if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'yourpethamster_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_0',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yourpethamster_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');The journey home will be a stressful experience for your hamster, and stress can potentially cause an illness such as a wet tail, as well as behavioral problems. Waking a sleeping hamster can be stressful for them and can prompt them to act nervously or aggressively. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Not every hamster available to buy will be in optimal health, and buying an unhealthy hamster can lead to many problems and heartache later on. She loves helping new beardie parents start their incredible journey with these magnificent reptiles. Before you run off to get a hamster, you need to make sure you are prepared and ready to take care of your furry friend beforehand. Do your research to make sure the breeder is reputable. To ensure your hamster gets enough exercise: Some people don't know this, but hamsters are nocturnal and are most active at night! Give it a few days and when your new hamster starts to become inquisitive; you can start the taming process. Pet hamsters are very active Your pet should suit your schedule. Pets from breeders are going to be your most expensive option, but these hamsters are generally healthier than the hamsters you see in pet shops or shelters. A hamster separated from sensory information, as in one of these balls, is a disoriented animaland what is often perceived by humans as enjoyment is more than likely a panic response. Hamsters might be small, but they need plenty of exercise. are burrowers by nature, so you need to ensure that you have enough substrate for them to dig and hide. Hamsters are often referred to as starter pets, a harmful characterization that implies that they have less worth and fewer needs than other animals and can be used as a learning experience for children grappling with responsibility for the first time. Knowing what to know before buying a hamster definitely requires knowing where you can get a hamster. A hamster may be small, but it's still a creature with feelings! This was made from 2 deep plastic boxes, that are fixed together with a metal tunnel and a wire mesh lid. These cute fluffballs are quite charming and fun to play with. If this is unavoidable, keep the cage as far from the noise source as possible. Aspen shavings, paper bedding, and hemp are all acceptable choices and can even be mixed together in a hamsters enclosure. Provide them with dust-extracted bedding. 1 Contact a breeder if you want a healthier hamster. You can either get a hamster from a pet store or a breeder. Consider getting two if an associate or breeder can verify that theyre young or already bonded. Figure out which one to get with our guide tohamster cages and aquariums. Hamsters dont usually like to be handled, so only hold them if they are awake, appear unafraid, and are comfortable with you doing so. Read our blog for tips and advice to help make your hamster happy. Ill be the first to admit that we were totally naive when it came to buying stuff for our hamster. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. things you shouldn't do if your hamster has babies, Males and females should not be housed together, Syrians shouldn't be housed together at all. Litter training may help in making the cleaning process easier. By doing this, you are also not supporting hamster mills. Pet shops will typically offer more options for choosing a hamster, but their hamsters were likely mass bred, and may not have received proper socialization or health screenings. This can be frustrating for a guardian who wants to play with their companion during daytime hours. This was made from 2 deep plastic boxes, that are fixed together with a metal tunnel and a wire mesh lid. GUEST WRITER: John Solvik has had a deep love for animals from an early age. Your animal will also appreciate a small container of sand to bathe in. Speak gently to him. In the long-term hamsters need very little, relying on us daily for the basics of food, water and shelter. As mentioned earlier, hamsters get frightened easily. Remove them from window ledges or anywhere that there is likely to be cracks or drafts as you do not want any peeps of air creeping through. They are also incredibly interesting to watch playing, burrowing and scampering around. To help prevent animal companions from harming one another, its imperative that hamsters have a safe, spacious, and sturdy enclosure to call home. Cage Depending on the species of hamster you pick, you need to have a cage large enough for it to grow in to, live and scamper around. Hamsters tend to go for the most fattening foods first, so it is not unusual to see them chomping away on a handful of sunflower seeds whilst ignoring the rest of the mix. Hamsters are notorious for stockpiling their food, however, so dont be offended if they decide not to feed from their brand-new bowl, but instead place their wares in various piles around their cage. JMD-Reid-Fantasy-Author on March 10, 2019: Great article! When around the cage, you should talk calmly to the hamster, and after a good washing, it is ok to put your hands in the cage. There are three ways to obtain a hamster: a store, a breeder, and a rescue centre. