So your son or daughter would like a furry little friend, and you’re thinking a hamster would be the simplest way to go. It’s true that hamsters are easier to take care of than cats or dogs. After all, they mostly keep to themselves inside their little 12x18 inch cages, and they seem quite contented to do so.
But it’s sometimes easy to forget that these cute little fur balls have particular needs just like cats and dogs. And just like any larger pet, they should not be purchased by anyone unable or unwilling to provide them with the care they require. The trick, of course, is to become as knowledgeable as possible about the animal’s needs, and then decide if it’s a responsibility that you and your children are willing to shoulder.
Bedding
Hamsters should have plenty of bedding in their cages to snuggle up in, to hide out in, to store their food, and to do their business. Choose good quality bedding made of natural wood shavings, and spread it out over the whole cage bottom at about 1 inch thickness. And remember to throw out the bedding and add 100% fresh shavings at least once per week. In the wild, rodents can freshen up their own homes on a daily basis, but your pet relies on you to make sure his cage is a clean and healthy place to live.
Food and Water
Don’t wait until your hamster’s water runs out to fill up the bottle. He should always have access to cold, fresh water, so make sure you change it every day.
Always check to make sure your hamster has adequate food. Top up his bowl daily and dispose of the entire contents of the food bowl each week. Hamsters have a very fast metabolism because they’re always on the go and they expend a lot of energy. This means that they require a constant supply of food, and they could easily die after a few short days without it.
Exercise Tools
Because hamsters are mostly confined to a small cage, they need to be provided with exercise tools to expend their energy. Every cage should be equipped with a metal or plastic wheel, which the hamster has constant access to. Exercise balls are also a great idea, but they should only be used under very close supervision. Keep the ball away from staircases, and limit the hamster’s time in the ball to 20 minutes per session.
Gnawing
One important thing that people often forget is that hamsters need to gnaw. They have four incisors at the front of their mouths that grow continuously throughout their lives, and so they need to be regularly worn down. If this is neglected, the teeth will overgrow and cause serious harm to the animal. So make sure you buy hamster chewings, nibble bars or alfalfa bars in addition to your hamster’s regular food. Your local pet store should also have small wooden sticks that you can place in the cage for a constant gnawing opportunity.
Handling
Remind your children not to over-handle the hamster. Pet hamsters should spend the vast majority of their time in their secure caged environment, where they have easy access to food and water and a familiar place to hide and sleep. When you and your children do handle the hamster, though, make sure you pick it up gently with both hands, and avoid squeezing or smothering or holding it high in the air.
Illness
Since your hamster will have certain eating, drinking, and movement habits, it should be easy to notice changes in its behavior. This could be a sign of illness, so observe the hamster carefully. If it’s sleeping too much or eating too little, or if you notice any swelling, baldness, crusted eyes or runny nose, contact your veterinarian for advice.
For more detailed information and great tips on hamster care, please visit cfhs.ca/athome/hamsters/
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