How To Care For Hamsters

Before going to the pet shop to make a purchase, be sure you know to care for hamsters. Aside from the daily responsibilities, there are several items that you need to keep your hamster content and happy. Get everything ready and begin searching for that perfect pet.

1. Purchase a cage or habitat. Most come complete with several of the items you need to care for your hamster. Be sure the kit includes a water bottle, exercise wheel, a place for them to burrow (sometimes called a hamster hut) and a small food dish.
2. Prepare the habitat. Set the cage up with the water bottle attached to one side. Cover the bottom of the cage with wood shavings. You can purchase some that are more absorbent, keeping the odor to a minimal.
3. Hamsters eat hamster food. But that will not be enough for them. You need to feed them leafy greens as well. There are specific treats for hamsters, but they also love bananas and baby carrots. Many times they will burrow their food into different places inside the cage, you need to check the food everyday, but you don't need to feed them if they still have some left from the day before.
4. The cage needs to be cleaned once a week. Keep things consistent by doing this on the same day every week. Get rid of all of the old shavings and place new ones in the bottom of the cage.
5. Handle the hamster everyday. Because they are nocturnal animals and are always on the move, do this during the day to prevent your hamster from getting away from you.
6. Consider getting an exercise ball. You can put the hamster inside and let it get some exercise around the house. This is the perfect place to keep him while you clean out the cage. Be aware of other animal in the house as they may be interested in playing with the ball and accidentally let the hamster out.
7. Check the water everyday. They always need to have water, but you also want to make sure the bottle isn't leaking. Hamsters and water don't mix and having a water leak can actually kill the hamster. For this reason, you never want to try to give hamsters a bath.