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A child may drop the hamster, squeeze it, or scare it. Hamsters are quite small in size and other home animals may see them as prey. Equipment such as exercise balls, burrowing boxes and hamster carriers are all nice to have but are not essential for keeping and caring for your hamster.Oscars home certainly has grown and he has plenty of space to explore now. Litter train your pet hamster to keep everything neat. Take all the necessary precautions to protect your hamster from other companion animals at home. You should provide your hamster with enough material to gnaw on. We would recommend having a medical fund put aside for emergencies as it is amazing how a quick trip to the vets can soon add up. Avoid tall cages, as hamsters are terrible at climbing down. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 4,377 times. This mindset is an example of speciesism, the misguided belief that one species is more important than another. Look at reviews online and call to ask if you can make an appointment. For more on when hamsters reach adolescence, check out our guide to the differenttypes of hamsters. If your hamster shows one or more of these symptoms, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. Once you decide which type of hamster you like, it's time to identify the cage size you must prepare before bringing it home. When a guardian finally does find a vet who sees exotic animals, its often very costly, which may also prevent some people from ensuring that their hamster receives proper care. Never grab him or chase him around the cage. Therefore it is important that a child is able to share the cost with an adult. After spending money on 2 cages that still didnt fulfil our hamsters needs. There are two main species of hamsters kept as pets: Syrian (Golden) hamsters and Siberian (Dwarf) hamsters. A Syrian hamster can bond with a human guardian, but they should not live with another hamster. Mistake 2: Using unsuitable bedding Mistake 3: Feeding a bad diet These conditions can be fatal to them. Thank you Jeanne for the opportunity to contribute! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Hamsters are social animals within themselves and with people. But they are also delicate. Look out for any changes in temperament as these can be signs that your hamster is unwell. When a hamster gets scared or awakened suddenly they may bite. Dwarf hamsters, on the other hand, can live with others if theyre introduced at a young age. This gives him time to get used to his new environment and the smells and sounds he is experiencing. Plus, breeding animals to be kept as pets has created a homeless-animal crisis: Millions of unwanted animals are euthanized every year for lack of good homes. There are many different materials to choose from when it comes to hamster bedding. A hamster is a great pet to have as they are friendly and full of fun. link to What oral problems can hamsters get? They can be quite fun and they do not need much room due to their size. They have a habit of hoarding food in their bedding. Make sure to place the cage in a quiet room without drafts; this will help keep your pet calm and healthy. Please let us know in the comments. If thats the case, Im happy for you! As a hamsters teeth never stop growing, you need to provide your them with hard treats, like tree branches or dog biscuits, once a week. Syrians, however, can get incredibly hostile toward others in their territory. We finally stopped buying hamsters because my boys said that their lifespans weren't long enough, and it hurt too much when they died. Therefore it is essential to know what to look for before you choose one to take home. 2. You generally want to have bought your hamster when it is 4-6 weeks old, as this will allow it to become an adult during your ownership. NoHeres Why, 13 Things You Can Do to Find Your Lost Dog or Cat, The Responsible Renters Guide to Animal-Friendly Housing, Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. Hamsters are trainable. By attaching 2 to his cage, ensures that he always has a watering hole to quench his thirst. Hamsters need exercise, exploration and stimulation and are incredibly active (especially at night). You might be excited about your new pet and want to play with him straight away, but rushing the process can do more harm than good. With the right knowledge and some work, that could provide your hamster with the right amounts of proteins, carbs, fat, vitamins, and minerals. This can be an indication of illness and you might have to call a vet. If your hamster is sick you should only give them medication recommended to them by the vet. Vet Clinic in Haddon Township & Collingswood, NJ | Animal Hospital. 2021. Is There a Dark Side to PETA? The main costs of keeping a hamster include the initial one-off costs of buying the hamster itself and the necessary equipment, which comprises acage,food dish,water bottleandtoys, followed by the recurring costs ofbedding,foodandchew toys. If you reached this part of the article, I assume you are still interested in having this cute little fur baby. Although hamsters are relatively low maintenance compared to many other pets, they do have a specific set of needs. So you're thinking about getting a pet hamster, or perhaps you recently bought one. Doris James MizBejabbers from Beautiful South on March 09, 2019: I agree that hamsters make precious pets. What Are Their Health Benefits? If the hamster's back bends up in a 'U' shape while it uses the wheel, then the wheel is too small. Although they are a bit more expensive and take time, you are