How to Keep Hamsters Happy
Hamsters make perfect pets for apartment dwellers and people on a budget. Hamsters are surprisingly social, clean and inexpensive to maintain. They don't make much noise, and they don't mind being left home alone for extended periods. That's a lot of return for your small efforts to keep your pet hamster happy!
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Instructions
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Keep one happy hamster at a time. Hamster experts quote the golden rule of hamster ownership: "One hamster, one cage." Dwarf hamsters enjoy the company of other hamsters, whereas Syrian hamsters (the most common kind) have a solitary nature and will fight and sometimes kill other hamsters.
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Get a wheel. Your hamster will love nothing more than to run on his cage wheel for hours on end. The little fellow doesn't mind he's not going anywhere -- he's simply enjoying the jog.
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Let your hamster do even more running in a runabout ball. This inexpensive accessory allows your hamster to run and explore the world outside his cage within the safe confines of a transparent plastic ball. If you have other pets, keep them away from the area where your hamster rolls. You don't want your cat or dog chasing and frightening your hamster.
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Make sure your hamster has plenty of safe objects to chew. Without chew sticks, unflavored dog biscuits or fruit tree branches on which to chew, your hamster may resort to chewing his cage bars. Your hamster's teeth may need clipping every few months; many veterinarians perform this service for a nominal fee.
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Feed your hamster fresh fruits, vegetables, hard-boiled eggs and hamster treats in addition to his regular chow. Hamsters also love grass, clover and canned dog food. Feed treats in very small amounts, as too much can seriously upset your hamster's digestive system.
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