What to Do and What not to Do with a Hamster
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What to Do and What not to Do with a Hamster
There's a reason hamsters make good first pets—there are actually quite a few. They are fun, cuddly, good with children, and relatively easy to care for.
But that doesn't mean you won't get some work done. Between cleaning the cage, feeding, exercising, and hand training, you can feel overwhelmed the first few weeks.
Don't look for the refund button. Instead, follow these simple steps to tackle your new venture. See how to care for a hamster.
Do's and don'ts with hamsters
Step 1: Get a handmade animal
Holding your little rodent every day won't do much good if he already has aggressive tendencies.
Look for a reputable breeder who has carefully bred him for the first eight weeks of his life. Then you will work on your own training.
Step 2: Don't leave your hamster for too long
During the day while you work he is sleeping so you are fine there.
But no hamster should be left alone all day. It's easy to get someone to show up to feed and pet his pet for a few minutes when he's out of town.
Step 3: Clean the cage frequently
Trust us, these little critters make quite the mess for their size, and you'll need to be diligent about cleaning the cage long after the call has passed (although there may not be a call to pick up the poop).
Pick a day that becomes a cleaning day, and be sure to change his bedding every week.
Step 4: Do not use harsh chemicals in the cleaning process
Even if you wash his belongings afterwards, he's very sensitive to odors, including bleach and other household products.
You can invest in something pet-safe, but regular soap works fine (make sure it's unscented).
Step 5: Give him lots of toys
Hamsters are nocturnal, so they need something to do after you've gone to sleep.
Try filling your home with a variety of toys, some to chew on, some to climb on, an exercise wheel, and a small tube to explore.
Step 6: Don't give him a hamster ball
Many hamster balls have caused injury, so think twice before taking one home.
If you decide you need one, do your research to get the right size, and clean it after each use.
Alternatively, invest in an enclosure that can give it an equal opportunity to run out of the nest from time to time.
Step 7: Establish a strict feeding schedule
It's best for your hamster to know when to expect food, and a daily feeding schedule will help you remember to visit.
Feed him while he's awake, so once at night and once in the morning works great.
You'll likely catch him napping if you try to feed him lunch in the middle of the day.
Step 8: Don't give him too many treats
We love treating our pets and they love it when we do it.
Hamsters eat insects, which they will enjoy on special occasions (always buy them at the pet store, as outdoor insects can carry disease).
If you're a bit squeamish, opt for fresh fruit as a snack.
The biggest piece of advice of all: try to incorporate your pet into your daily routine
That way, your responsibilities will feel like a normal part of your day, similar to brushing your teeth.
Daily driving will also let you know of any problems you may have.
You will be familiar with their eating and grooming habits and therefore be able to identify problems.
Anytime things change drastically, it means calling the vet.
Enjoy This Video Tutorial About Hamsters
Source: Victoria Raechel
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