How to care for hamsters What should be considered?

Hamsters are small and stocky rodents that, with proper care and veterinary treatment, can make excellent pets. The average lifespan of a hamster is relatively short, but they can live up to 5 years. Hamsters are generally nocturnal animals that love to dig and stack their food. We told you how to care for hamsters, whether caring for hamsters is difficult and what are the requirements for hamsters. Here is the answer to the question of how to care for hamsters and more.

You can also check out this content: “Totally Loving: Soft and Loving Pets”

Characteristics of hamsters

Before we answer the question of how to care for hamsters, let’s look at the general characteristics of hamsters.

• The senses of smell and hearing develop.
• Their eyesight is weak.
• They use their forelimbs as hands to carry objects and food, to put food in their mouths, and to wash themselves.
• They like to feed and nest in their environment.
• Their blunt tails, which look like they’ve been clipped, are about 1 centimeter long.
• They are extremely curious animals.
• They sleep during the day and are active at night.
• Their average lifespan is 2-3 years.
• Female hamsters are more aggressive than males.
• They are humane, but because they are shy creatures, it takes time to get used to people.
• They are durable and do not get sick quickly.

Now that we know the general characteristics of hamsters, let’s answer the question of how to take care of hamsters step by step.

What to look for when buying hamsters

Before buying a hamster, you should pay attention to its appearance. First of all, make sure the puppy you buy is self-eating size. Hamsters weighing 55-60 grams can be fed without the help of their mothers. Heavier puppies are difficult to handle as they grow older. Individuals weighing less than 55-60 grams need a mother to feed.

It is important that the fur of the hamster you want to buy is soft and shiny, its eyes are lively and bright, have full roundness, and there is no swelling, redness or burrs around the eyes. The absence of discharge in the eyes and nose, the absence of moisture in the anus and tail indicate that they do not have the disease. To distinguish a hamster that is used to people, put your hand in the cage and wait without moving. If you come across a hamster, you can pick it up without thinking twice.

What are the requirements for hamsters?

One of the most important things for a happy and healthy hamster is its habitat. Therefore, when buying a hamster cage, choose the widest cage possible. Make sure the bars of the cage are tight and narrow, otherwise your hamster may escape. When buying a cage, you should keep as wide an area as possible where the hamster will live.

Other than the items you put inside, you should leave it where your little friend can roam around. Place a hamster water bottle and a sturdy lunch box in the cage. However, don’t forget to include toys, rings and tunnels in the cage to make the cage a happy home for your hamster. Also add wood shavings, a hamster bed and a corner toilet in the cage. Make sure the food container and the toilet are not in the same place.

When it comes to hamster food, I prefer to buy products from reliable brands. The content of these products basically includes sunflower seeds, oats, maize, barley, wheat, seeds and pallet fodder. Feeding 2 tablespoons a day will be sufficient.

How to care for hamsters?

When you first bring your hamster home, put it in a cage with fresh food and water and let it live. Cover your hamster’s cage with a light cloth so he can explore the cage or living space in peace. Make sure there is enough food, water, and toys to keep your hamster busy for a few days as you won’t be near the hamster during this initial period. If there are children, friends or guests in the house, tell them not to disturb the hamster.

About three days after leaving your hamster alone, you and your hamster can start dating. When approaching the cage, speak softly to signal your presence to the hamster. Your hamster may be nervous at first, but remember that he is not used to you yet and don’t be discouraged. Start with the things you need to do daily, such as changing food, water, and old toys, and putting in new toys. Also try to remove soiled bedding. Your hamster will start to get used to having your hand in the cage.

Do short petting sessions starting from the second week your hamster is in its new home. Most hamsters are active from early evening to late evening and throughout the night. Try to learn your hamster’s individual routine and do petting sessions when he is most active. A good way to pet a hamster is to put the hamster in an empty tub and then climb into the tub with it. Bring your hamster some toys to play with as he gets used to your presence. Don’t force yourself to play if your hamster doesn’t want to. Do not discipline your hamster if it bites/scratches during the training phase.

Put your hand in the cage to tame the hamster. Let your hamster sniff it and examine it. If the hamster bites lightly rather than aggressively, gently pull your hand back, but immediately let it uncover it again. This will help your hamster learn that the hand is not something to be bitten or feared. Then grab the treats and let the hamster climb into your hand. As you start to climb, gradually move the treat around in your hand.

If your hamster is making good progress, let the hamster climb onto your hand and reward it immediately. Your hamster will consider your hand a good thing. This time, let the hamster climb onto your hand and slowly lift your hand off the floor of the cage. Your hamster may be frightened at first, talk to him gently and offer treats to make him feel more comfortable. Sit on the ground during this step as the hamster may decide to jump out of your hands and take damage when it falls about 15-20 cm off the ground.

Although hamsters are nocturnal animals, they wander around a bit during the day to get food and the like. While he may seem awake, he’s not in the mood to play unless you see him feeling otherwise. Similarly, make sure there are no other people around the hamster. It’s important that your hamster only bonds with you for a while, as he will have many friends in the future. But now he needs to know that you are his companion and you will never hurt him.

Now that we’ve answered the question of how to care for hamsters, let’s move on to other interesting topics…

What do hamsters eat?

It is necessary to properly feed hamsters, which have a short lifespan. Hamsters need pellet food instead of muesli or seed mix to avoid selective feeding and ensure that your hamster gets all the nutrients it needs. Give your hamster enough food to fill both cheeks each day.

Put fresh food in food containers daily. Hamsters love snacks such as hazelnuts, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, wheat. They need to be fed foods that are hard enough to cut their teeth. Additionally, you can give them supplements such as cabbage, lettuce, carrots, potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and bananas several times a week to help them get nutrients and vitamins.

Does a hamster know its owner?

Hamsters are creatures with a highly developed sense of ownership. They know their owners, but when you get a new hamster, it’s important to create the right bond, as we just described. In addition, hamsters do not share their nest and possessions. Hamsters like solitude, they do not get along with their companions, over time they struggle with severe consequences. Therefore, hamsters should be fed alone.

Do hamsters bite people?

Biting is very rare in pet hamsters, but hamsters that are not used to being touched may occasionally bite their humans. Certainly not because of aggression. A biting hamster is afraid of something and bares its teeth in self-defence. Your hamster must trust you not to bite you. It is also a time-consuming process.

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