Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Gerbils and Hamsters > cleaning

cleaning

21 13:31:26

Question
can i wash my hamster if so how?

Answer
 Hi and sorry for the delay.  Well hamsters ususally do a good job of keeping themselves clean, they don't normally need baths.
 However, if your hamster gets into something, or for some other reason it needs washing you can wash it.  Just run some luke warm water in your sink(make sure it's not to hot, better a little to cool than to hot).  Gently hold the hamster under it, be careful not to get it's face into the water.  Then, carefully use a little bit of mild soap or baby shampoo to gently wash it (careful not to get any in its eyes).  Try not to use more than you have to.  Then rinse it off well.
 Next, wrap the hamster in a wash cloth and gently dry it off the best you can.  Put it back in the cage and it should groom itself and air dry.  If your cage is in a cool room move it into a warm room while the hamster dries so it dosen't get chilled.
  That's how you should go about washing it, but I'd recommend not giving your hamster frequent baths unless you really need to.  

            Hope this helps,
                      Sara