How to set up and care for your new Hamster

Hamsters make wonderful new pets. Children, as well as adults, will get hours of entertainment from watching and playing with these little guys. They're energetic and animated with personalities all their own. Easy to care for, generally inexpensive, perfect for small or large areas, Hamsters make a good choice as a new family addition.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Hamster (of course)
• Habitat or Cage
• Bedding
• Food
• Water bottle
• Chew sticks

1. The 1st step is to choose your new Hamster. See the eHow article on choosing a healthy hamster. Hamsters are generally solitary creatures so one to a habitat or cage is the best method. If choosing from a pet store they will usually include a small box for transporting your new pet home. Also, ask the pet store for a "care sheet" for your type of hamster if available. Leave your new friend in his box as you complete step 2.

2. Construct your Hamsters new habitat or cage according to instructions. Hamsters do not require a vast amount of space but the habitat or cage should have enough room for the water bottle, a hut or shelter of some sort, a feeding bowl and an exercise wheel at a minimum. There are a variety of cages and habitats available. Choose one that makes the most sense for the age or interest of the owner and that will fit in your available space.

3. Place bedding or fill material into your hamsters new domain. Usually you will want 1"-2" of material on the floor of the domain to allow for burrowing. Set up the cage with the hut or shelter, water bottle,food bowl and exercise wheel. Go ahead and fill the water bottle and food bowl.

4. Gently remove the hamster from the box and introduce it into it's new home. Generally hamsters should not be handled excessively during the first few days of adjustment. However, hamsters that are only a few weeks old may benefit from more interaction as they become familiar with their new owners scent and voice.

5. Enjoy! After the hamster has acclimated itself to it's new surroundings you can handle and play with them more frequently.

Tips & Warnings

• Male hamsters tend to be less aggressive (sorry ladies) than the females.
• Add a small article or object with the new owners scent to the cage to increase familiarity. Be sure the object you add is not harmful to the hamster.
• Both you and your hamster will get a kick out one of the balls they use to roll around in on the floor.
• The chew sticks aren't just for fun. Hamsters teeth grow quickly and the sticks help keep the teeth at a comfortable length.
• Hamsters love to jump. Handle them at safe distance from a surface so if they jump or get dropped they won't be injured.
• Keep soap and cleaners away from your new friend. They are clean animals and these products could sicken or kill the hamster.
• Remember to wash your hands after handling your new friend. As with any animal, good sanitary habits after handling can help prevent illness.