Short-Haired Hamster

Description: Hamsters have been popular in the pet industry for a long time, and it's easy to see why. With their small stature and variety of different fur colors and patterns, there's so many to choose from! These tiny rodents don't need as much space as some of their larger rodent cousins, such as guinea pigs, and can be wonderful additions to the family. To learn everything about your Short-Haired Hamster, visit our Hamster Care Guide on our learning site!Species: Short–Haired HamsterNormal Pet Size at Maturity: Hamsters can grow between 3" to 7", depending on their breedAverage Lifespan: approximately 2yrsBasic Diet: For detailed information, please visit the Feeding your Hamster section of our Hamster Care Guide! Hamsters are omnivores in the wild and eat a variety of foods including seeds, nuts, plant vegetation and insects. A pelleted hamster diet is the most complete diet option for your hamster, with fresh food always available. Treats should be limited to low sugar options. NEVER feed your hamster: Grapes, onion, garlic, avocado or rhubarb, as these are toxic for your pet.Habitat Necessities: To learn more about your hamsters habitat, visit Setting up your Hamster Habitat section in our Care Guide! Line the habitat with about 4–6" of bedding, safe bedding includes shredded paper bedding or soft wood shavings, avoid pine, cedar and corn cob for beddingFully change out the bedding and deep clean the cage every 2 weeks. Insert your enrichment! Place your exercise wheel, your chew(s), hides and nesting materialInstead of normal water baths, Hamsters take dirt baths! Place a small dish with about 2–3 inches of bathing sand Does this Pet Need a Roommate? Pet hamsters do best living alone. Hamsters that live together are likely to fight and may seriously injure each other or themselves, regardless of gender.Minimum Enclosure Size: Solid–floored habitat or pen sized 350–450 sq inches or largerSafety Tips for You and Your Pet: It is recommended to closely monitor any new pet for 30 days in their own enclosure to observe signs of illness, prevent the spread of potential diseases, and to limit stress while your pet acclimates to their new home. All new pets should be seen by a veterinarian within 14 days of purchase to establish care and discuss a health and wellness plan. All animals can potentially carry viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases contagious to humans. Thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after contact with any pet or its habitat. Adults should assist children with hand washing after contact with a pet or its enclosure. Use caution when handling pets, and remember they may bite or scratch, especially when stressed.Vet Assured: Pets purchased at PetSmart are part of our exclusive Vet Assured program, designed by PetSmart veterinarians to help improve the health and well–being of our pets. Our vendors meet a high standard in caring for pets and screening them for common illnesses, including Zoonotic diseases. This program also includes specific standards for in–store pet care.When to Contact a Veterinarian: In addition to regularly scheduled appointments, contact your small animal veterinarian if you notice the following signs: cloudy, sunken or swollen eyes wheezing sneezing; discharge from the eyes, nose or mouth overgrown front teeth drooling inability to close mouth, food falling from mouth frequently not eating bare patches in the fur sores or swelling/changes to the feet weight loss; not eating or drinking normally diarrhea or discolored droppingsThe PetSmart Promise: If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14–day period, or if you're not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price.