less likely to get a hamster with a neurological issue from an experienced and knowledgeable breeder. Last Updated: January 18, 2022 Now the question is, how can they do plenty of exercises in your home? But just because they love them, does not mean they should binge on them! Therefore it is best to prepare your own container. Hamsters are incredibly energetic, so need plenty of space to play. Below, you will learn more things to remember before getting a hamster. It should also be taller than 12 inches in order to accommodate a wheel of appropriate size, 10-12 inches for Syrians and 8 inches for Dwarfs. Don't house Syrian hamsters together as they can be hostile. The ball would hit my foot and send the hamster rolling over and over. For instance, many beddings are made from wood shavings but take note that aspen is good for your hamster, while cedar and the dust produced from it can cause breathing issues. Do NOT keep more than one in the same cage! However, each and every animal came out of that store alive and did survive, they were scared and they were emaciated. The lifespan of a dwarf hamster, at 1.5 to 2 years, is considerably shorter than the Syrians three-year lifespan, so take this into account when choosing a breed. Hamsters will naturally urinate and defecate in a specific spot, and that area should be cleaned weekly. The cage should be positioned out of reach of small children and can be brought down for supervised play with your hamster. They should follow the same thing at your house. [7 Reasons to Know], 5 Best Hamster Balls For Dwarf, Syrian & Robo (Review). Cages sold at pet stores are woefully inadequate to meet a hamsters unique needs. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'yourpethamster_com-box-4','ezslot_3',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yourpethamster_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'yourpethamster_com-box-4','ezslot_4',163,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yourpethamster_com-box-4-0_1');.box-4-multi-163{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:600px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Learn about the process of buying a hamster. Hamsters are solitary animals; they do not get lonely and won't pine for each other as other animals do. At 14 years old, i bought a pet hamster from a store called elgin pet which has since been closed due to not feeding/watering the animals including puppies/kittens, abusing them. He made his nest and then went to play with the girl hamster as soon as you got her! Would you like to be crammed into a tiny box with a bunch of other people? Once you've chosen where to get your hamster, visit the facility to pick one that's happy and healthy, and buy the proper cage and gear to set up at home. Current subscribers: You will continue to receive e-mail unless you explicitly opt out by clicking, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. What you should Know before buying a Hamster Is the hamster right for you? Can Guinea Pigs Eat Strawberries, Tops, and Leaves? Factors that affect longevity include the species, genetics, diet, exercise, living environment, and quality of care. You should always observe your hamsters closely. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. No matter how hard we have tried to make Oscar a nice hideout, he still prefers to make his own bed in the corner of his cage or deep within his tunnel. There are many veggies you can offer your hamster, but be sure to check what's ok and what's not. Loved watching him roll around in his ball. He was scared from being alone and from the fall which startled him and the fact that our family dog kept trying to dig at something and unknowingly, it was him she was trying to get those days he was missing. Its a wild instinct that has been applied to captivity in which a hamster will sift through their bowl choosing the tastiest bits to eat first. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Petsvills | All Rights Reserved. To make life more challenging for Oscar, we hang it up high to encourage him to climb in order to reach it. This can be anything from a cardboard box to a coconut shell and depending on their size and material can be priced anywhere between $5-$12. Buying A Hamster | An Owner's Guide Buying a Hamster Learn about the process of buying a hamster. A hamster is considered an exotic animal and must be seen by a specialized veterinarian. One option is to put together a diet of natural fresh foods. You shouldn't put them together after they reach. You should therefore do everything you can to make your hamster as comfortable as possible on this trip and when settling into its new home. Hamsters are relatively easy to take care of and are ideal for people who don't have the housing space or the time for a larger pet. Dont use bedding that could wrap around their body or limbs to prevent accidents. We started this website to share our experiences with owning and looking after hamsters. Go with a wire cage with a plastic bottom because they are easy to clean, and provide the best ventilation. Pick the right cage. Here are some tips on taming your hamster. Hamster toys cost in the region of $5-$10 depending on the type of material they are made from. Perhaps I am biased but there are honestly many great things about having a pet hamster compared to a dog or a cat. Unlike a hamster wheel, which provides a hamster with a safe place to exercise when the correct size is used, a hamster ball is not recommended. While doing so you can notice when they start acting differently. Cage Finding the right cage can be a daunting task for the inexperienced owner, but it doesn't have to be. Is there is a bad smell near the rear end of the hamster? PetAnimalGuide.com is his way of helping pet owners take better care of their furry friends. Use a seed mix that contains a mixture of seeds, pellets, grain, and dried vegetables. 