How to Pet Sit a Hamster

Hamsters and other rodents make excellent low-maintenance pets. They are self contained, easy to feed and care for, and they make very little mess. Just because they don't require the same amount of attention that dogs and cats do, however, doesn't mean you shouldn't prepare carefully when asked to pet sit them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hamster food
• Bedding

1. Get thorough information from the owner about the hamster's requirements, including food and feeding schedules and the number of times you should change their bedding. Also, get the number of the hamster's vet and an emergency number from the owner.

2. Keep the hamsters in a familiar environment. While you can move their pen fairly easily when you pet sit them, you don't want them escaping into an area that they don't know. Make sure they stay in their enclosure, and take them out only when you know you can corral them easily.

3. Periodically check the water feeder and food dish. Not only do you want to make sure the hamsters are eating, but you also want to ensure that they have unfettered access to food and water.

4. Wash the hamster cage at least once a week, and replace the bedding with fresh shavings. This keeps the hamster's environment clean and prevents unwanted toxins from building.

5. Make sure the hamster has access to exercise toys, such as wheels and crawl tubing. Hamsters are energetic animals and need lots of exercise to thrive.

6. Watch for signs of sickness. Warning flags include fecal matter smeared on the rear, a wet tail, noisy or labored breathing and the appearance of sores or patches of fur on the body. When you spot any signs of sickness, separate the ailing hamster from the others it shares a home with and call a vet.

Tips & Warnings

• Hamsters are naturally nocturnal and conduct most of their activity at night. Though you should check to make sure they are healthy, don't become unduly alarmed if they spend a lot of time sleeping during the day.
• Because they are active at night, make sure they don't disturb you while you're trying to sleep. Keep them where the sound of the exercise wheel and other activity won't wake you.
• Though you should clean the cage periodically, never bathe a hamster. Like cats, they are self-cleaning. If you think they smell, it's probably the cage that requires cleaning.