet Guides, ages 7+. Simple, accurate, illustrated.
See the book - 8
Care for Your Hamster (RSPCA Pet Guide) Children's book
A small book from the animal charity with everything a hamster needs.
For grown-ups: Compact, photo-led, written to RSPCA standards.
See the book - 9
Humane World for Animals: would a hamster make a good pet for you? Charity guide (US)
Helps you decide if a hamster is the right pet for your family.
For grown-ups: Formerly the Humane Society of the United States. Honest about the commitment involved.
Read the guide - 10
HamsterWelfare.com Welfare standards (UK)
Grown-ups' homework: why many cages in shops are too small.
For grown-ups: Advocacy site on enclosure and wheel sizes with references to UK welfare law. Read before buying equipment.
Read the site
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