Things to Know When Keeping a Shih Tzu Bear Hamster

1 Feeding

Do not spoil it. These hamsters are easy keepers and rarely picky, but avoid indulging them or they grow fussier. When hungry they will eat leftovers and disliked food, so make sure they never eat spoiled food.

Control portions. Appetites vary, so learn yours and set amounts by its size. Feed a hamster mix and add lettuce, cabbage, carrot, sweet potato, or seeds in moderation; you can also make a balanced mix at home, but keep snacks minimal. They hoard food in their cheeks, so prevent stored food from spoiling and causing infection.

Feed small and often. They do not sense fullness, so use several small meals a day. Never give tap water—offer cooled, boiled water.

2 Housing and Environment

Prevent escapes. They are smart with good memory; once they slip out, they remember the route and escape often. Secure the cage door with wire so they cannot let themselves out.

Pick a roomy cage. They are larger than small dwarfs, so get a bigger cage—a spacious one if possible—and fit a large wheel for exercise. In heat, cool the room and add heat-dissipating items like a cooling tile. Use cat litter or tissue as bedding, not wood shavings, pellets, or paper pellets; these absorb urine and keep warmth.

Keep the temperature steady. They are very sensitive to temperature, and large swings—especially dangerous for the young—can be fatal. Adjust cooling and warming with the weather.

3 Chewing and Handling

Provide chew sticks made for hamsters, but never cheap, poor-quality ones, which harm their health.

Never put them up high. A high spot scares them and may make them jump down and get hurt.