Hamster care for kids · 3 min read
Is my hamster happy?
You cannot ask a hamster how he feels. But you can watch. Here is what to look for.
Happy signs
- Bright, clean eyes.
- Soft, smooth fur.
- Eats every day and stores food.
- Runs on the wheel and digs in the evening.
- Stretches and yawns when he wakes up.
- Grooms himself (washes his face with his paws).
Tell a grown-up if…
- He stops eating or drinking.
- His bottom is wet or dirty. This is an emergency for hamsters.
- He sneezes, or his nose or eyes are wet.
- He has a lump, a bald patch, or scratches a lot.
- He limps, or sits still in a corner in the evening.
- He bites the bars all the time or climbs the same spot over and over.
A grown-up should call a vet the same day if he stops eating or has a wet bottom.
A grown-up can help
Watch quietly and notice his usual habits.
Tell a grown-up when something seems different.
Never give medicine from your own cupboard.
Boredom is not fun
A bored hamster is not a happy hamster.
Bar biting, running the same track, and climbing the walls can mean he needs a bigger home or more to do.
Deep bedding, tubes, dried flowers and hidden seeds make every night an adventure.
Potato's quick quiz
True or false? Tap to see the answer.
A wet bottom is nothing to worry about.
Nope. A wet bottom can be a serious illness. Tell a grown-up straight away.
A happy hamster runs and digs in the evening.
True! Running, digging and eating are all happy signs.
Biting the bars means a hamster is having fun.
Nope. It usually means he is bored or his home is too small.
Questions kids ask
How do I know my hamster loves me?
He comes to your hand, takes food from you, and does not run away. That is hamster love.
My hamster sleeps a lot. Is he ill?
Sleeping in the day is normal. If he is not up and eating in the evening, tell a grown-up.
What is wet tail?
A serious tummy illness. The hamster gets a wet, dirty bottom. A vet must see him the same day.