Do Hamster Pottys Really Work?

Question
i just got a Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster and I want cleaning his cage to be really easy. he usually goes to the bathroom by where he sleeps. what should i do? do the potty's really work?

And, is lettuce and carrots ok for my hamster?

Answer
Hi Lily,

Yes, it's entirely possible to potty-train your hamster.  Simply buy some hamster litter, or *unscented* cat litter, and place some in the area where he goes to the bathroom.  Then, with a plastic spoon, scoop up some of his droppings, and some soiled bedding, and place that in the litter.  You may have to repeat this process a few times, but your hamster should soon be potty-trained!  Then, just clean and replace the litter every 2 days.

Carrots are great for hamsters.  Lettuce, on the other hand, is a bit dicey.  You should only feed him a very small amount occasionally.  Also, be sure to only feed him small amounts of any fruit or vegetable, since too much, too soon would give him diarrhea.  Begin by giving your hamster a small piece of fruit or vegetable 2 or 3 times per week.  After about 4 weeks or so, gradually increase the amount, so that you are feeding him a small piece of fruit or vegetable 6-7 times per week.  Here's a list of safe fruits and vegetables to feed your hamster (courtesy of petwebsite.com):

Alfalfa
Apple (seedless)
Asparagus
Avocado (skinned and seedless)
Banana
Basil
Blackberries
Blueberries
Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts - small amounts occasionally - not all hamsters like the strong taste
Calabrese
Cabbage - should only be fed in small amounts occasionally as too much can cause health problems
Carrots
Cauliflower leaves and stalks
Celery
Cherries - stones should be removed as they can be dangerous if gnawed
Chestnuts
Chicory
Chinese Leaves
Coriander
Corn-on-the-Cob
Corn Salad
Courgette
Cranberries
Cress
Cucumber
Curly Kale
Dates
Endive
Fenugreek
Feijoa
Figs
Grapes
Green beans
Kale - should only be fed in small amounts occasionally as too much can cause health problems
Kidney Beans (cooked)
Kiwi Fruit
Kumquat
Lettuce - small amounts occasionally - in excess it can cause liver problems
Logan Berries
Lychee
Mange Tout
Mango
Marrow
Melon
Mint
Mung
Okra
Pak Choy
Papaya
Parsley - a good tonic
Peach
Pear
Peas
Plums - stones should be removed as can be dangerous when gnawed
Potato (cooked)
Raspberries
Raspberry Plant leaves - beneficial for diarrhoea
Rhubarb (cooked)
Rocket Chard
Sage
Sorrel
Squash
Star Fruit
Strawberries
Sugar Cane - small amounts
Sweet Potato
Soybean Sprouts
Swede
Sweetcorn
Sweet Peppers
Ugli Fruit
Turnip
Water Chestnuts
Watermelon
Water Spinach

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask :)

Kelly