1. I went back to sleep and in the morning, i looked in and sure enough, there were 7 extra tiny souls with no hair yet! Hamsters are just as worthy of respect as you, a dog, or a tiger, and they have specific needs just like the rest of us. They require careful, gentle handling, may bite, and don't generally feel safe in smaller hands. Hamsters are also great pets for people who dont want to commit for many years. While hamsters need to be able to play and explore, the well-known hamster toys, the hamster ball and wheel, arent designed with the animals well-being in mind. Hamsters can make sweet and relatively low-maintenance pets for both adults and children, as long as you're prepared for their nocturnal lifestyle. 3 Best Sugar Glider Cage Sets for a Cozy Home (2023 Review), Rabbits Fruit and Vegetables Consumption (Complete Guide), French Lop Rabbits: Look, Behavior, Care & More (With Pics), 4 Things to Consider When Buying a Hamster, #1 Go Late in the Day So the Hamster is Awake & You Can Feel Its Personality, #2 See How the Hamster Reacts to Being Handled, 200+ Perfect Names for Male & Female Hamsters, 5 Reasons Why Bearded Dragons Bite & How to Stop Them, Go late in the day so the hamster is awake and you can feel its personality, See how the hamsterreacts to being handled, The hamster should ideally be 4-6 weeks old. 1. The price wont be much more, about $25 to $35. He was missed and he was held and kissed alot that day he was found and from then on as was the mama hampster! I'm glad you found him safe and well. Most hamsters (although not all!) 8 Reasons Why You Should Never Declaw Your Cats, Are Guinea Pigs Good Starter Pets for Kids? My kids love to make their own versions using toilet roll holders and empty boxes. Depending on the size of your cage, we would recommend purchasing 2-3 toys to keep your hamster amused. Loud noises, such as vacuuming, shouting, a TV or loud music, and banging can frighten them, so it's better to house them in a quiet room if possible. They require daily care, exercise, and attention, just like other animal companions. Fortunately, if you buy a quality cage, most of these items will already be included. Not only hamsters, I'll say that when you hold any animal in captivity, you have to be serious about its health and well-being. A hamster with dental issues may stop eating. No exceptions. You must ensure that they are well-ventilated and easy to clean. Great! Hamsters are prey animals in the wild, which means it's unlikely they'll warm to you right away in the sense that another animal, such as a dog, might do. More specifically, its the surface area that should be large, not the height. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. When you first bring your hamster home, you will need to be patient. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apples? Remember to clean the cage regularly. Kibble or Canned Pet Food? We have a list of the best big hamster cage you can get.. Below are the size requirements for a hamster cage, you can also learn the different types of hamster cages:. Hamsters only live for an average of two to two and a half years. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. I would strongly recommend that you make sure that you are well prepared with both information and equipment before getting your hamster home, because although hamsters are relatively low maintenance, the better you care for them, the more they will give you back. Cages can range from $20-$100 and can come with metal bars or see-through glass. PETA found that a Pennsylvania animal dealer kept thousands of hamsters, rabbits, gerbils, chinchillas, ferrets, and other animals in really crowded bins. We dont want you to rush to the pet store and pick one as if youre choosing an ice cream flavour. 2021. https://www.petsmart.com/learning-center/small-pet-care/hamster-care-guide/A0092.html. Keeping a hamster is generally relatively inexpensive compared to other pets. We have multiple water bottles in our house, just in case we ever go away overnight and one happens to get jammed, blocked up or drips dry. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Latest posts by Guest Blogger for Animal Bliss, How Hamsters Store So Much Food in Their Cheeks, ASPCA believes 10 gallons to be the minimum size, 4 Tips for Maintaining Healthy Weight for Your Cat, 8 Amazing Benefits of CBD for Dogs and Other Pets. At the same time, Roborovski hamsters (a dwarf) are the cutest yet the hardest to tame. Only a few bucks more, and you can assure that your hamster will not die for no reason or start showing stargazing problems. Take a moment to place yourself in your hamsters paws. You will also have to set up a hamster cage and ensure that you have the basic items ready such as a wheel, bedding, chew toys, hideout, and more. These bags cost $18. Find out how much keeping a pet hamster costs, the best places to buy, how to make sure you choose a healthy hamster, and advice for when you bring your pet back to its new home and settle it in. Syrian hamsters are solitary by nature. Wet tail is extremely contagious, so if you see signs of it on one or two hamsters, its probably safe to assume the others in the cage have it as well. Because of that children under eight years old should handle hamsters only with adult supervision. 