How to Care for a Hamster

You want to care for a hamster, but better then most owners. Read this article, and your hamster will be happy and healthy as can be!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hamster tank (At least 10 gallon)
• Hamster potty
• Something for your hamster to sleep in
• Carefresh bedding
• Hamster food
• Water bowl/bottle
• Hamster wheel

1. If you have already had a hamster, change the bedding, and clean all the products before you adopt the new hamster. Refill the food bowl and put fresh water in the water bowl/bottle. If this is your first time getting a hamster, buy a water bottle/bowl, a wheel, Carefresh bedding, something for your hamster to sleep in, a hamster ball, and a hamster potty.

2. Get a hamster that is 3-6 weeks old. The pet store employees will give you a travel case. If it is made of cardboard or any kind of paper, buy a better one at a pet store that is made out of a strong plastic. When you take your hamster home, set up the cage while the hamster is running in the ball you bought. When the cage is set up, leave your hamster in it for 24 hours. This will get your hamster to be used to it's surroundings. (Before doing instructions, read the tips and warnings.)

3. Take your hamster out to play often. Your pet needs to be played with every other day for at least to hours (You can split between times). Make sure at first you put it in the ball, taking it out with your own hands will scare it at first. When getting the hamster in the ball, place the ball in the cage (You may need to remove some items). Be patient, and your hamster will soon climb in. Close it when the ball is still in the cage.

4. Refill the hamster's food and water every day. Even if it says 'keeps water fresh for days' or anything like that, still refill. It's good for them!

Tips & Warnings

• Give your hamster wood chews, treats (Mine likes yogurt drops), and change potty litter every other day once your hamster starts to use it.
• Use the same brand of food when you are feeding your hamster. If you MUST change, feed it small portions for 2 nights so it will get used to the new food.
• Treats like fruits of veggies need to wait until you have had the hamster for 2 months. Feed the hamster 1-2 of the treats a day, or it could get diarrhea.
• Loud noises scare you hamster, like a vacuum, or something large or heavy dropping.
• Always leave the top of the cage on when you are not around it.
• Keep the door closed when your hamster is running. If it goes downstairs, it can die.
• Always tape the top of the hamster ball cover with tape. Otherwise, it can gnaw on the lid and escape. (Mine almost escaped 3 times because i didn't tape it)
• SOURCES: Has been hamster owner for long time. Has friend that owns 3 dogs, 2 ducks, 1 cat, 2 hamsters, 1 snake, and 1 fish (NO KIDDING!!!!!!!)

[lpbweb]

on 4/14/2009 That was great! My hamster is very healthy, now.