Long-haired females may not need to be groomed as often as the males, as their normally have shorter fur. [1] X Research source Some long-haired male hamsters have a ‘skirt’ at the end of their bodies, made of fur. This fur may need to be cleaned more often than other parts of them. You may want to get in the habit of brushing your long-haired hamster once a week.
This is also helpful in the warmer months if your hamster is overheating. You can cut back the length of his skirt to keep him cool. Be careful that you don’t accidentally cut your hamster’s tail, which will be shorter than the skirt.
If possible, use scissors to cut away any fur that contains the toxic substance. If you cannot cut off the fur (maybe, as an example, the substance is also on his skin), use a clean, unused, soft-bristled toothbrush with a very small amount of warm water. Use the toothbrush and water to clean the area until all the substance is gone. If you use water to clean you hamster, use the smallest amount possible.
The only exception here is if your vet recommends something specific.
The container should be sturdy enough that it doesn’t slide around in the cage when your hamster is using it. The container should also have low enough sides so your hamster can safely climb in and out. If you feel it necessary to sterilize the dust/sand, you can put it in your oven (in an oven-safe bowl) for 10 minutes at 350F. [5] X Research source
You should clean the cage completely at least once a week, without your hamster inside. Put him in another safe place, empty out his cage, wash it, and them put fresh bedding in the cage.
Unpainted, untreated wood chips. Hay from the pet store. . Fruit-flavoured chew toys. Twigs (if you get them from outside, make sure they haven’t been sprayed with pesticides). Scrap cardboard such as: toilet paper and paper towel rolls, kleenex boxes, cereal boxes, etc.