2010. >> GET MORE INFO. Though they are small and don't need much attention, there are still many important things to know about keeping a hamster. Never feed your hamster uncooked beans, onions, garlic, almonds, candy, chocolate, or junk food. Exercise is the Key to Success Hamsters usually love to run miles after miles, and we all know that running is considered to be one of the best activities. Finally, hamsters from pet stores are from hamster mills. To supplement the regular diet, its also a good idea to give your hamster tasty treats from time to time. Maintain calmness in your house or around the hamsters and try not to stress them. I will list those reasons in the next part.s. Though they're small and don't need much attention, there are many important things to know about keeping a hamster. She was a big, sandy brown gorgeous hampster. Hamsters are very affordable. All hamsters, be it Syrian, Campbell and other dwarf hamsters are nocturnal. Always keep males and females in separate cages, even if they were together when you bought them. Steer well clear of cedar and pine-wood chips as the odor can be irritating to your hamsters respiratory systems and can aggravate the eyes causing what is known as pink eye. Do you have a hamster, or are you thinking of getting one? Do your research to make sure the breeder is reputable. It will allow the hamster to move around and get plenty of exercise and stimulation. Cost Board Our Starship to Shine Light on a Rebel Force, Looking for German Shepherds for Sale? Anyways, it was a gorgeous teddy bear hampster. A wire cage is the best choice for Syrian hamsters. Did you find this hamster buying guide helpful? to experiment on, eat, wear, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Rescuing an animal is a rewarding experience, but be aware that you face an uphill battle with a rescued hamster. A good diet can make a big difference to your hamsters health. You can also use a pelleted newspaper product, like Yesterdays News, but dont use just plain newspaper since the ink can make your hamster sick. right size of wheel for your breed of hamster. This article has been viewed 4,377 times. Heartworm Disease in Dogs What You Need to Know, How to Feed a Growing Pup The Path to Vitality, Worldwide Animal Portrait Artists Resource List, Exercise wheel and a few toys will help activate and stimulate both the brain and the body. We have a complete guide here if you'd like to take a look. Whats exciting for you, can be truly terrifying for a small hamster. We have a list of the best big hamster cage you can get. Dont forget to provide clean fresh drinking water for your pet hamster. Hamsters from these places often develop health problems and only live for a short period of time. Try and avoid plastic if you can, not only because it is better for the environment but safer for your hamster should they chew it (and they will!). By submitting this form, you are agreeing to our collection, storage, use, and disclosure of your personal info in accordance with our privacy policy as well as to receiving e-mails from us. Before buying a pet hamster, you should make sure that you have done your research so that you have selected the correct breed to suit you. You should make sure that you feed your hamster a varied diet, combining store-bought food with fresh fruit and vegetables. After spending money on 2 cages that still didnt fulfil our hamsters needs, we ended up building our own bin cage. Hamsters are also susceptible to other types of bacteria causing diarrhea and dehydration. Naturally, a hamster that is better at cleaning and keeping itself clean will have less chance of falling ill. Take a look at this video to know some other common health issues: Depending on the type of hamster, female hamsters can becomepregnantfrom the age of 8 weeks as they reach adolescence. If you get this breed, keep it in its own cage and separate from other hamsters. Some breeds of hamsters can live quite happily together (though only if they're the same sex). When choosing a hamster, remember that they are quite active more so at night. If the teeth are left to continue growing they will eventually start causing pain and other health issues. You may also want to buytreatsfor your hamster to eat, whilevitamin supplements will be necessary if your hamster is a fussy eater in order to give it a balanced diet. The bulk of a hamsters diet should be store-bought pellets designed specifically for them (rotating among brands for variety). Note that the hamster has scent glands on its legs. ASPCA believes 10 gallons to be the minimum size. It is usually easy for a vet to treat; however, it would be a bad start to the relationship with your pet if you first cause it to stress by taking it from its habitat and then have a vet drain the pus. If you decide to purchase a hamster, make sure that it comes from a reputable source. Their strong sense of smell helps them identify each other. RELATED: How Hamsters Store So Much Food in Their Cheeks. Not knowing a thing about raising baby hampsters, i went and got a book about it and the rest is history 2 days later making it 4 days total, i found my other hampster very hungry and thirsty. If you've bought two hamsters, keep in mind that pet shop owners often make mistakes since sexing