Basics for Pet Hamsters

Let's discuss about the basics for pet hamsters. Whether you are trying to decide if you want a pet hamster or if you have a pet hamster and want to better understand the little creature this article can help. Continue reading for basic information on hamsters.

Hamsters can be tamed and friendly, however it may take some work. Some hamsters may be scared and bite you. If you try to handle them every day, they will get used to you. For the most part, hamsters will sleep during the day and then come out at night. If you want a pet that will be awake all day, then you may not want a hamster. If you have a hamster in your child's room, remember that the hamster may be up at night eating and running on its wheel. If your child is a light sleeper, the hamster may wake them up.

Make sure your cage is chew proof and that everything on the cage is attached properly and that the doors are closed. If a hamster has an opportunity to escape, they probably will. If your hamsters chews on its cage, it can chew through and escape or if you have a metal cage the hamster may damage its teeth. Provide your hamster with wooden blocks or one of the many products made for chewing.

If you look in your hamster's cage and can't find them, don't immediately think that they escaped. Hamsters like to burrow. They often sleep under all of their bedding. Hamsters also like to be warm. If they are somewhere that is too cold, they may actually hibernate. Their ideal temperature range is between 65 and 75 degrees. This shouldn't be a problem since most people keep their homes around those temperatures.

Hamsters don't live as long as cats and dogs. Most hamsters will only live for two to four years. If they are not properly cared for their life span could be less than two years. If you take exceptional care of your hamster they could possibly live to be four or five.

Hamsters like to eat commercial hamster foods as well as things like fruits, vegetables, nuts and cereal. Hamsters do keep food in their cheeks, so you may notice that sometimes they have big cheeks and sometimes they don't.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.