Hamsters have been one of the most common pets for many years. These tiny, funny animals are especially popular with children, since caring for them requires a minimum of necessary knowledge.
Despite the fact that hamsters in their appearance more likely resemble some fairy-tale creatures or characters of children's cartoons, it should be remembered that these are still living creatures and should be looked after properly. In order for the hamster to delight the owner with its touching fuss in the cage for as long as possible, you need to know a few simple rules for keeping this animal.
All about the cage
Hamsters are loners in life, so you need to think in time about whether you should buy two or three individuals at once. Better to limit yourself to one animal - then it will be calmer for him and his owner. Hamsters of the same sex hate each other and often fight, and heterosexual animals are too loving, which is also not always good.
The hamster's cage should be spacious, comfortable and with horizontal rods - this is important for the animal, since it can often while away the time, climbing on them. For the rest, the cage should contain only what is needed: a drinker, food containers, a mineral stone for grinding teeth and a jogging wheel. By the way, a hamster is a very active and mobile animal, so he simply needs such a wheel.
To absorb animal waste, the floor of the cage should be covered with compressed or granular filler, sawdust or toilet paper. In no case should cotton wool be used as a filler, since in it the hamster can get entangled and break his paw. A broken paw for this animal is almost like a death sentence.
Proper care and feeding
It is known that if there is a cat in the house, then the cage with the hamster should be kept away from this toothy predator. It is best to refrain from buying a rodent altogether if there is a cat or dog in the house.
The hamster's cage should be located in an area out of direct sunlight. In addition, it should be located away from drafts, batteries or electric heaters. It is also necessary to ensure that there are no small objects nearby that the animal could reach from the cage.
A complete cleaning of the hamster's home should be done at least once a week, and the place where the animal is used to fulfilling its natural needs should be cleaned once a day. It should be noted that the hamster reacts very painfully to when someone is in charge of his pantry, in which he stores all his food supplies. Therefore, when cleaning the cage, it is better not to touch the pantry.
Ideal hamster food - ready-made dry cereal mixes, cereal sticks, herbal granules, special treats for hamsters. The rodent also will not refuse pieces of fresh vegetables, fruits and fresh herbs.
