Need to Knows About Owning A Hamster
Feeding Your Hamster
Hamsters For Sale in Tring!! Hamsters are omnivores and require a mix of fibre and protein to stay healthy.
You can provide commercial hamster foods which are specially formulated to provide all the necessary nutrients and minerals your hamster needs. Check the recommended daily allowance on the pack before feeding. Try to give your hamster a small portion of fruit, vegetable, or protein either everyday or every other day. A portion size equivalent to a couple of raisins is appropriate (Avoid soft fruit such as banana as it can stick in the hamsters pouches. Also avoid grapes or rhubarb as this can be poisonous to hamsters. Make sure any uneaten food is removed to avoid it going mouldy).
Hamsters will naturally hoard food by filling their cheek pouches and depositing it in a hiding place within its cage.
Food bowls can be tipped over, so make sure that you choose a wide based metal or heavy ceramic bowl. Avoid plastic as they are easy to chew and can cause injury if ingested.
Make sure you check the water bottle daily for leaks and/or blockages and change your hamster’s water at least once a day. You should also make time to regularly clean the bottle and nozzle properly to avoid contamination.
Housing Your Hamsters
Hamsters are extremely active animals so they will need a large & interesting cage. A good home will have multiple levels with places to hide, play & exercise. Tunnels and toys such as a hamster wheel are a great way to keep them occupied and active.
Hamster's must be kept indoors away from any direct sunlight and draughts. Their cage should not be near any other animals or any electrical equipment as they are very sensitive to noise and vibrations.
Cover the floor of the cage with wood shavings to absorb urine and deep enough to allow your hamster to burrow and dig in. Soft shredded bedding is a favourite for hamsters to allow nesting. Avoid using sawdust as this can make them very ill.
Your hamster’s bedding should never become damp or very smelly, but remember that hamsters communicate using smells so always put back a small amount of old, unsoiled bedding when you clean out your hamster’s cage. Spot clean the toilet area daily and replace the bedding weekly.
How to Handle A Hamster
In order to build a relationship with your hamster it is important that you handle them regularly.
When you take your Hamster home it will need to adjust to its new surroundings. In order to help them do this, you will need to leave them to settle for a day before any handling.
In the first few days talk quietly to your hamster so it gets to know your voice. You can then start to introduce your hand into their cage and perhaps offer a treat. In time you will start to earn your hamsters trust, but be patient.
Hamsters should be picked up by cupping the hamster with two hands and then gently opening the hands so that the hamster is sitting on joint palms. Do not hold your hamster at a height as they could fall and injure themselves.
Hamsters should not be handled when they are resting or sleeping, unless absolutely necessary as they can find this stressful. Handling your hamster regularly can help build their confidence and maintain your bond with them.
Keeping Your Hamster Healthy
Providing a clean, hygienic environment with a healthy well balanced diet will keep your hamster in good health.
Hamsters can be affected by many diseases as well as catching infections from contaminated food, water or litter material.
By handling your hamster regularly you will be able to spot any abnormal symptoms your hamster is displaying.
Most common are:
Wet Tail - This is a bacterial infection that can cause severe diarrhoea. If your hamster has a wet & sticky bottom and appears hunched seek veterinary treatment immediately.
Constipation - Dehydration or fatty treats can be a cause of constipation. If you notice a lack of droppings in the cage try feeding your hamster a small amount of fresh greens, if you notice no change seek veterinary advice.
Respiratory Infections -
Hamsters can get respiratory infections that can lead to pneumonia. Signs include sneezing, discharge from the eyes or nose, and labored breathing. Occasional sneezing is not too worrisome, but if there is any loss of appetite, decreased activity, wheezing or difficulties breathing, contact your vet immediately.
Hamster Checklist:
Pets are for life!
It is important to commit to your pet and understand the responsibility it will bring. If for any reason you do find yourself in a position you can no longer care for your pet please let us know as we will try to re-home them through our store.
Call our shop now to find out what Hamsters we currently have in store!!
01442 823 434
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Metal Cage (The bigger the better)
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Wood shavings
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Soft bedding (Shredded nesting material)
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Metal or ceramic food bowl
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Water bottle & bottle brush
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Hamster food
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Suitable fresh fruit & vegetables
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Toys & treats
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Gnawing blocks or sticks
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Hamster shelter/house
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Exercise wheel
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Animal safe disinfectant
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Vitamins
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Hamster care book
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the content of this webpage is correct, Gosford Pets cannot be held responsible for results of action taken without the advice of a professional veterinarian.