Hamsters are loving creatures just like puppies and kittens, and they can be as much of a companion as our big furry friends. You need to be prepared to tame them, as they are much more agile and frightened.

First of all, I hope you’ve picked out your special little one by thoroughly examining the health condition. It should have a dry and clean bottom, dry ears, and bright eyes. Also, speak with the pet store personnel, and ask questions. Make sure they are knowledgeable in answering your questions. Check the sex of your hamster, and avoid putting different sex in the same cage, as they can reproduce quickly and profoundly. Most hamsters preferably live in solitude, but some are more social able than the others. Make sure you study your preferred breed, and understand their lifestyle, personality, and natural habitat before getting one.

Pick a hamster that is curious, who may sniff you, but does not dart or hide away or nibbles aggressively.

Make sure you pick the right cage! Some hamsters are bad at climbing but extremely active and require a big flat space, like the robovoski hamster. Some hamsters can climb and would appreciate cages with different levels and climbing tunnels.

Choose the right bedding. For robovoski hamster, Kaytee Clean&Cozy is the recommended choice of bedding. They appreciate a generous layer of bedding, because they love to dig tunnels, since desserts are their natural habitats. Paper towels are great too, but make sure they are not scented. Avoid wood shavings, as they can cause harm on the respiratory system. Also, please do not use cotton, because the indigestible strands can cause harm, and it can tangle their feet, cutting off circulation.

Water bottle over water dish. Using a water dish is a bad idea, because it get dirty super fast, and your hamster might fall in it, get wet, get sick, and die. Change the water every day. Make sure it’s clean and fresh.

Pellets or Blocks over Seed Mixtures as their Main Course. Offer pellets type of food first before giving them seed mixtures, because they can become very pick-eaters, and you don’t want that! You want a balanced and healthy meal for your hamster friend. After observing enough of their eating habits, making sure that the supply of food is taken up quite readily and routinely. You can start spreading their food over the cages to help them engage in food hunt, which very much resemble their natural behaviour in the wild.

Offer treats to tame them. Offer treats like small amount of carrots, apples, yogurt chips (pet supplement), when you are getting started to tame them. Let them know your hands offer good things, and your hands, your scent can be trusted. Perhaps, you could check out Zippets Small Animal Pet Supplements.

Leave your hamster alone for the first 3 days. Let your hamster get acquainted with the new environment in privacy on the initial days. Make sure you leave enough supply in its cage, and change the bedding when needed though.

Get a good quality and safe wheel. Your hamster need abundant exercise and enrichment in its space. Make sure you switch around the toys a few days in the row to enrich its environment. Getting a quiet wheel is important if you’re keeping your hamster friend in your bedroom. As they are nocturnal animals, they will be more active during your sleep hours. Also, make sure the wheel is not too small for them that they arch their back! This is extremely bad for their health. Know that you are going to spend a lot more on its supplies than on this little furry friend. After all, a life and living being is priceless.

Clean the cage regularly. Always clean the cage regularly, since the buildup of the ammonia can kill your hamster. Also use disinfectants that are specially made for hamsters or simply use a vinegar solution to clean.

Have a playpen or a carrier cage ready. Expect occasions that will need a carrier cage. Also prepare a playpen when you clean their housing. A bathtub may be a great substitute for playpen. Place enough toys and make sure it’s dry and safe before putting them inside.

That’s the brief introduction to considering hamster as your pet buddy. Do your research and make sure you’re prepared to foster a life and take responsibility of it for a good lifespan of 3-4 years!

Have a great time with your furry friends!

some thoughts

Leave a comment