Hamster and Gerbil: Questions and Answers

Welcome to Ask the Experts. Every week we publish the answers to 3 or 4 of our readers' pet queries, on any topic relating to pets.

If your pet seems very unwell you must take him to a vet. Many of the questions we receive are very similar to ones already published with answers - please read through the Q & A Archives before sending us your question.

Behavior Issues
 Dwarf Hamster Pulling Partner's Hair Out
 Gerbil Chewed Dead Companion - Why?
 Gerbils Destroys His Toys By Chewing
 Hamster Is Eating His Cage
 How To Make Hamster More Friendly
 My Gerbil Won't Stop Biting Me

Breeding, Mating & Genetics
 Deformities In Hamster Populations
 Dwarf Hamster Males Help With Parenting
 Hamster Has Problems Becoming Pregnant
 Should The Male Gerbil Help With Babies?
 Telling Male And Female Gerbils Apart
 The Hamster Estrus Cycle

Food & Feeding
 Hamster Won't Eat A Healthy Diet
 What Are Fattening Foods For Hamsters?

Health Problems
 Are My Rat's Teeth Too Long?
 Causes Of Bald Patches In Hamsters
 Do Hamsters Carry Disease?
 Gerbil's Injured Tail Won't Self-Amputate
 Sudden Death In Hamsters
 Why Does My Gerbil's Head Have A Bald Spot?

Housing & Substrates
 Can Newspapers Be Used As Bedding?
 How Best To House Dwarf Hamsters
 Is My Gerbil Allergic To His Bedding?
 Is The Bedroom A Good Location For A Hamster?
 Is Tissue Paper Good Bedding For Gerbils?
 Will A Single Gerbil Get Lonely?

Other Questions & Answers
 Can A Hamster Ride In The Car?
 Can My Hamster Be Left Alone For 5 Days?
 Do Hamsters Hibernate?
 How Can I Find My Escaped Hamster?
 Is My Hamster Hibernating?
 Making Homemade Hamster Toys
 Should My Grieving Gerbil Get A Companion?
 Should Our Hamsters Be Separated?
 Why Can't I Buy A Gerbil In California?

 Hamster and Gerbil Articles & Features