Are you looking for a pet that’s small, super cute, and easy to care for? A hamster may very well fit the bill! Hammie will probably never be as popular as Fido and Fluffy, but he does have some charming traits. These guys are also great pets for kids. An Aurora, CO offers tips on keeping a hamster happy and healthy below.
Comfy Cage
Hammie will need a clean, comfy habitat, one that offers plenty of room to run, burrow, and play. You’ll also need to add suitable substrate; at least one good hidey-hole; a water bottle; and a solid exercise wheel. Ask your vet for specific advice on this.
Chew Toys
Hamsters have open-rooted teeth, so they need to chew constantly to keep their choppers from overgrowing. You’ll need to provide the little guy with plenty of chew toys. You can make many of these from household items, such as cardboard, wood, and wicker things. Ask your vet for recommendations.
No Roommates
Many of our animal companions are happier with buddies. Hamsters are definitely the exception to that rule! In fact, most hamsters are extremely territorial, and will fight for space. There’s also the chance of your pets mating.
Good Diet
Hamster diets should consist mainly of commercial food supplemented with fresh produce. For treats, you can offer things like waxworms, dog biscuits, or sunflower seeds. Just keep in mind that Hammie is very good at begging. He also likes to stash his favorite things for later, which makes it very easy to overfeed him. (Fun fact: Hammie got his name from the German word “hamstern,” which means “hoard”.) Ask your vet for specific advice, including serving sizes, safe and unsafe foods, and suitable snacks.
Peace And Quiet
Like many other small animals, Hammie is naturally quite wary and nervous, and can be easily frightened. Don’t scare the little guy! Avoid swooping him up from behind or when he’s sleeping.
Choose A Good Location
Hammie shouldn’t be exposed to a lot of noise or commotion. If you have a dog and/or cat, put the cage in an elevated spot, so Fido and Fluffy can’t peer in at him. He also shouldn’t be in a drafty area, in direct sunlight, or too close to a kitchen, as the smells may bother him.
Do you have questions about hamster care? Contact us, your Aurora, CO animal clinic, today!
