Guinea pigs and hamsters are adorable but require care like any animal.
The key difference between these two are:
Guinea pigs do well with companions
Hamsters prefer to be solitary (with the exception of some roborovskis)
Remember that Singapore being a humid country, does not allow for a suitable environment for using glass or acrylic cages for your hamsters due to heat trapping like a greenhouse effect, unless you provide 24/7 air-conditioning or fan blowing at the surrounding area to keep the cage well ventilated.
As a general guideline, take note of the following dietary and habitat care for your guinea pigs or hamsters: 1. Provide Vitamin C supplements for your guinea pigs as they’re naturally unable to produce them on their own
2. Provide ample dental chews for teeth wearing for both guinea pigs and hamsters
3. Avoid using pine or cedar wood for both guinea pigs and hamsters - in general, we advise against using wood altogether for their bedding or immediate cage environment
4. Keep cables and other electronic wires out of reach for both guinea pigs and hamsters
5. Keep the cages and habitats as dry as possible
6. Avoid bathing both guinea pig and hamsters in water
7. Guinea pigs require a fresh supply of Timothy hay daily, first cut is preferred to help reduce the occurrence of malocclusion for their teeth
8. Guinea pigs should have habitats that are generous in size for roaming, running and exploring - providing a cage or habitat with an easily accessible second storey helps your guinea pig roam and have ample space to explore
9. You can provide your guinea pig with dark, leafy greens like kale and spinach weekly
10. Ensure your guinea pig is groomed monthly - ensure his nails are trimmed at least once a month
11. Bedding for hamster cages should be changed twice, or a minimum of once weekly - spot cleaning can be carried out for damp or wet bedding to keep the cage as dry as possible
12. Syrian hamsters do better in cages with a minimum length of 60cm and above, with a depth of no lesser than 45cm
13. Running wheels for hamsters should not be too small - gauge if your hamster’s back is arched during running, if it is, switch to a larger running wheel
14. Do not let your hamster use an exercise ball for more than 15-20 minutes a time, monitor their whereabouts to ensure they do not get stuck in hard to reach places
15. Avoid feeding your hamster too much fresh vegetables as this can cause wet tail - provide feed specifically formulated for hamsters instead
16. Avoid trimming your hamster’s nails
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