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ESSENTIALS EXTRAS
CAGE WHEEL
BEDDING TOYS
FOOD & DISH TREATS
WATER BOTTLE & HOLDER
SALT LICK
VITAMINS
CHEW STICKS
The hamster's chubby fluffy apperance makes it one of the most instantly loved pets around. Being a nocturnal animal, they become active in the evenings when you are home to enjoy them. They perform cute antics and feats of wonder in their homes and with the proper patience and care, they can be cuddled and loved. Their average life span is 3-4 years. Females have a gestation period of approximately 16-18 days with an average litter size of 8. They are very content living by themselves and should, otherwise they will fight. As they reach sexual maturity they become very territorial and do not want to share their living space with another hamster, not even one of the opposite sex
THE CAGE The cage should be large enough that the hamster will have enough room
to eat and sleep and also to play. WIRE CAGES are durable and easy to clean with good ventilation but urine can corrode the metal, litter can be kicked out and fingers can be mistaken for food when stuck through the wire. GLASS OR PLASTIC CAGES WITH SCREEN COVERS keep shavings in and fingers out but do not have enough ventilation during hot weather, plus plastic scratches and is easily chewed. It is a matter of choosing what will work best for you. Hamsters are very susceptible to heat, make sure the cage is not placed in sunlight and that during hot weather that it has proper ventilation. NEVER use cedar bedding in the cage. Cedar oil is very irritating to the respiratory system of most small animals. The bedding should be changed at least once a week and the cage cleaned with bleach and water and then rinsed thoroughly. NEVER use household cleaners.
THE DIET The diet should be well rounded, varied and fresh. Pelleted and premixed foods should always be supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, vitamins, treats, chew sticks and even insects.
FRESH, CLEAN WATER AND FOOD SHOULD BE AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES.
HANDLING Remember that hamsters are nocturnal and have very poor eyesight. When you wish to handle your pet, talk softly, move slowly and gently wake him/her.
Always wash your hands before and after handling to remove any food smells and to reduce the risk of giving an illness to your pet or possibly catching something from your
pet. Exercise and chewing are very important for your pet, otherwise it can get either
fat and lazy or his/her teeth might get to long. Recommended reading: Barron's® "Hamsters".
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