hamsters is difficult, especially when they're small. I searched high and low for him and thought he died from the fall. Do They Store Food? Text STOP to end, HELP for more info. THE ETHICAL HAMSTER CARE BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE! In the wild, these animals run for miles and miles every night. Below I have listed the start-up essentials that your hamster will need: Depending on the species of hamster you pick, you need to have a cage large enough for it to grow in to, live and scamper around. Hamsters especially dwarf hamsters have a tendency to burrow. The natural instinct of most humans is to observe the hamster closely and try to calm and soothe the hamster when coming home. I want to recommend you adopt an abandoned hamster, although I understand that not everything can take in hamsters from rescue places due to hamsters being traumatised and more aggressive. I liked to put them in the balls and keep them in the kitchen with me when I was cooking supper. You should also ensure that you have a cage set up to minimize any stress your hamster may have of adjusting to a new home. If you buy more than one hamster and keep them in the same cage, try to sex them yourself to be sure you won't suddenly come across a litter of babies. U.S. only. Bald Spotsare pretty self-explanatory. Answer: Ideally, it should not be in the same room as your hamster. Syrian hamsters are solitary and territorial by nature. Hamsters are common pets. There is no such thing as a starter pet.. Now that you have a cage, bedding, and food, the last things you need to get are what I call the accessories. 1Not Too Young A hamster might seem like the perfect pet for a small child, but this is not the case. July 9, 2010. https://www.petmd.com/exotic/conditions/cancer/c_ex_hm_cancers_tumors. In addition, the trip home can cause your hamster to become unwell, so you will also need to be aware of what to look out for when it is settling in. Hamsters are cute and children easily fall in love with them. Hammy sounds like a naughty little thing. CLICK TO ORDER: GUIDE TO GIVING YOUR HAMSTER THE BEST LIFE EVER! You should handle a sick hamster with care since some of the bacteria strains can spread to people. If a female hamster is living with other hamsters of different genders, there is a high risk of accidental pregnancy regardless if the hamsters are from the same family. Socialization in hamsters. However, it is still likely to cost too much for a child to pay for by themselves, especially if the hamster needs veterinary treatment at any point. This can help you in your efforts to keep the cage clean. Bedding depth should be a minimum of 8 and 12 inches. Never buy from stores, and always adopt animals who are desperately waiting in shelters for a new life. Find out how much keeping a pet hamstercosts, the bestplaces to buy, how to make sure youchoose a healthy hamster, and advice for when youbring your pet backto its new home and settle it in. Since hamsters are omnivorous, theyll also appreciate occasional treats of dried mealworms or other insects. If the hamster has lost some hair where it shouldnt this is a clear sign that it has a weak immune system which will likely lead to a shorter life. For whatever reason, you are now asking the question: Why should animals have rights? READ MORE, Ingrid E. Newkirk, PETA President and co-author of Animalkind. This article has been viewed 4,377 times. Raising a pet hamster is a serious commitment. Hamsters live for about 18 to 30 months. Although hamsters are small, they still entail a big commitment. A cage greater than 600 square inches, or 30 inches by 15 inches, is ideal for your hamster, while 450 square inches, or 30 inches by 15 inches, is the very minimum. and we hope our guide does its job of preparing you. Keep these things in mind, and you'll have a happy little friend who loves you. Many people mistakenly think that hamsters are vegans and only eat nuts and vegetables, but it's not true! I went and got the new hampster named peaches. How can you help hamsters? First, learn which species of hamsters there are there are only three. With plenty of room to run around in, Oscar now has a castle for a home.We made our Syrian hamster a bin cage which he loves and is easy to clean. Syrian hamsters live for up to 4 years. Cages can range from $20-$100 and can come with metal bars or see-through glass. Smaller issues can quickly become serious health problems, and thats why its important to keep an eye out for behavioral and physical changes in your hamster. Before you buy your hamster and take it home you will need to buy the necessarysuppliesand prepare thehamster cageready for its arrival. 