Jan 12 2009
Your Very First Hamster
Hamsters make great first pets. They are lovable, good-natured, and easy to take care of. There are just a few things you should know before getting one. First, the cage or habitat should be made of glass, plastic, or metal, and MUST be escape proof. Hamsters are master escape artists! The habitat will need a solid bottom. You want to give the little guy as much room as possible, so the bigger cages are best.
Hamsters need about 1 - 2 inches of bedding to be comfortable. You can use wood shavings (NOT cedar) or the shredded paper bedding found in pet stores. Also, you will need to provide nesting material like cotton for the hamster. They need to have a hiding place to nest in for them to feel comfortable. Make sure you include a wheel for them to run in, and another good suggestion are those long plastic tubes that attach to some cages. Hamsters truly seem to enjoy running through those! You might want a hamster ball also. This way the hamster can roam about the house, but not get into any trouble. It’s kinda fun to watch too!
You will need high quality hamster food, a water bottle, vitamins, and a salt lick. Chew sticks are also great to keep the hamster’s teeth at a healthy level. Don’t forget the treats! That’s really about all you need to get started. I do highly recommend that you get a book on hamsters and their care and read through it BEFORE purchasing one. If you would like a testament to the good nature of a hamster, watch the video below!
