Got a new hamster? Read this!
Congratulations on getting a hamster! Here are a few tips on the things you’ll need to keep your new hamster healthy and happy:
1) A name – One of the first things your hamster will need is a name. If you are searching for ideas and inspiration, try this pet names site for some great male hamster names and female hamster names.
2) A cage – wire, glass or plastic, the first thing to think of when purchasing a cage is size (the larger the better), ample ventilation and ease of cleaning. Keep in mind that Syrian hamsters MUST live alone, while Dwarf hamsters can live together – though you’d be wise to keep males separated from females unless you want lots of babies (hamsters breed prolifically)!
3) Absorbent bedding – use timothy hay, aspen shavings or pelleted bedding. Stay away from pine or cedar chips, which have a strong smell and can be harmful to your hamster.
4) A little box or other shelter – hamsters like to hide and sleep inside comfy little shelters. Don’t forget to give your hamster small pieces of paper towel or napkins to shred and make a nest with so that he or she can sleep in comfort.
5) Food – look for a high quality hamster mix that includes seeds, grains, corns and pellets. The ASPCA also recommends that you give your hamster fresh fruits and vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, carrots and apples every two to three days.
6) Food bowl and inverted water bottle – for food you want to use a bowl and an upside-down bottle with a drinking tube to ensure that your hamster gets clean, fresh water on demand.
7) Toys – look for a spinning wheel for running, as hamsters love to get exercise. There are a number of extravagant hamster toys on the market comprising of tubes and other contraptions, but using the tube from and empty paper towel roll should provide just as much enjoyment.
Chew treats or items – hamsters always need something to chew on as their teeth are constantly growing. Natural, pesticide-free twigs are a good option (just make sure the tree is not poisonous to hamsters) as are small pieces of dog biscuits.
References: the ASPCA.org