subject: all about hamsters a short article [print this page] all about hamsters a short article all about hamsters a short article
Hamsters are rodents, of the same family as rats and mice. In the wild they feed on vegetation, seeds and sometimes insects and thus belong to the category of omnivorous animals. They make interesting, amusing, clean pets and are suitable for children who are able and willing to provide a degree of care and gentle handling.
A wide range of metal cages or hamster homes made of plastic, can be found at all pet supply shops . You may wish to buy a metal cage with a clear plastic base as their main home' for sleeping in, and provide one of the plastic 'play homes' which can be expanded with extra 'tunnel' pieces exercise wheel for play. But either will be fine, as long as your hamster has an area to sleep, and is able to tunnel and play. Your hamster will enjoy, and needs, plenty of exercise and stimulation, so toys and the opportunity to burrow and climb and run are essential to its happiness.
Hamsters can make very friendly pets. You will need to start handling your hamster from a young age, it will then get used to you and be happy to let you pick it up and handle it. Always be very gentle and calm as you do this, if your hamster gets scared it can give a sharp bite. Your hamster will steadily get to know you, and know your voiceespecially if you are offering it a treat at the same time! These treats can be bought at pet shops, seed sticks and special chocolate' drops are very much appreciated.
Hamster food , a mix of seeds and dried vegetation can be bought at petshops and most supermarkets, along with bedding, sawdust, shredded paper and special cotton wool which they will make into a cosy bed. As well as food and water, you will also need to provide some vitamin drops to put on its food, these will help keep your hamster healthy.
Hamsters need to chew. Their teeth keep growing so they need to chew to wear them down or they will grow too much and cause pain and problems with eating. Wood sticks, wood toys, cardboard rolls are all useful for this. Your hamster won't like being too hot or too cold, a light position out of direct sunlight and in a warm, but not overheated room, should be fine.