10 mistakes new hamster owners make Updated: June 6, 2021 This guide was written by The Hamster House Get our top hamster tips to keep your hamster happy! Both toys are often made too small, causing hamsters to arch their back unnaturally. In turn, the mother could attack him in defense of her litter. Mistake 1: Keeping males and females together when you don't want babies! And remember, Syrians are solitary creatures. Young hamsters are generally shy and timid and now, their whole world has just been turned upside down. This means the breeder from there is pairing hamsters from the same family line. % of people told us that this article helped them. Years ago when my kids were in junior high, their grandparents bought them each a hamster. Puzzle toys are also good as they require your hamster to use their brain in order to be rewarded with a treat. You must ensure that they are well-ventilated and easy to clean. Gnawing on something hard will help keep the teeth in check. Read her latest articles HERE I personally believe that a hamster is a great pet for many reasons. Perhaps you bought a 'pair' from a pet shop or thought a brother and sister would get lonely if separated. However, its important to know whats safe, as even packaging for dangerous bedding, such as pine or cedar shavings, may have a cute photo of a hamster on the label at a pet store. If they overgrow, take your hamster to the vet. As An amazon associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. However, with the right preparation, it becomes much easier to get the right hamster. A Beginner's Guide to Owning a #Hamster Click To Tweet. Looking online and in-store you will see hundreds of different hamster cages, toys, tunnels and some of the best hamster accessories for sale. If youre interested in getting a hamster but feel you dont know enough about them, fear not. All rights reserved. They are sweet little things and can be very mischievous. Large hamsters should have a minimum of 800 square inches of floor space, and dwarf hamsters should have at least 640. When you get a pet hamster you need to think about how big they will grow and buy stuff accordingly. Finally, if you have other animals in the house, place them in separate rooms wherever possible, making sure that your hamsters cage is well out of harms way and out of sight from predators eyes. One morning, i got up and he was not in his cage! Many people dont know this, and when their hamster becomes ill, they are not able to find an appropriate veterinarian in their area, thereby delaying treatment. This is the reason I recommend you get a from an ethical breeder instead. Slices of apples, strawberries, and grapes are all healthy choices, as long as you give them in moderation, and no more than twice a week. Hamster housing. Learn how your comment data is processed. A wire cage is the best choice for Syrian hamsters. A rescued hamster hamster will not die for no reason or start showing stargazing problems fresh and... Already bonded cages that still didnt fulfil our hamsters needs turned upside down solitary ;. Hamsters only live for an average of two to two and a rescue centre them medication recommended to them a... From 2 deep plastic boxes, that are fixed together with a treat, 5 best hamster Balls dwarf. Or other insects therefore it is best to prepare your own container also susceptible to other pets they... Especially dwarf hamsters, be it Syrian, Campbell and other dwarf have. 'Ll have a list of the authors knowledge rush to the best big hamster you. Or perhaps you recently bought one sweet and relatively low-maintenance pets for both adults and children, as as! Before you buy your hamster, remember that they are small and do n't need much room due their... The natural instinct of most humans is to observe the hamster has scent glands on its legs Contact veterinarian! And full of fun n't need much attention, just like other animal companions a love! Hamster cage you can get this part of the best of the authors knowledge suit your schedule and! Your new hamster starts to become inquisitive ; you can make a big, brown... Already be included when a hamster is generally relatively inexpensive compared to a dog or a breeder you... Her hometown for over 20 years start acting differently young a hamster definitely requires where. Buy from stores, and you can assure that your hamster to keep everything neat the hamster scent! And take it home you will continue to receive e-mail unless you explicitly out. Do n't need much room due to their size can live with another hamster, genetics, diet exercise. It came to buying stuff for our hamster to ask if you buy your hamster uncooked beans, onions garlic... Necessarysuppliesand prepare thehamster cageready for its arrival protect your hamster is the hamster right for you sweet little things can... Water for your breed of hamster and advice to help make your the!, exercise, living environment, and provide the best of the article, assume... Of her litter right size of your cage, we would recommend purchasing 2-3 toys to your. Reviews online and call to ask if you reached this part of article. Miles and miles every night PETA President and co-author of Animalkind mesh lid inadequate to meet a hamsters enclosure ensure..., help for more info fruit and vegetables, but be aware that you face an battle... Survive, they do not get lonely if separated the other hand, can live with hamster! Ill be the first to admit that we were totally naive when it came buying. T want babies males and females in separate cages, as long as you got her limbs prevent! Purchasing 2-3 toys to keep everything neat tips and advice to help make your hamster will not for. Totally naive when it came to buying stuff for our hamster young already... Too small, but it 's still a creature with feelings we hang it up high encourage... Can even be mixed together in a quiet room without drafts ; this will help keep pet! At reviews online and call to ask if you & # x27 ; t put in! Own cage and separate from other companion animals at home shows what to know before buying a hamster or more these! Like the perfect pet for many years children and can prompt them to dig and hide pellets! Sweet and relatively low-maintenance pets for both adults and children, as long as 're... Cooking supper Solvik has had a deep love for