Tips On Owning A Hamster

November 15, 2021

Hamster Care

Photo pin: Digital Brief 

 

Hamsters are adorable creatures that make great pets. Kids love them. They fit perfectly in the palm of a hand and watching them motor around the house in a hamster ball can be a lot of fun.

 

Before you set your heart on getting one though, read up on hamster care and what’s involved with owning one as a pet. Here are a few pointers to get you started:

 

  1. Hamsters can be very territorial and are best kept on their own, rather in pairs.
  2. Hamsters observe nocturnal hours, sleeping all day and coming alive at night. They will keep you up at night if in your bedroom.
  3. The most friendly and affectionate hamster is the Syrian Hamster, also known as the Golden Hamster. This includes TeddyBear Hamsters, those fluffy little balls of cuteness.
  4. Hamsters are a class of rodents, whose teeth will continue to grow, which means they like to chew. If you let them out of the cage, make sure all electrical wires are out of reach. Provide them with chew sticks to help their growing teeth. 
  5. Hamsters can live up to 3 years and reach a size of 4-7 inches or 100-150 grams. 
  6. Hamster food usually comes in pellets and should contain 15-20% protein.
  7. You can also feed your hamster in moderation carrots, apples, parsley, broccoli, pears and turnips.
  8. Avoid lettuce, leeks, garlic, onions, chives, oranges and potatoes.
  9. Hamsters also enjoy healthy breakfast cereals (sugar-free, of course) and a little nibble of cheese. But watch their waistline, as hamsters are prone to excess weight gain.
  10. Hamsters love to burrow, so give them plenty of clean, dry, non-toxic, dust-free bedding.
  11. Handle hamsters with care. Those little bones are easily broken. Best of all, cup them in your hands and hold them close to your body. They will want to explore, so seat yourself somewhere soft and safe. Handling hamsters frequently will help them get used to you. But always approach with care and never wake a hamster. A startled hamster will lash out and bite.

 

With the right care and handling, a pet hamster can make a sweet, affectionate pet. Ideal for kids.