5 Mistakes of First-Time Hamster Owners
Author: Source: hamster-club.com
Whether you decided to have a
hamster as a pet, or you received one as a gift, it’s essential to be prepared
and take care of it properly. But, don’t worry, as it’s your first hamster,
you’ll probably make some mistakes in the beginning. That being said, in this
article, we have included top mistakes along with useful information about hamsters.
Fluffy Toys
Although there are perfectly safe
toys, you can use to play and bond with your hamster, make sure to avoid at all
cost stuffed or fluffy toys. The hamster might chew the toy and accidentally
choke on the stuffing. But otherwise, you can purchase chewy toys. They are
beneficial for them as the hamster’s teeth will grow fast, so it will need
something to chew on.
But if you feel you need more
information that will help you to care about him/her better, then it’s
important in the beginning to check reliable articles that provide detailed
information. This article offers great insights for beginners on how to look after a
hamster.
An exercise wheel is another good
toy for a hamster because your hamster needs daily physical exercise, and it’s
also a good way to keep your pet fit and healthy. They love to run, and
actually, in the wild, they run several miles per day, so your hamster would
love this toy.
The Right Place for Its Cage
When you bring your hamster home,
it can be an overwhelming change for your pet. Keep the cage
in a room that isn’t so busy during the day, because hamsters tend to be easily
disturbed by loud noises. This is important to keep in mind when you’re picking
the perfect spot for your little hamster.
Take Time to Bond with Your Hamster
A lot of owners want to bond
immediately with their new pet. It’s understandable, and in some cases, it
happens relatively fast. However, your hamster will need some time to get used
to the new environment and you. This means that it’s better to try no to pick
it up in the first week and take things slow.
Otherwise, your hamster might get defensive and bite you.
Once your hamster is used to you
and the new surroundings, then you should know that hamsters are nocturnal
creatures that sleep mostly during the day, so you could play with it in the
evenings.
Reproduction of Hamsters
In case you have a female
hamster, she will be ready for mating when she reaches approximately eight
weeks of age. This is important in case
you have male and female hamsters in the same cage. Also, hamsters tend to get
aggressive when they mate; therefore, make sure to never put female and male
hamsters in the same cage. If you want
your hamster to have babies, then it’s highly advisable to leave this part to
professionals.
Hamsters and Other Pets
Hamsters don’t get along with
cats and dogs, and they might be perceived as prey. Moreover, they shouldn’t be
handled by small children, as they can bite them if they get scared. Dwarf
hamsters are quite social and will love a companion, but Syrian hamsters, are more
solitary animals.
Conclusion
It might take some time for you
to get acquainted with your hamster, its character, and to become friends with
it. However, like any other pet, it will respond to your care and love while
it’s also beneficial
for your health to have a pet. In
case you need further information, or you’re worried about your pet, always
make sure to talk to a vet before you make significant changes in its diet or
habitat.
by Albert Saliba