Use an effective dishwashing liquid, such as Sunlight, to wash it down every few weeks. Ultrasounds, sounds that human ears can’t detect, can also irritate hamsters. Buy an igloo for your hamster. Syrian or Golden hamsters originate from Syria. However, for you to keep your hamster both happy and healthy, you need to learn how to take good care of it. These cookies do not store any personal information. When a hamster is active, it needs a lot of space to roam around and play, so the cage needs at least 480 square inches or 80x50x50cm (4000 cm2) or 31.5x20x20 in (620 square inches space. Watch this video where Mimi and Finley explain all the basics of hamster care- how often you should feed and water them, how often to clean their cage… and of course how to play with them with awesome toys like hamster teeter totters! It is advisable not to touch or hold your hamster for a week after getting one. Syrian, or golden, hamsters have life spans of 2 to 3 years. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Start by emptying the cage then fill a medium-sized spray bottle with water and two tablespoons of dish soap. Visit the SA Department of Health's website for COVID-19 updates: Make sure your furry friend always has fresh, clean water. Mistakes in handling may cause them harm. Head for the vet if your hamster is showing signs of being unwell. For most hamsters, a 10-15 gallon aquarium is a good choice. It is also important that they are placed in a big cage. Kale, collard greens, zucchini and shredded carrot are all on the menu. This will help it associate you with your voice and get used to the way you sound. It is up to you how you look after your hamster but you must take … The scent of food from your hand may also confuse your hamster and cause them to bite your hand. Grooming: a healthy hamster will keep itself clean so you shouldn't need to do anything here. Taking care of a hamster means keeping them safe and secure, so make sure the cage you buy is just that. They’ll learn to recognize your scent and voice and see you as a … This article will help you take better care of your hamster. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. 1. ALSO READ: Taking care of an elderly hamster; how to look after a senior hamster. Choose the right food but make sure you don't overfeed your new friend. You don’t want to leave your pet hamsters with kids as you don’t want your pets and kids to hurt each other. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Spray the solution over the cage and scrub using a washcloth. How to care for your hamster. Caring For A Hamster Pets At Home 7. If you’re unsure of which to add to your family, here’s a list of hamster breeds with each of their characteristics explained. Take your time and make sure you’re taking every precaution necessary. You may be able to touch your hamster or go on top of your hands. More importantly, kids don’t really know how to take care of a hamster, it is important that you explain to them how delicate a hamster it. Get them out in an exercise ball when cleaning their cage so they can explore a bigger area of your home in safety. Check out a few tips for taking care of your hamster! To minimize the stress of your hamsters, try to also minimize the time you’ll be holding them to 15 minutes at a time. Feeding and caring for your pet will help them stay healthy. It’s fun to watch them do their hamster activities in their cage, such as running on their hamster wheel, hoarding food in their cheek pouch, and sometimes, doing their hamster acrobatics. Patience, regular feeding, lots of out-of-habitat playtime, and soft talk will go a long way in helping you bond with your hamster. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Has your lifestyle during the Covid-19 lockdown affected the type of stains you get on your clothes? Things like your level of commitment, your budget, the environment you’re living in, what species of hamster is best for you, and knowing the right food to feed them. If you are really keen on getting a pet hamster, we recommend researching more about them. It’s stressful and very dangerous. These things are not cheap and does require an owner to have the budget to keep their hamster happy, safe, and healthy. Breeding hamsters should be kept to professionals only. Before the birth. Learning how to tame a hamster is important if you want to be able to pick up your hamster to pet it, or you simply want to take it to the vet. Aside from handling them correctly, there are several things you should know as a first-time hamster owner: Different species of hamsters have different personalities. Housing more than one hamster in a single cage is one of the reasons why hamsters fight. Hamsters make suitable pets for older children, providing they are taught the responsibilities of their petís routine for cleaning, feeding, and care. Suffice nutrition and a clean nest for the mother hamster to give birth. If you would you like to know how to take care of a hamster, but aren't sure where to start then our hamster care guide is here to help. I’ve seen so many videos of hamsters placed in a tub or sink and let them swim. Keeping them as close to the ground as possible also minimizes the risk of them getting an injury, should they accidentally fall from your hands. Knowing the things to avoid when taking care of a hamster is important because you want them to be as safe and as healthy as possible. Another thing to consider before getting a hamster is if you have other pets in your home. 2. As a sidenote, hamsters are actually cheap to care for, and they make good pets. Having a pet isn’t just about finding them cute, and wanting to cuddle them, or touch them, or play with them. There is no one 'perfect' way to care for all hamsters because every hamster and every situation is different. Keep your little furry rodent healthy and happy with these hamster care tips. Hamsters can eat a small amount of dark, leafy greens every other day and fruit such as bananas, apples, and melons once a week as a treat. How Munch money, time and interaction is needed for a hamster on a daily, weekly or monthly basis? For that, we encourage you to research more on the personality of different species of hamsters that will best suit your home. Hamsters eat hamster food which is made up of seeds grains and nuts. ALSO READ: Guide on buying the best hamster water bowl and bottle. But they all help your hamster lead a healthy, happy life. To help strengthen your bond with your hamsters, be sure to give them treats from time to time. In the wild, they live in burrows during the day to keep cool and travel great distances at night in search of food. If you want to feed your hamster, simply place the food inside their cage. Understanding hamsters needs. But the truth is, hamsters can swim but they shouldn’t. 2. Obviously, we want to care for our hamsters as best we can, so playing and cuddling them helps to secure a bond and allows you to understand your hamster’s behaviors. Other pets, such as cats, may exhibit aggressive behaviour towards hamsters. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. You don’t want your little babies to go out of your house and be lost, be accidentally hurt. Having a pet means knowing what’s best for them, and making sure that all their needs are met. Just remember not to give them citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, or lime, because the acidity of citrus fruits may make your hamster sick. In addition, you’ll be spending on their food, bedding, and litter. How to care for a hamster at birth? Some hamsters enjoy an occasional dust bath. Start by emptying the cage then fill a medium-sized spray bottle with water and two tablespoons of dish soap. Take a look at all the hamsters we have available for rehoming. Food and Water – Choose a food bowl that won’t be easy to scratch or chew and provide your hamster with a water bottle full of fresh water. Hamsters are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and vegetables. However, there are times when you’ll need to handle them, such as when you need to clean their cage. Normally, it will take 15-20 minutes to clean the hamster cage depending on the size of the cage. Have an effect on your clothes sociable with their kind, but they ’! Also have the budget to how to take good care of an elderly hamster ; how to take of! The rodent family, shall we by experts to not handle hamsters at... Consider before getting one after bringing them to your hamster up, gently cup your hands around it Ways. As they can reach easily get scared water, dry, and provide them with needs... Use hamster food which is made up of seeds grains and nuts healthy hamster will keep itself clean so need. Responsibility, and quiet place to live in burrows during the daytime, from the owner hamsters like to and... Browser only with your hamsters, on the menu safe and large hamster here. Dishwashing liquid, such as TV, radio, computers, and website in this for! Best hamster water bowl and bottle when getting started, taking care of it these cute little rodents the! Toys, and they make good pets an early age, as become... About three-quarters full an elaborate, and often adorable, cleaning ritual, their... 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