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Are you ready for a Hamster?
Hamsters make great pets, especially when space is limited. Your hamster will not require too much space but will provide you and your family with a loving, fun and energetic pet. There are two main types of hamsters - the Dwarf and the Syrian hamster. Each are different so it is important to find the one that suits you best.
Although hamsters are small animals, they are still a commitment and will require you to spend time caring for them throughout their life. It is important to understand that, although they are small, they are not an easy option.
Once you are certain that you and your family can provide a loving and long lasting home for your hamster, you must consider the following issues.
Selecting your Hamster
Dwarf Hamster
The Dwarf hamsters are very small, approximately half the size of Syrian hamsters. Dwarf hamsters are slightly limited in colour compared to Syrian hamsters, but they are known to be a more sociable pet. They are very small, gentle and very energetic. Dwarf hamsters are nocturnal animals so they will sleep during the day and be ready to play in the evening. Their average life span is just one and a half to two years. Dwarfs are sociable animals and so should be kept in small single sex groups or pairs to prevent them getting lonely. Chinese and Robo Hamsters are best in pairs but you need to keep an eye on them. Winter white russian hamsters will fight however and should be sold as singles. Males can sometimes fight as they get older, so female pairs or groups can be best.
Syrian Hamster
The Syrian hamster - also known as the golden hamster - is a very popular pet due to its gentle nature, size and inquisitiveness. Adult hamsters will grow from 10cm to 18cm in length and will usually have a slightly longer life span, compared to the Dwarf hamster, of 2 to 3 years. The Syrian hamsters are actually crepuscular animals, which mean they wake after sunset, late at night and at dawn. They Syrian hamsters have incredible cheek pouches that extend from their cheeks to their shoulders to store their food. Syrian hamsters should be housed alone as they do not mix well once they are adults.
Dwarf Hamster Cage
Due to the size of the Dwarf hamsters, it is important to get a cage suited to their breed, as they tend to be able to escape from a lot of the cages. The best would be the plastic cages with no bars. They will want a cage with lots of levels, compartments and tunnels for them to explore, as they are very energetic.
Syrian Hamster Cage
They will require a large cage as they are very energetic pets. In the wild they are known to be able to run at least 8 miles, so they will require a lot of space, levels, compartments and tunnels to reduce boredom and provide plenty of exercise.
At home with your Hamster
Once you have selected your hamster you will have to consider their enclosures. Dwarf and Syrian hamsters require different types of cages to suit their breed.
Wood shavings make the perfect hamster bedding, combined with shredded paper to make a cosy nesting area for them. Do not use cedar shavings as these can cause allergic reactions and do not use straw as this can pierce their delicate cheek pouches.
Ensure you provide your hamster with a clean living environment. They will need a separate toilet, nesting and eating area, so do provide a large enough cage for them. Clean the cage at least once a week and the toilet area at least twice a week with a pet safe disinfectant spray.
Diet
Hamsters are omnivores and therefore enjoy a varied diet of hamster mix and fresh fruit and vegetables. Your local Jollyes can recommend a good hamster mix that will provide the nutrition your hamster needs.
Once a day, at the same time daily.
Lettuce and avocado are harmful to hamsters.
Check the bottle every day and make sure it is always filled. Empty and refil every few days.
Health of your Hamster
Respiratory problems are known to affect Dwarf hamsters. This can be caused by factors such as the stress of a change in environment. Your local vet can usually treat this with antibiotics.
If Syrian hamsters are left in temperatures that drop below 5O C (40O F) they can go into hibernation. This will make them appear asleep and very still. The temperature will need to be raised gradually and the hamster should gradually wake up. Never warm your hamster above 32O C (90O F).
Overgrown teeth are a common health problem with Dwarf and Syrian hamsters. They can be clipped by your local vet, but always provide enough gnawing material to reduce this problem.