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CARING
FOR HAMSTERS |
| These small rodents are a good choice if you don't have a lot of time for more sociable animals that need lots of human interaction and care. They don't take up a lot of space and are good indoor or apartment companions. They don't require a lot of expense for food or supplies, either. It costs only about $50 per year to care for one or two of these small animals properly. However, you can't always find a veterinarian who takes care of them. When you go on a trip, you will have to think about who will stop in every other day and care for your pets, or who can take them to their house. And as busy as you get, you must spend at least 30 minutes every day taking care of your pets. Please note: hamsters are solitary animals and MUST live alone. They fight if kept in pairs and can even kill each other! Hamsters are nocturnal, meaning they sleep most of the day and are active at night. So they might keep you awake if they live in your bedroom! It is best to learn to pick up small mammals by gently placing your fingers around their middle, then placing the animal into the palm of your other hand while holding them still with the hand you just used to pick them up. They can jump, so it's best to keep one hand over the other while the animal sits in your palm. These little guys can bite if frightened, so be careful and do not move quickly or squeeze them too hard. |
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WHERE TO GET A HAMSTER |
| EVERY DAY When setting up your hamster home, think about how much time you have to keep it clean. Habitrails are fun for the animals but remember, you must take it apart periodically to clean the little rooms and tunnels. You might choose to get a ten gallon or larger aquarium with a secure screen lid. Some of these little animals are good at finding a way to escape, so make sure the lid is on tight! Cages are also sold for these animals, but make sure they allow enough room for the hamster to run around and play, and climb. You can use sticks, pet bird ladders, paper towel rolls, and small cardboard boxes for the hamster to play on and hide inside so they feel more secure. Exercise wheels should be put in the cage, too. You will need some sort of bedding for the bottom of the cage. Please don't use cedar shavings, because they can cause breathing problems in animals and irritate their lungs. Pine shavings, corn cob shavings, or recycled newspaper shavings are better. Hamsters need fresh food and fresh water every day. If the water is in a bottle check to see that it isn't leaking and it has enough water in it. Be sure to buy food that is made just for the type of animal you have. They also like a small amount of fresh fruit and vegetables (one tablespoon for each animal). Apples, bananas, peas, green beans are good choices. Be sure to remove whatever the animal doesn't eat so it won't spoil. Your pet will like time outside the cage every day. Just be sure to let them run in an area that is safe and they won't get lost. A bathroom floor is the best place, as long as there are no holes around pipes or cracks in the walls where they could squeeze through and be lost forever! If you sit still, they will probably climb on you! |
| EVERY WEEK The cage should be cleaned out and the bedding replaced. Do not use harsh cleaners like Pine sol or ammonia. Use water with a small amount of dishwashing soap and wipe the cage down with a sponge, then wipe again with a sponge dipped in just water to rinse. Dry the cage completely before putting in the new bedding. Watch for signs of diarrhea when cleaning the cage - that can be a serious health problem in a small rodent. Look in the yellow pages under veterinarians who treat "exotic" animals and "pocket pets" if your pet needs attention. |
| EVERY MONTH Check your pet for anything that could be a health problem, such as missing fur, lumps or bumps. |
| EVERY YEAR These little animals only live 2-4 years, so you may want to find a veterinarian in your area who treats them BEFORE you need one! Some people take their small animals for a yearly check up even if they seem healthy. And, you might have an emergency and need a veterinarian fast, so it's a good idea to know where you can go ahead of time. |
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