Things every hamster owner should know
For many people, hamsters are wonderful pets. They don’t need much care, get enough exercise running on their wheel, and are adorable, cuddly, and enjoyable to hold. For some kids, they can make a great first pet.
Hamsters, regrettably, do not come with care instructions. A basic understanding of what you’re getting into when you keep a hamster as a pet is helpful even though caring for one isn’t difficult.
Important hamster facts
So you’re either considering getting a pet hamster or you may have just bought one. Great! Because they are relatively simple to care for, hamsters are the perfect pet for people who don’t have the time or space for a larger animal. They are charming and entertaining to play with, these fluffy little things.
Even though hamsters are small and don’t require much care, there are still a lot of vital details to be aware of. Here are 10 things you need to be aware of before purchasing one.
- Not too young
It might appear that a hamster is the ideal pet for a young child, but this is not the case. They can bite, should be handled gently and carefully, and generally don’t feel secure in smaller hands.
- Always feed hamsters from a dish
Always make sure to serve your hamster’s food, whether it be in the form of a block or kibble, in a bowl or other dish. Otherwise, bedding may be ingested by hamsters, which could be very harmful to their health.
- Change hamster food daily
Hamsters are not big fans of leftovers. Keep your pet’s feeding bowl about three-quarters full, and switch out her food every day to ensure that she is receiving the best nutrition possible.
- Give hamsters fresh food every other day
Small pieces of fresh fruits and vegetables can be added to your hamster’s regular diet to help her get the balanced nutrition she needs while still enjoying her food. Make sure that the percentage of her diet that is comprised of fresh foods does not go over 20%. Fruits and vegetables do not constitute a complete diet like hamster chow.
- Change the hamster bedding every month, and clean the cage every week
You should spot-clean your hamster’s bedding every week (removing feces), and change it all once a month, depending on the kind of cage you keep her in.
- Hamsters do not need help with grooming
Hamsters regularly groom themselves more than once a day. There is no requirement to bathe, comb, or add to the regular grooming routine of your pet hamster.
- Annual healthcare
Regardless of how well she seems to be doing, it is recommended that you take your pet hamster to the vet once a year. Sores on her feet, blood in her urine, loss of appetite, loose stools, overgrown front teeth, bald patches in her fur, wheezing, and running nose are a few health issues to be on the lookout for.
- Daily exercises
Hamsters require daily exercise. If her cage lacks a wheel for running, think about getting her a hamster ball to run around in. However, under no circumstances should you leave your hamster alone while she is in a ball.
- Natural materials ought to be used to make bedding
Hamsters do well with bedding made of timothy hay, orchard grass, brome hay, botanical hay, and oat hay.
- Hamsters are happier when they have chew toys
Without anything to chew on, a hamster may decide to chew on her cage or enclosure. Pet stores sell unique chew toys and blocks designed specifically for hamsters.
If you want more helpful advice on looking after your hamster, including tips on food, toys, accessories and accommodation, add a comment below to let us know!
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