by Annalyn Andriyenko

Created on: January 01, 2011

Hamsters are gentle and tame creatures that make an excellence pet for the young and old. These animals are keen, intelligent for their size, and of course are cute and cuddly. All hamster breeds need the same control and care as they can be very sensitive. Here are some of the items and overall knowledge you need to know in order to give a hamster the utmost care.

Appropriate caging and bedding –

Hamsters need a big enough cage for them to run around in. Getting a tiny cage will not do the pet any good and they will feel very confined. If the hamster is large, like a teddy bear hamster, then a medium to big sized cage will fit them perfectly. A smaller cage is okay, only if the hamster is teeny, such as a Chinese dwarf or Russian dwarf. Getting the correct bedding is needed as well. Wood pine chips is one of the least expensive but some hamsters may get an allergic reaction so testing it out first is a wise choice. If pine chips are out of the question, plain unscented chips or even pieces of newspaper can be used. Also a small plastic hamster house would fit perfectly inside the cage and give them a place to sleep.

Food and water –

Hamsters aren’t very picky eaters but they need the proper diet to stay healthy. Fresh salads with carrots and lettuce is the perfect main meal for a hamster. Food pellets are also an alternative since within the pellets holds the vitamins they need to stay fit and active. There are special hamster treats at many pet stores called yogurt drops, these can be used as a exceptional snack after having a meal. Never feed a hamster meat or candy, keep it all vegetarian! Buying a water bottle for the cage is most needed, as hamsters drink plenty of water. Refilling the water bottle daily with clean and cold water will most likely keep a hamster happy.

Toys –

Hamsters need plenty of exercise and they can’t do much in their caged home. Purchasing an exercise ball is mandatory. In these, hamsters can run freely around the house and work their little legs. These are especially useful when its time to clean out the cage! Having an exercise wheel in the cage is helpful for the hamster’s health as well and it gives them something to do. Objects they can chew on such as a piece of wood or wood block toys helps them where down their teeth and will stop them from chewing on the cage.

Having a hamster as a pet is very simple, they just need a lot of attention and care which will extend their longevity as opposed to a neglected hamster!

  

Learn more about this author, Annalyn Andriyenko.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.