Hamsters As Pets

Types of Hamsters

• There is a wide range of hamster varieties, each with their own characteristics and personalities. Long or short-haired Syrian hamsters live for two to three years and grow up to 7 inches in length. These make good pets for children because of their size and docile nature. Chinese hamsters can reach three years of age, growing to around 4 or 5 inches. Siberians are a small breed that live about two years, reaching an adult size of 4 inches. Dwarf Russian and Roborovski hamsters can live up to three years and grow to 4 inches long. Syrians do not tolerate other hamsters, and you should never house two males together, because they will fight to the death. As a general rule, keep hamsters singly if you are unsure of gender.

Habitat

• Provide your hamster with a cage or ventilated tank at least 15-by-12-by-12 inches. A larger enclosure is better, because hamsters are very active creatures. Hamsters chew at cages with accessible bars, often very noisily during the night, so if you intend to keep your hamster in a child's bedroom, a tank habitat might be an appropriate choice. Place a 2-inch layer of wood shavings in the bottom of the cage or tank and provide a hide for your hamster to sleep in. Add an exercise wheel, tunnels or tubes to entertain your hamster and encourage an active lifestyle. Attach a water bottle to your cage. A dish of water in the enclosure encourages bacteria and contamination from urine and feces.

Feeding

• Hamsters are omnivorous in the wild, so a varied diet for your pet is essential. Choose a small, heavy food dish that your hamster cannot spill or climb into. Commercial hamster food contains all the essential vitamins and minerals required for optimal health, but you can add variety with small pieces of fresh fruit or vegetables. Do not overfeed fresh food, or your hamster might suffer from diarrhea. Dried apple or carrot hamster snacks are a safer way to give fruit and vegetables in a nutritious form without running the risk of upsetting your pet's digestion. Provide your hamster with fresh food and water daily.

Handling

• Allow your new hamster to settle into its home for at least a week before you start to handle it. Introduce yourself slowly over a few days and hold your hamster for a minute or two each day. Scoop up your pet gently with two hands and never make sudden movements. Your hamster will get used to the routine and eventually come over to climb on your hand when you open the enclosure.

Hamster Wet Tail

• Hamsters are rarely sick, but if your pet suddenly appears lethargic, stops eating and suffers from diarrhea, seek veterinary advice immediately. These are symptoms of wet tail, a common intestinal infection caused by non-haemolytic e.coli bacteria in newly weaned baby hamsters, and the condition can be fatal if left untreated.

Maintenance

• Thoroughly clean your hamster's enclosure and contents at least once a week, and wash the food dish every day, using a pet disinfectant formulated for small animals to maintain a healthy habitat. Spot clean the wood shavings as necessary, and replace the substrate every week.