Hamster Care

Hamsters are cute and cuddly furry critters, that are very popular as pets. They are rodents that belong to the subfamily Cricetinae, which consists of around 25 species and six genera. Among the different species, the common hamster is the largest and Roborovski hamsters are the smallest. The most popular pet hamster is the Syrian variety, which is otherwise known as the golden hamster. Teddy bear hamsters (a type of Syrian hamster) are also loved as pets. Other popular pet hamsters include the Russian dwarf hamster (which is classified into two types - Campbells Russian dwarf and the Siberian or dwarf winter white Russian hamster), Chinese hamsters and Roborovski hamsters.

How to Care for Hamsters

Hamsters are preferred to others as pets due to their small size and fun-filled antics. Apart from that, it is relatively easy to take care of these animals. But, this does not mean that you are free of responsibilities. Your pet's life is in your hands and you are responsible to satisfy their needs like food, shelter and care. You have to take care of every minute detail of your pet hamster, so as to keep it in good health.

Home

The basic requirement of any pet is an ideal home and the right food. You have to keep in mind the type of your hamster, while buying cages for them. Syrian hamsters are very aggressive and have to be kept alone. Dwarf ones can be kept in pairs, provided they are of the same sex, because they are prolific breeders. Go for larger cages, if you have Syrian hamsters. As Chinese hamsters and other dwarf hamsters are small, go for solid plastic cages or aquariums, which are covered on top. Proper cages are very much important, as far as dwarf hamster care is concerned. They can squeeze out of cages with bars or get stuck in between the bars, and hence solid plastic cages or aquariums are your best bet. Avoid wooden cages, as these tiny animals can carve their way out with the help of their sharp teeth.

A hamster home would be incomplete without accessories like bedding, toys, food bowl and water bottle. You can buy cages with all the accessories or only a plain cage, which can be fitted with accessories of your choice. Choose the right bedding, which is absorbent and hygienic. The cage should have a running wheel or other accessories, which enable the hamsters to play. It has been observed that without sufficient physical activities, they are more prone to paralysis. In short, the cage must be big enough to provide the hamster with enough space to run around. It must be placed away from direct sunlight or drafts. You can also place something, like cardboard pieces or wooden blocks for them to chew on. Make sure that these substances do not have any chemical content, like paint and ink. The food bowl should be made of metal and should not have any sharp edges. The water bottle (preferably plastic) can be attached to the cage, with the spout within the reach of the hamster.

Food

The next main thing after home is food, which is easily available as hamster mix that contains seeds, grains, cracked corn and pellets. Even fresh fruits and vegetables can be given in small amounts. It should be given every two to three days. You may give them fresh grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables, like carrots, lettuce, spinach and fruits, like apples. If you want to introduce a food item, start with very small amounts. Always remember to remove the leftover foods. Raw potato, raw kidney beans, onions, rhubarb, chocolate, candy or junk food should not be given to hamsters. They should be provided with fresh water which should be changed on a daily basis.

Illness

Hamsters are small creatures that are prone to fall ill rapidly. A basic idea about common hamster illnesses can help you out in identifying an ill hamster and provide treatment, as per the advice of a vet. The most common diseases in these animals are digestive problems, which include wet tail (a bacterial infection of the gut resulting in diarrhea with pale and mushy droppings), salmonella infection (may cause weight loss and sudden death) and tapeworm infection (worm segments in droppings and near anus). Other hamster diseases include cancer and skin problems, like fleas and lice, mange and abscesses. If you notice any health problem in your pet, it is always better to consult a vet at the earliest. Most of these illnesses can be prevented with proper hygienic measures.

Hygiene and Handling

Hygiene is an important aspect of hamster care and includes regular cleaning of the cage/home, along with the accessories. You have to remove left over food, soiled bedding and droppings, on a daily basis. Bathing a hamster is not advisable, as it removes natural and essential oils from its coat. This may sometimes result in chill and death. If it is unavoidable, you may use warm water for the purpose of bathing them. Caring for baby hamsters includes supply of more fresh water and food than normal. The mother and the babies should not be disturbed for at least two weeks. Avoid handling the babies. Even adults should be handled gently. This tip is more applicable for children, especially small kids. A new hamster will take time to get tamed, so it is advisable to wear gloves while handling a new pet, as these critters may use their sharp teeth on your hands.

As hamsters have a very short lifespan (up to three years), proper care is very much necessary for them to lead a healthy and full life. The above said is only a brief overview about hamster care. So, it is advisable to gain a thorough knowledge about these animals, before getting one as pet.