How to care for a hamster

Introduction

Hamsters make wonderful pets, especially for children. Having a hamster provides an opportunity for a child to understand responsibility and begin to understand how important it is to respect the lives and feelings of others (animal or not!).

Are you planning on getting a pet hamster? Do you need some advice on how to take care of your new pet? Here is a guide to the basics of hamster care. From handling, to feeding, to living environment, you’ll find what you need to know.

Handling

You don’t want to be bitten by your hamster, or anything for that matter. Be sure to make your movements slow while handling your hamster, especially if you’re just getting to know him. As another precaution, speak in a soft voice so not to startle him. If he starts to squeal, it means that he is afraid. Let him calm down before handling him.

When a hamster is on his back, showing his teeth, don’t pick him up. This means that he’s getting defensive and is feeling threatened. Here’s a simple tip: let your hamster smell you before you handle him every time. This way he’ll recognize you and, eventually, get used to you picking him up and playing with him.

Diet

Make sure you have a variety of options for your hamster to eat so that they’re not eating the same thing everyday. Providing fresh food daily is a good idea. As a basic rule, feed your hamster seeds, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Don’t overdo the green vegetables! It can cause your hamster to have diarrhea. It’s okay to give a hamster other things once in a while. Hard boiled eggs, bird seed and a few cat treats are nice treats that help maintain the right protein levels.

Hamsters are in the habit of storing food in a pouch on the sides of their face, and then depositing it in a safe place for later consumption. If you notice that your hamster's little stockpile is really piling up, that's a clue that you are feeding it too much.

Always make sure your hamster has water. Water bottles are usually preferred over bowls because there is less of a mess, but it is really up to you.

Illness

Be sure to monitor your hamster’s health. You don’t want to get your hamster sick, but if it happens you need to be aware of it. If you find that your hamster is allergic to something, be sure that you fix or change whatever is causing the reaction. If it’s the bedding, change it right away. If it’s a product you use on yourself, change it or don’t use it around your hamster. You’re hamster can catch a cold as well. Humans can transfer viral infections to hamsters, so if you have a cold, be careful when handling him. Runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and high temperature are all signs of a cold. There are some home remedies, but it is good idea to get antibiotics. There are several other illnesses that can affect your hamster. If you suspect something is wrong, it’s a good idea to bring him by the vet. You can’t be too safe.

Bedding

Choosing the type of bedding for your hamster is important. Since a majority of the time your hamster will be in its cage, you want him to be comfortable. With this in mind, know that you should never get cedar of pine bedding. The cedar is too hard and rough for a hamster and it can give him splinters. Also, it can give off toxic fumes when it comes in contact with the hamster’s urine. Pine bedding, although softer and easier on the hamster’s feet, can have dangerous chemicals when it goes through the curing process. Both of these are hazardous to your hamster’s health and it would be easier to just choose something else. There are a lot of choices, so it shouldn’t be hard to choose another one.

Fitness

Going out for a walk or run whenever a hamster wants to, isn’t an option for them. Instead, you need to provide their source of fitness. A hamster wheel is a good way for a hamster to get that exercise. Naturally, hamsters are very active, so a wheel is important. There are other options, but if the space is limited, a wheel is the best way to go.

These are just some of the basics of caring for your hamster. As time goes on, you’ll get the hang of it and develop a way of caring for your particular hamster and his personality. Don’t forget to have fun and love your pet. That is one of the most important things to remember.