Investing in a hamster as a pet is a great way to begin your care for animals. If you are looking at hamsters, you want to make sure that you get one that can grow accustomed to you and the environment. By finding the right type of hamster as well as being sure to get them accustomed to the right things, you will be able to enjoy a different type of pet.
Hamsters are similar to gerbils, and are linked to the same species of exotic animal. However, hamsters will be smaller and will have some different needs that should be met. Hamsters can be found as pets in three different species; Syrian, Dwarf and Chinese. All of these will have different characteristics which will help you learn how to acquaint them to your home. You should keep in mind that the easiest type of hamster to deal with as a pet is a Syrian hamster.
The first thing to look out for with any species of hamster is the condition that they are in. You want to be sure to get a healthy hamster at the pet store. They should not be quiet or inactive when you are looking at them. This is a sign that they are probably not in the best of health. You should also check the coat and eyes of the hamster to make sure that they are clean and without any signs of a virus. For instance, if the hamster is breathing hard and has discharge on their nose, they are probably sick.
Once you have chosen a hamster that is right for you, then you can put them in a place where you know they will stay comfortable. You want to make sure that the habitat has a large enough place for activities, such as climbing, going through tunnels and moving to their favorite ball to play.
You also want to make sure that you have a thick bedding for the hamster, usually with some type of wood shaving that is softer. The more you have, the happier they will be. Hamsters like to dig tunnels and borough, meaning that thick areas of shavings can be used for more than one purpose. You can also add in things such as empty toilet paper tubes for better burrowing.
You will also want to provide your hamster with the most convenient way to eat and drink. Usually, a hamster won’t have a problem with a water bottle that dispenses from the side. You can also put a shallow bowl at the bottom of their cage. You will want to be sure to get something that will keep the cage clean throughout the week and will make it easy for the hamster to access.
With these few basic rules and set ups, you will have the ability to provide the best for your hamster. By keeping them comfortable, you will ensure that they will be happier. This will in turn keep them as your pet longer. Keeping a happy hamster simply means meeting their basic requirements for survival.