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Congratulations on deciding to bring a hamster into your family! Make sure you have their new home set up before their arrival with this essential hamster shopping supply list.
Updated on October 29th, 2025
Learn how to care for a gerbil, recommended diet and habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on October 29th, 2025
In addition to a balanced diet of high-quality pellets, it's fun to give your hamster a treat every now and then. Take a look at what treats are safe for your pet, and which are not.
Updated on October 29th, 2025

Learn more about your pet gerbil as it is a loving, friendly and innately curious animal.
Updated on October 29th, 2025
Learn about hamster habitats, bedding and nesting which will help your hamster to live a long and happy life.
Updated on October 29th, 2025
Oxbow has the best and highest quality products for small animals. I would use them. https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=oxbow+hamster+treats&crid=3T6HOVJLD89VW&sprefix=oxbow+hamster%2Caps%2C159&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_6_13 I am not familiar with the Living World brand as we don't have that here in the U.S. so it is difficult for me to comment on that.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Do not use an aquarium tank. A suitably sized (and secure) wire cage with a solid bottom is recommended. HabiTrail and Kaytee have excellent choices for cages. Buy the largest cage you can afford and fit in the chosen space. You can use recycled paper bedding such as CareFresh or Yesterday's News. Aspen shavings or pellets are also acceptable. Do not use pine or cedar shavings as these can be irritating. A commercial diet from Kaytee or VitaKraft can be fed from a ceramic bowl. A ceramic bowl prevents gnawing and tipping. A non chewable water bottle can be hung to provide fresh water daily. Other necessary items include chew toys and an exercise wheel. Find a veterinarian experienced in treating pocket pets and have your new addition examined to confirm good health. Feed, water and exercise daily. Clean the cage weekly. These little guys require very little care and can provide lots of entertainment. Congrats and enjoy!
Updated on August 12th, 2025
There is commercial gerbil food available at the pet store, they also need a water bottle and a warm enough environment. Their cage needs to be cleaned about twice a week at least and food needs to be provided twice a day.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Yes, there is. I would recommend Oxbow Critical Care for Herbivores: http://www.oxbowanimalhealth.com/vets/products/critical_care There are good instructions on the label on how much to feed and how to mix it up. Hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Geri.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Feeding: Feed according to the instructions on the bag of food you are using. It also depends on the hamsters age. I would recommend you use a high quality diet like Oxbow. Remember, they are very small and don't need to eat much. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/oxbow-15-oz-oat-hay ) Treats: Once a week you can consider giving your hamster a treat by providing some a small amount of boiled egg or some fruits/veggies. Many hamsters like cauliflower, broccoli, pear, peach and banana. Always remember to remove any uneaten food from your hamster’s cage so that it doesn’t rot. You can also feed commercial treats in place of the above: ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/oxbow-timothy-club-bungalow-medium ) Exercise: If you put him the hamster ball it is recommended that you not leave him in there more than 20 minutes per day. Handling: I suggest you refer to this page for ideas on how to get your hamster used to you: ( http://thehamsterhouse.com/
Updated on August 12th, 2025