For those people who love having pets, but just don't have enough room to keep a dog or cat, you may consider caring for a hamster. Just because hamsters are in a small environment, this does not mean you have no responsibility caring for your pet hamster. Here are several things to make sure you address when you make the choice of adopting a hamster.
1) Housing Environment
Some hamsters are very territorial and can only live by themselves. If placed in a cage with another hamster, they will end up fighting each other until one or even both of them dies. So when you house your hamster, make sure that he/she has the right space. You should only place hamsters in strong wire cages or glass tanks, as they will chew any wood or plastic. Make sure that the cage does not have space enough for your hamster to escape from. If you use a glass tank, place a wire lid on top and secure it in place. When they sleep, hamsters prefer to be placed within a box which keeps them warm and comfortable.
2) Hamster Food
Just like most other pets, you need to feed your hamster on a daily basis. You can purchase hamster pellets and give them approximately one tablespoon per day. If you want to mix it up, you can feed your hamster foods other than hamster pellets. Good choices are fresh fruits and vegetables like a piece of apple, cauliflower or a tiny bit of leafy greens. They also enjoy eating fresh grains, nuts and even sunflower seeds. Make sure the bowl you put the hamster food in is strong enough so they can't chew or flip it. Also make sure to give your hamster clean, fresh water daily. Pet stores sell hamster water bottles that you can attach to their cage.
3) Hamster Happiness and Exercise
Place a layer of bedding on the bottom of your hamster's cage or tank. You have your choice of different materials such as shredded pieces of paper, processed corn or other non-toxic and absorbing materials, which can be found in your local pet store. Don't use any wood shavings with a strong aroma. Place a wheel so your hamster can get some exercise. Hamsters find joy in climbing through tunnels and pipes. It is also important to provide something for your hamster to chew on. This is so that he/she can gnaw on this material and keep their teeth at a healthy level.
4) Cleaning Up
Make sure to maintain a clean environment for your hamster. Take out any uneaten food and remove all bedding that has been soiled on. Replace it with new bedding. On a regular basis, wash the floor of the cage or tank to keep germs at bay. Keep the food and water dishes clean. Your hamster does not have a huge environment to live in, so it's important to keep the space clean.
5) Holding Your Hamster
For the most part, hamsters are good at letting you hold them. If you start when they are very young and hold them in the proper manner, you should not have any problems. You can acclimate a young hamster to you by holding it safely and feeding it special snacks. When you pick up your hamster, cup your hands under your pet and pick him/her up. Make sure to hold your hamster gently so he/she does not feel threatened. Hold you hamster close to you so he/she feels safe.
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