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Hamsters are a type of rodent with a complex diet consisting of nuts, burrowing insets, fruits, and vegetation. Because of its pleasant disposition, interaction with people, and its undeniable cuteness, hamsters became a popular house pet.
Hamsters are great for those who don’t want a high-maintenance pet. It’s perfect for people who live in urbanized areas because these rodents do not take up much room. But despite its easy maintenance, there are certain things you have to consider before getting your own pet hamsters. Consider these tips:
Knowing What Hamster Breed to Get
They might look alike, but hamsters have over 20 species in its sub-family. The most popular of all hamster breeds is the Teddy Bear hamster. As the name implies, teddy bear hamsters resemble a teddy bear toy. This specie of hamster live about two to three years — they have soft, silky fur; good-natured; but are extremely territorial so don’t group them together otherwise they will literally fight to the death.
The lifespan of hamsters will depend on two things: the breed and the health state of the hamster when you got them. As hamsters get older, they will become less active and their fur color could also change.
Caring for Your Hamster
One of the most important aspects of taking care of a hamster is its housing. The house has to be safe, comfortable, and efficient as far as protecting the little critters from the elements. The home of your hamster should be spacious enough that they can play, and should feature beddings, chew sticks, and toys to keep them occupied. One important thing you shouldn’t get as home for your pet is one made from wood.
As you know, hamsters will instinctively chew on anything — and they will chew wood. A hamster house made of wood will sustain damage and this could lead to your pets escaping. So a house made of wood is a complete no-no.
Do not choose a cage that’s way too small for the number of hamsters you have. It will encourage fighting between rodents. Cleanliness is a must. You should always clean your hamster’s home twice per week to eliminate feces, food debris, and dirt that could attract ants. Finally, add a wheel (or two, depending on the number of hamsters you have) so your pet could get ample amount of exercise. Hamsters that do not get exercise will have a shorter life span.
Feeding
In their natural habitat, hamsters love to eat seeds, fruits, and grains. Sometimes they eat insects and worms too. When it comes to feeding your pet hamster, you can buy a dried hamster mix and add a small amount of fresh fruits and veggies every now and then. You can try different types of food to find out which foods your hamsters love the best. One thing you have to avoid feeding your pet is foods with high fat content.
Always leave your hamsters with fresh, clean water for drinking. Hamsters are always on the move during the night so don’t sleep without replacing their water bowl with fresh water. Also, because hamsters love to chew and gnaw on things, why not leave a couple of chew treats and chew toys that they could happily gnaw on?
