Are you considering getting a hamster Here is the essential information you need for taking care of them.
Many people choose to raise hamsters as pets due to their cuteness and easy-to-care-for nature. They don't require much space and can be kept in a cage that fits their size. They are playful, calm, and not a threat to children. Here are the key things to know before getting a hamster.
What is a Hamster?
A hamster belongs to the rodent family, specifically the subfamily Cricetinae. It's characterized by its small size, with an average weight of less than a kilogram. Hamsters have dense, silky fur in various colors, chubby cheeks, and round, wide-set eyes usually in dark brown. They can play and run for long distances without getting tired. Hamsters are nocturnal creatures, active mostly during dawn and night. They feed on small insects and leafy plants, and they can store food in their cheeks. The average lifespan of a hamster is around 4 years.
Types of Hamsters:
There are several types of hamsters, including:
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Russian Dwarf Hamster: Originating from Russia, it's small and has a dark fur stripe running from its head to the tail. They prefer living in groups.
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Syrian Hamster: Also known as the golden hamster, it's larger than the Russian dwarf and has a full coat of fur. It's native to the Middle Eastern desert, and it's solitary in nature.
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Dwarf Hamsters: These are the smallest hamsters, with a length of about 10 cm. They include the Russian dwarf hamster.
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Chinese Hamster: Resembles a mouse and has a relatively long tail. It's social and enjoys company, but its lifespan is relatively short, around 2 years.
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Roborovski Hamster: The smallest and fastest type of hamster, it's known for its hyperactive behavior.
Key Information Before Getting a Hamster:
While hamsters are easy to get and care for, there are important points to follow to ensure their well-being:
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Buying a Hamster: Ensure that the hamster is healthy. Clean ears, dry and clean undersides, no bald spots or lumps, clean eyes, and healthy teeth are indicators of a healthy hamster. Choose a curious hamster that gently interacts with your hand.
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Preparing the Cage: Opt for a glass cage, provide ample space for play, ensure good ventilation, keep the cage away from direct sunlight and high temperatures, and place it in a quiet, safe area away from other pets. Avoid putting different hamster species together and don't keep a mated pair together for long to prevent conflicts.
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Providing Food and Water: Hamsters are hoarders, so offer fresh food daily. Use ceramic or metal dishes, as hamsters may chew on plastic. Feed them grains, supplements, and occasional vegetables and fruits. Avoid human food like sweets, pastries, fish, and sweets.
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Receiving the Hamster: Let the hamster explore its cage alone for a couple of days, then start interacting gently. Allow it to get used to your scent and presence before letting it out to play.
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Cleaning the Cage: Move the hamster to a safe area before cleaning the cage. Clean the cage using special hamster soap or vinegar, and ensure it's completely dry before returning the hamster.
Sources:
- Hamsters
- Is a hamster the right pet for you?
- 10 Things You Need to Know About Keeping a Hamster as a Pet
- What You Need to Know Before Considering a ‘Pet’ Hamster
- 9 Pet Hamster Care Tips for Beginners
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