If you love small and cuddly pets, getting yourself a hamster is an excellent choice. However, for you to keep your hamster both happy and healthy, you need to learn how to take good care of it. When getting started, taking care of the pet can feel complicated. However, as you become familiar with taking care of the hamster, things will become easier for you.
In this article, we will be guiding you on how to take care of your hamster.
Choosing Your Hamster
Before buying a hamster, it is important to understand the various types of hamsters and their requirements. There are 2 main types of hamsters. These are:
- Syrian
- Dwarf
If you intend to put your hamsters in pairs, it is best that you avoid getting the Syrian hamsters. Syrian hamsters are overly territorial. When they mature up, they will fight violently over territory. Dwarf hamsters are capable of living in pairs if they are mother and child or littermates.
Where the Hamster Will Live
The size of the hamster cage should be at least 12 inches high and 15 inches long. If you would like to keep your hamster in the cage, ensure that you make his/her cage escape proof.
Hamsters will prefer temperatures ranging between 65- and 75-degrees Fahrenheit. You can keep your hamster from getting too hot by ensuring that his/her cage is not very close to heat sources such as fireplaces and stoves. Also, avoid putting the cage in unheated rooms. This is to ensure that the hamster does not get too cold.
Feeding the Hamster
If you are taking care of a hamster for the first time, things can get really confusing when it comes to feeding him or her. For example, you may wonder whether giving your hamster blackberries is the right thing to do.
Generally, the right food for your hamster should have grains, seeds, vegetables, and fruits. It is possible to get a hamster mix that has all these ingredients. However, ensure that you give the hamster small pieces of fresh fruit and vegetables. Not all fruits and vegetables are great for your hamster. For example, you should avoid giving your hamster onions. Hamsters can be prone to diabetes. Hence, it is always advisable to give hamsters any sugar-laden fruits sparingly.
Where Your Hamster Will Sleep
The first thing that may come to your mind when thinking of bedding materials to use is wood shavings. While these may work for other pets, they are not the best for hamsters. Try to get your hamster beddings made of plant-based paper fibers and cellulose. It is important to avoid any scented beddings. These could contain chemicals which can cause your hamster to have respiratory issues.
Keeping the Hamster Active
To make sure that the hamster is not bored, it is always a good idea to get the hamster some toys that he or she can play with. A good example here would be an exercise wheel. Also, ensure you get the pet some chew toys to keep him/her occupied.
Keeping Your Hamster Healthy and Happy Is Not Complicated
Hamsters are simple pets. Once you get used to taking care of them, you won’t view the whole process of taking care of them as being complicated. Be sure to get the right type hamster. You wouldn’t want to end up with a pair of Syrian hamsters in the same cage. Keeping your hamsters healthy and happy should always be your main goal.
Additional resources:
- It’s always important to know how to clean your hamster to keep them in good health
- Hamsters: Fuzzy balls of fun
- What office pets can teach us about leadership