So you are considering getting one of these adorable furballs and you are wondering how to take care of a hamster. Hamsters can make great pets and require minimal care and even less expense. Here you will find how to keep your pet healthy and happy.
Hamster Overview
Hamsters are a member of the rodent family. They are nocturnal by nature and have a lifespan of a few years. If properly cared for, hamsters can live up to five years and sometimes even beyond.
The Cage
Getting the proper cage is one of the most important aspects about how to take care of a hamster. Obviously, your pet will be spending most of his life in his cage and the happier it is with it, the better a pet you will have.
When it comes to hamster cages, the general rule is: the bigger the better. Hamsters like separate spaces to eat and drink, eliminate and sleep. Just because they are a relatively small animal, does not mean they can live in a cage just big enough for them and their food dish.
The best cages for hamsters tend to be glass aquariums, as they can see out and will not feel closed off from everything. Plastic homes and wire cages will also work as long as the cages do not have wire on the bottom as stepping on wire can cause harm to the hamster’s feet. Always avoid wood cages as hamsters can chew their way through them and escape.
Make sure the top is secure and the surface it is placed on is steady. Cages should not be near windows or doors as drafts can make your hamster sick and they should not be in direct sunlight as they can overheat.
The Bedding
Like most other small animals (like guinea pigs … LINK), aspen shavings, recycled paper bedding, and shredded newspaper are the best choices for cage lining. Remember to never buy pine or cedar bedding as the oils in it can be toxic to your pet.
Cage Extras
Hamsters require spaces to hide in. Pet stores provide plastic dome made precisely for hiding places for small animals. You could also cut up a cardboard box and use that.
Your hamster will also need exercise. This need can be met by a simple hamster wheel which can be found at any pet supply store.
Feeding
Hamsters will eat just about anything, but that doesn’t mean they should! The best bet as a pet owner is to purchase hamster pellet food at a pet store which would make up most of your pet’s diet. On top of this, you can always add small amounts of apples, bananas and raisins. Hamsters should not have citrus fruits as they are not good for their stomachs.
Some people choose to feed their pets at night, seeing as hamsters are nocturnal. Whatever time of day is good for you should suffice. Remove any food that has sat for more than a day and give new.
And of course, fresh water should be provided at all times from a dish or a small animal water bottle that can hang in the cage.
Handling
You should never pick up a hamster right after you buy it. Hamsters need time to adjust to their new homes and owners and it is wise to leave them alone in their cages and talk to them for a day or two before even petting them. Once they get comfortable with petting, you can try to pick them up. Keep in mind that when hamsters get scared, they will bite. Handle with care and respect your pet’s limitations.
Also, hamsters have poor eyesight and should always be talked to before handing as they will not see you coming and will get scared.
Health Concerns
Sniffling, wheezing, runny nose
When you notice your pet has any of these symptoms, they likely have an upper respiratory infection. These can be caused by an allergic reaction to bedding, so you can try changing that and see if it clears up. If not, consider taking your hamster to a local vet.
Hair loss
When your pet loses its hair it can be a sign of parasites (check its skin to see if there are any bugs crawling on it), a bacterial infection or an allergic reaction. If your pet is losing its hair, take it to a vet for treatment.
Lumps
While hamsters store food in their cheeks at times, if you see lumps on any other area of their bodies, you should seek a vet as they could have an abscess or tumor and can likely be helped by simple surgery.
Overgrown teeth
Like most rodents, hamster’s teeth never stop growing. On occasion, this can mean their teeth are growing too much, and even into their own gums. If you notice this, weight loss, or lack of eating or drinking you should seek a vet who will use general anesthesia your pet and trim the teeth. This is absolutely never to be done by anyone other than a vet.
Hibernation
If a hamster’s temperature drops too low, it can go into hibernation. To you, your hamster might appear dead. But it is not. During hibernation, a hamster’s heart can beat as few as four times a minute and it may only breathe once an hour.
If this occurs, keep fresh food and water near your hamster and slowly increase the room temperature. If you increase it too quickly you can put your hamster into metabolic shock and kill it.
You could also always consult a vet for proper instructions.
Final Notes
Hamsters can might delightful little pets and with proper care, they can bring delight to you and your family for quite a few years to come!
Jessica Gadziala - Jessica Gadziala is a full-time freelance writer from New Jersey. She is also currently working on a career in novel writing. A ...
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