Tip 1: Read the books!
When buying a hamster for the first time, especially if you have never owned a pet before, buy a hamster care guide book. They are filled with basic information regarding cages, food and health matters without getting complicated and technical.
Tip 2: Which hamster?
When buying a hamster it is important to know that only dwarf breeds can be kept together. Syrian and Golden hamsters will fight to the death if they live together. It is also important to know that dwarf hamsters take much more care than the bigger breeds. Syrian and Golden hamsters are more suitable for beginners.
Tip 3: Escape artists
All hamsters are escape artists, but the dwarf breeds more so. This is why bigger breeds are better for beginners, as you have more variety when it comes to choosing cages, toys and foods. Hamsters can flatten their bodies, so with a dwarf breed it is essential that you buy a plastic cage. However, with larger breeds they are unlikely to be able to squeeze through the bars.
Tip 4: Handling
Handling is essential with hamsters. Those that do not get regular human contact quickly learn to bite and hamsters can give nasty bites! As soon as your new pet has settled into their home (give it a day or two), place your hand inside the cage, but do not grab at the hamster. They will come and sniff your fingers, but eventually over time they will sit on your hand and learn that you are their friend. Please note, NEVER pick up a hamster when they are asleep. Frightened or startled hamsters will bite.
Tip 5: Noisy creatures
Some people buy hamsters thinking that they are quiet and sedate animals. This is totally untrue! Hamsters are generally nocturnal creatures, meaning they like to come out at night. It is this time when they will insist on playing with their squeaky wheel, causing disruption to anyone trying to sleep in that room! Hamsters do also ‘talk’. They have different squeaks and grunts for each emotion. Hissing and growling is quite common in angry, agitated and frightened hamsters, whilst gentle squeaking is usually noticeable when they are searching out food.
Tip 6: Hoarders
Hamsters hoard, it’s as simple as that. They will stuff food into their pouches and bury it away for a later date. Uneaten food will then go stale and begin to rot, especially as they tend to hide it in their nests, which get very warm. Search through the cage on a daily basis to remove any uneaten food.
Tip 7: Health
The most common disease seen in hamsters is wet tail, a disease that is usually fatal to hamsters. Signs include smelly diarrhea and a wet tail (hence the name). It is important that if these signs are seen that the hamster is taken to the vets immediately for treatment.
Hopefully these tips will help you to keep your hamster happy and healthy.