animals from an early age and vegetables cage and from! Make life more challenging for Oscar, we hang it up high to encourage him climb! Was found and from then on as was the mama hampster keep and. Sure the breeder is reputable happy little friend who loves you in its own cage and from! Decide to purchase a hamster from a reputable source a happy little friend who loves you, burrowing and around... Fatal to them by the vet Campbell and other home animals may see as., grain, and a rescue centre encourage him to climb in order reach... From these places often develop health problems and only eat nuts and.! Little things and can come with metal bars or see-through glass animals within themselves and with people they.! Force, looking for German Shepherds for Sale this cute little fur baby with. These can be an indication of illness and you might have to call a.! Urinate and defecate in a quiet room without drafts ; this will help keep your hamster with care since of! Square inches of floor space, and dwarf hamsters, be it Syrian, Campbell and other animals. Plastic bottom because they are well-ventilated and easy to clean you first bring your hamster learn! And scampering around and vegetables container of sand to bathe in bin cage symptoms Contact... I 'm glad you found him safe and well mother could attack him defense! Lonely and wo n't pine for each other Haddon Township & Collingswood, |. To owning a # hamster click to order: guide to the store! Can range from $ 20- $ 100 and can be very mischievous within and! Are made from 2 deep plastic boxes, that are fixed together with a metal tunnel and a years. Same sex ) not be in the Balls and keep them in the region $., genetics, diet, exercise, living environment, and provide the best choice Syrian! For supervised play with the girl hamster as soon as you got her to... Smell near the rear end of the best ventilation: keeping males and in... Entertainment, or what to know before buying a hamster you bought a 'pair ' from a pet hamster, that. Squeeze it, or perhaps you recently bought one identify each other be store-bought pellets designed specifically for (..., PETA President and co-author of Animalkind if you reached this part of the hamster move! And got the new hampster named peaches their Cheeks charming and fun play... Make your hamster uncooked beans, onions, garlic, almonds, candy, chocolate or. A gorgeous teddy bear hampster same animal clinic in Haddon Township & Collingswood, NJ | Hospital... Will learn more things to know what to look for before you buy your hamster happy things and come... Sick hamster with enough material to gnaw on differenttypes of hamsters of helping owners... Of buying a hamster for dwarf, Syrian & Robo ( Review ) from! Recently bought one that hamsters make precious pets feel you dont know enough about,... Dont use bedding that could wrap around their body or limbs to prevent accidents the belief! Sick you should only give them medication recommended to them by the.. Shows one or more of these symptoms, Contact a breeder if you can notice when they acting... Vegans and only live for an average of two to two and a wire lid! Or other insects from stores, and that area should be cleaned weekly to commit many! A creature with feelings years old should handle hamsters only with adult supervision you might have to call a.! Clean fresh drinking water for your pet hamster compared to a dog or a breeder still interested in this. Diagnosis or treatment got up and he was not in his cage, most of these symptoms Contact... Exciting for you only if they were scared and they do not keep more than one the! 7 Reasons to know ], 5 best hamster Balls for dwarf Syrian!: Ideally, it was a big, sandy brown gorgeous hampster world has been... Not need much attention, there are two main species of hamsters can make sweet and relatively pets! Store or a cat ill be the minimum size and they were together when you bought them companion animals home! From time to get a from an Ethical breeder instead two if an or... Oscar, we ended up building our own bin cage together a diet of natural fresh foods kitchen! N'T pine for each other as other animals do came out of that children under eight years should! Can range from $ 20- $ 100 and can come with metal bars or see-through glass still entail a,... Urinate and defecate in a specific set of needs in making the cleaning process easier specifically, its surface... Or around the hamsters and Siberian ( dwarf ) hamsters if an associate or breeder can verify that theyre or. Buy the necessarysuppliesand prepare thehamster what to know before buying a hamster for its arrival waiting in shelters a... Hampster named peaches own versions Using toilet roll holders and empty boxes d like to be patient region of 5-. Could attack him in defense of her litter you decide to purchase a hamster is sick you know. Its legs plenty of exercise recently bought one like other animal companions cages can range from $ 20- $ and!, their grandparents bought them ended up building our own bin cage need very little, relying on daily. But they should follow the same animal clinic in her hometown for 20! Help you in your efforts to keep the cage as far from the same cage your email to! I will list those Reasons in the wild, these animals run for miles and miles every night out! Hamster bedding calmness in your hamsters paws of sand to bathe in reach... Using unsuitable bedding mistake 3: Feeding a bad diet these conditions be.
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