There are several breeds of hamsters that vary in size and temperament. Typically, pets live up to two years, although some individuals can live longer. Check how to take care of them to satisfy all needs!
Prepare a water bottle and a food bowl (heavy enough so your hamster won’t knock it over). Fill the cage with treats and toys (a reel or tunnel for exercise and chewing accessories). Hamsters like to chew on things, so buy a cage with a solid bottom or a glass aquarium with a well-ventilated wire mesh lid. Pour in some wood shavings from your pet’s old apartment to make it feel at home right away.
Patience, regular feeding, playing together outside the cage and quietly talking to your hamster will help you form a bond with it. Remember to always approach him slowly. Talk to him calmly, without shouting. Over time, he will learn to recognize your voice and smell.
Unlike other small pets, hamsters and gerbils should be carried with both hands and held in folded palms. Take extra care when putting them in their cage. Then you don’t have to worry about them escaping or slipping through your hands. Remember that the hamster has a nocturnal lifestyle, so do not play with it in the morning. No one likes to be snapped out of their sweet slumber.
The ideal hamster cage should be at least 38 cm long and 30 cm high. If you want your pet to have plenty of room to exercise and play, look for a larger model. Make sure that you have secured the cage properly to prevent it from escaping
When it comes to bedding, do not use wood shavings. A layer of cellulose or plant fibers will work best. Avoid cat litter, corn cobs, newspaper, and any scented bedding (it may contain chemicals that make it difficult to breathe).
You can buy special hamster mixes, which usually consist of fruits, vegetables, seeds and grains. However, remember to give your hamster small pieces of fruits and vegetables on a regular basis. Also, ensure that your hamster has access to fresh water at all times. It is worth reminding you that not all fruits and vegetables are good for hamsters. You can give them broccoli, parsley, apples, pears, carrots and turnips. However, avoid onions, garlic, chives, leeks, lettuce, raw potatoes and oranges. Hamsters are prone to diabetes, so they cannot eat a lot of fruit.
Feed your pet daily. Be sure to fill ¾ of the bowl. A hamster’s diet can include kale, cabbage, chopped carrots and zucchini. Only give him as many fruits and vegetables as he can eat in 4 hours. Otherwise, he may accumulate them
Remember to clean the cage regularly. Move your hamster to a safe place, such as a second cage or a deep container. Throw out the bedding and give it new bedding. Hamsters can sometimes accumulate food, so changing the litter regularly keeps them from getting fat. Use plain soap and warm water to clean the cage. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly. If you use vinegar, bleach, or any other type of cleaner, be sure to wipe and dry the cage thoroughly before changing the litter.
Hamsters love to exercise, so give your pet a reel or ball. Remember to keep an eye on him when he is playing. The hamster washes itself in a cute and original way. He washes his muzzle and ears with his paws. You do not have to help him, he has everything under control.
Take your hamster to the vet a few days after bringing him home, and then every year. Be sure to go with him to the vet if he shows any of the following symptoms: wheezing, runny nose, poor appetite, overgrown front teeth, bald spots, sores on his paws, loose stools and blood in his urine
All animals can potentially transmit viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic diseases to humans. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water before and after handling your hamster and its cage. Never grab it by its fur or tail.
