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Caring For Your New Hamster
Pet Rating System: 1= Lowest 5 = Highest
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Review: Hamsters are a good beginner pet because they are fairly easy to care for. They require a weekly cage cleaning and no grooming. They are friendly and easily tamed. Hamsters are nocturnal creatures that may on occasion bite if bothered while sleeping. Remember that since hamsters are nocturnal, they make noise at night! Hamsters do show some recognition and will eagerly look for treats when approached. The more you handle your hamster, the tamer it will become. Hamsters are mildly active delighting you with their housekeeping and exercise wheel activity. They are hardy pets requiring few visits to the vet. Hamsters have a lifespan of about 3 years. We have found that Golden Hamsters and Black Bear Hamsters seem to be the easiest to tame.
Essential Care Items
High Quality Hamster Food
S.A.M. /Habitrail
Water Bottle
Ceramic Bowl
Care Fresh Bedding
Gnaw Stone
Exercise Wheel
Hide-A-Way
Salt Spool
Feeding Your Hamster
Rodent or mouse mix is specially designed to be a balanced diet for your hamster. In addition to the mix, you can supplement your hamsters diet with fresh fruits and vegetables such as; leafy greens, carrots, apples as well as non-sugar cereal, bread, rice, and uncooked pasta. Be careful not to over feed fruits and vegetables because this can cause diarrhea. Be sure to wash and fresh food to remove any traces of insecticides which could harm your hamster. Feeding bowls should be cleaned regularly because hamsters like to sit in their food bowls and sometimes go to the bathroom. Ceramic bowls work best because of chewing. Fresh water should be provided in a water bowl to prevent spillage.
Hamster Housing
Two popular types of hamster houses include S.A.M. and a Habitrail Unit. These are popular because they are designed to please you and the hamster. They have a lot of living space and exercise for your hamster as well as allowing you to view your hamster daily activities. We prefer a 10 gallon aquarium for the simple fact that it is easier to clean and does not allow the hamster to chew on parts that can make a lot of noise. We recommend using Care Fresh bedding made from recycled paper...it is the best at keeping odors to a minimum with regular cleaning. The cage should be cleaned weekly with daily changes of the "potty corner" to keep down the odor. To help clean urine crystals and odor you can try white vinegar. Never place the cage in direct sunlight and keep away from drafts. Be sure to include a place for you hamster to hide such as log or nesting material to make bedding with such as paper towels, white paper, cardboard and hay.
Handling
Hamsters are by nature friendly, but you must handle them gently. Do not pick up a hamster by its tail. To pick a hamster up, put your hand under its belly and lift. Cup your hamster in your hand to create a "den" feeling. Be careful, they like to jump! They are nocturnal (active at night) animals so be prepared for spinning exercise wheels in the middle of the night. They sleep during the day and may startle easily if woken up. Never drop a hamster, they are fragile and can easily get broken limbs.
Health
The most common hamster ailment is wet tail which is a bad case of diarrhea and is life threatening. If your hamster has smelly and runny diarrhea, please take it to the vet as soon as possible. Other problems are related to hair loss and overgrown teeth. Their incisor teeth continually grow throughout their life. Therefore, they should have access to a suitable gnawing stone or wood block to help keep the teeth trimmed. There are many new styles of toys that help keep hamster teeth in good condition. Loss of hair can be a sign of a vitamin deficiency or old age. Liquid vitamins can be administered in their water, if necessary.
Breeding
Hamsters are territorial so if you keep more than one hamster, they may bite each other frequently. We do not recommend keeping hamsters together unless you have a large cage. Two males generally should not be kept together and a female that breeds with a male may no longer allow him in the same cage. Hamsters breed often with pregnancy lasting 16 days. If you do not plan to breed, it is best to keep females and males apart because they multiply rapidly. If your hamster does have babies, do not disturb them. She will take care of them on her own. She may eat the babies if they are disturbed. Only clean the "potty corner" to keep fresh. Also remove any males from the cage when the babies are born.
Exercise
For your enjoyment and for a feeling of freedom for your hamster, you can get a clear plastic ball so your hamster can roam the house. Do not let the ball sit in direct sunlight because your hamster will overheat and it is best not to leave your hamster in the ball for more than 10-15 minutes at a time. Provide and exercise wheel for your hamster to use in his cage. Exercise wheels with a smooth flat surface (no metal runners) are best to prevent leg injuries. There are also hamster leashes at your local pet store so you can walk your hamster. Providing plastic or paper tubes for climbing also keep your hamster active.
Grooming
Hamster are good groomers and do not require extra grooming or baths. For your part, you must ensure that your hamster has a clean house in which to live.
Check out these links for more info:
http://www.petwebsite.com/hamster_care.htm
Enjoy your new furry and cuddly friend!
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DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this website is not intended to be a substitute for Veterinary Care. If you have any questions or problems, always consult with your Veterinarian.