Hamsters Care & Training
Hamsters, members of the order Rodentia, make satisfying pets because of their friendly, inquisitive nature. There are several types of hamsters, but rules for care generally apply to all. Although very clean in nature, hamsters require a good deal of care and maintenance of their environment to protect their health. Hamsters can be trained for numerous activities.
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Nutrition
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A hamster should be fed about one-third ounce to one-half ounce of food per day.
Hamsters are omnivorous, meaning they will eat both vegetables and meat. Variety is the key to proper nutrition for them. In nature, hamsters eat grains, insects, vegetables, grasses, and seeds. Fresh vegetables should be fed in moderation as hamsters are naturally used to a semi-desert habitat. Some vegetables that are acceptable for hamsters include lettuce, endive, cauliflower, and broccoli. Premixed hamster food is sold at many pet stores, offering a complete feed.
Hamsters should not be fed oranges or anything citrus, chocolate or other sweets, cheese, peanut butter, milk, or sticky foods such as candy. Treats such as bread, mealworms, and scrambled or boiled eggs can be given in moderation.
Water
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Clean, fresh water is vitally important to the health of the hamster. A gravity bottle is the best way to supply water, and the bottle should be cleaned at least every other day. If a dish is used instead of a bottle, the dish should be made of heavy plastic to prevent spilling.
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Environment
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Hamsters should be kept in wire cages, no smaller than 20 inches by 14 inches. Bars for should be spaced no more than one-fifth of an inch apart for dwarf hamsters, and no more than two-fifths of an inch for larger types such as the Syrian.
Bedding is necessary and can be made of cloth, paper or grass. Hamsters should have a nest box, which can be cardboard.
Because hamsters are active, busy creatures, an exercise wheel and toys are important for mental stimulation.
Health
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Hamsters are not susceptible to parasites, nor do they require vaccinations. However, they can catch colds. The symptoms of a cold in a hamster are sneezing, coughing, heavy breathing, and a wet nose. A veterinarian should be consulted at the onset of symptoms.
Because of this susceptibility to colds, hamsters should never be given baths. Because they are tidy animals, they do not need them. Hamsters can also catch colds from humans.
Wet tail is a common hamster disease. Wet tail results from an imbalance of the natural bacteria in the hamster's intestines and stomach.
Training
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Hamsters can be trained to do a number of tricks, to come when called, and even to be led on a leash. The keys to hamster training are to have patience, and to reward with verbal praise and treats.
Before beginning training, a hamster needs to be friendly and tame. A hamster should be used to being held by humans. This can be achieved by holding him--always using both hands to ensure he doesn't fall--for small intervals of time, gradually increasing the length of time and number of times daily that you hold him.
Talking softly around the hamster will accustom him to your voice and help build trust. A hamster should never be disciplined by striking him.
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References
- Photo Credit Hamster image by Annekathrin Kohout from Fotolia.com
