HAMSTER

Hamsters make good family pets. They need very little space, are easy to look after and, provided they have ample food and water, can be left on their own for several days. With plenty of time and attention they can become quite tame. Hamsters belong to the rodent family.

They are nocturnal creatures and therefore like to hide in burrows, amidst a vast network of tunnels during the day but will come out to play in the evening. Their average life span is between two to three years. Due to their small size and general requirements hamster are ideally suited to children and adults.

There are no less than 27 species and sub species of hamsters found across different countries and habitats. The majority live within semi-desert areas, however, not all are kept as pets. The most common is the Golden or Syrian hamster. Other smaller species include the Dwarf Winter White Russian, the Chinese hamster and Roborovski hamster.

More recently other breeds have appeared from different parts of the world, for example, the Chinese Striped hamster. Syrian hamsters were first introduced during the 19th century however, it wasn't introduced into the pet market until the 1950's.

Hamsters need lots of exercise, so buy the biggest cage you can afford, preferably at least 62cm x 46cm x 35 cm. Plastic cages with metal tops are best as wooden ones will be gnawed and splinters can damage the hamster's pouch. With modern world there is more variety or brands of cages that provide lots of interest and fun for pet and owner and you can add to them to accommodate additional hamsters. The floor of the cage should be covered with wood shaving for bedding. An enclosed 'house' is important as a refuge and allows your pet to feel secure when he is asleep.

Wooden toys for chewing and gnawing treats should always be available. Hamsters will divide their accommodation up into sleeping, eating, bathroom and play areas. Hamsters like to exercise daily and if provided with a wheel and/or a ball they can run the equivalent of 4 - 8 miles in an evening!

When you first get your hamster home, leave him alone for the first day or two to get used to his new surroundings. After that it is important to handle regularly to build up a relationship, but remember hamsters have very poor vision. First of all talk to him and let him get used to your voice. Then introduce your hand so that he can become used to your smell. Finally pick him up very gently by cupping one hand under him and one over him.

Young children should be supervised when handling hamsters and must take great care not to drop them. Eventually he should come to you and eat out of your hand.

It is advisable to clean the hamster's cage daily or at least once every 3 days with hot water and a pet safe disinfectant. Normally a hamster will use one area of his cage as a toilet, you may use a hamster toilet in this area. 　

Never let your hamsters out of his cage unsupervised and remember he likes to chew things, so keep him away from electric cables!

Hamsters normally stay healthy throughout their short lives. However, there are a number of common complaints, most of which can be avoided by looking after them correctly.
　
If your hamster's coat appears ruffled loses his appetite, coughs and sneezes and has a nasal discharge, he probably has a cold. Keep him warm and if symptoms persist take him to the vet. Hamsters can catch colds from humans so avoid handling if you have one.

Colds can be avoided by keeping the cage out of draughts and the temperature between 18 - 22c. In cold weather put more bedding in the cage. If your hamster becomes too cold he may go into hibernation and will need to be warmed up in your hands to wake him up. 　

Hamsters are susceptible to severe diarrhea known as Wet Tail which should be treated immediately by a vet. The cage should then be thoroughly cleaned with disinfectant. Wet Tail can be caused by rotten or moldy food or bedding or by stress from too much handling particularly with a new hamster.

Your hamster may suffer a mild form of diarrhea from too much fruit or vegetables and too many dry pellets can cause constipation. In both cases an adjustment to the diet is required.

Your hamster's teeth will grow constantly and if they get too long he may be unable to chew properly. Hamster treats and a mineral stone will help him wear his teeth down.

It is important not to feed too much sunflower seed. As it is too rich in oil and this may lead to health problems like tumor and skin problems. 　

Well looked after hamsters are quite happy living on their own and it is probably best to keep Syrian hamsters alone. Females can become quite aggressive at certain times of the breeding cycle and males will almost certainly fight. If you want to keep more than one hamster it is probably better to keep two female Russian dwarfs.

Hamsters in the wild are omnivores and will eat a wide variety of food. However, a dry hamster mix or pellets will provide all the minerals, vitamins and nutrients required and are clean and hygienic. Hamsters will hoard their food and therefore fresh fruit, carrot, lettuce or cabbage should be fed by hand so that you know it has been eaten and not hoarded away where it can rot. Vitamin supplements can be added to the diet once a week and mineral blocks and chew treats are usually popular. Pet shop sells snacks and treats for hamsters which can be used sparingly to liven up the diet and to help tame your hamster.

Food bowls should be sturdy and hard to tip over, as the hamsters will climb into them. They should be gnaw-proof and easy to clean. Remove uneaten food and wash food bowl daily and wash out the water bottle and drinking tube regularly.