Hamster Care
Hamsters are very popular pets. They are rodents and most of the hamster in the UK today are decedents from the original male and 2 females imported from Syria in the early 1930's!
Hamsters like to live alone and their needs are simple. They are fairly odourless if their cages are kept clean and the flooring material changed several times a week.
One thing to remember is that hampsters are nocturnal so they need a quiet place for their cage during the day.
Housing and Bedding
Hamsters are best kept in a cage with both space for them to exercise and a private place for them to be able to retreat. As hampsters like to chew so make sure that the cage can stand up to sharp little teeth. Plastic cages are the best. Remember to locate the cage in a draft free spot.
Hamsters like plenty of bedding materials as they burrow into the bedding material when they go to sleep. It is a good idea to put a layer of newspaper at the bottom to help with the cleaning. Do not use cotton wool or similar things as bedding material as this can either be eaten causing impaction of the pouches, or get wound around the legs. Keep the cage really clean to avoid smells and disease.
Feeding
Hamsters are best fed on commercial mixtures. Supreme and Burgess are good brands to look for. These can usually be purchased at the surgery and provide a well balanced diet. You can offer your hamster a small amount of fruit or green vegetables, but as hampsters come from arid regions keep these treats to a minimum. Make sure that your hamster has access to plenty of clean water at all times. Don't forget to keep its water bowl really clean.
And finally..
Hamsters do enjoy exercise so make sure that your cage has a wheel. Many hamsters ill spend a lots of time running in their wheel. Hamster also enjoy a specially designed clear plastic running ball. However, you must never leave your hamster unattended when in a running ball and always make sure that the ball is properly closed so that your hamster cannot escape.
