Hamsters seek secluded, quiet areas for sleep, so hideaways are especially important within the habitat. Commercial nesting materials (commonly called “fluff”) are not recommended because they may lead to intestinal blockages, pouch impactions, or strangulated limbs.īedding should be changed 1-2 times a week with enough depth to allow the hamster to burrow and dig, especially under hides.
#HIDES FOR HAMSTERS SKIN#
It is also acceptable to use plain white unscented toilet paper or paper towels on a temporary basis.ĭo not use cedar or pine shavings, as they contain aromatic oils that are very irritating to hamster skin and mucous membranes. Preferred bedding materials include Carefresh, grass hay, and Yesterday's News. Hamsters, with few exceptions, should always be housed alone, as they can be fiercely territorial and cause a great deal of damage to each other through fighting. Housing must be well-ventilated to allow fresh air this prevents buildup of odor from urine, feces, and spoiled food. Wire cages, aquariums, and plastic habitats can be used as long as they provide a safe, escape-proof home for your hamster-hamsters are escape artists! Hamster housing should provide at least a 15-20 gallon cage, with at least 150 square inches of solid (not wire) floor space, but bigger is always better. The Dwarf hamster is also a common pet variety. Syrian hamsters can have short or long hair (known as the teddy bear variety). The most common hamster species is the Syrian, also known as the golden hamster.
Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. The average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but they can live up to 5 years. Providing deep enough bedding will allow them to replicate what they do in the wild.Hamsters are small, stocky rodents that can make excellent pets if given appropriate care and veterinary treatment. I recommend providing at least 8” or more of bedding at one end of the enclosure giving them a “deep end”. It is important we always give them the option to do this so they can act on their natural instincts. Hamsters are “natural burrowers”, therefore in the wild they build deep tunnels and burrow underground. of unbroken floor space, but more is always better and recommended! To avoid this stress, I recommend giving a hamster at least 800sq in. This can include bar biting, constantly trying to escape, and showing aggressiveness. Hamsters are highly active animals, so when not provided enough space, they commonly will show signs of stress. Small cages do not allow enough space to fit a proper sized wheel, hides and tunnels, allow burrowing, and other basic needs.
It is a common stereotype that since hamsters are small, they should live in small cages. It is not only important to provide them with these things, but to make sure you are giving it to them properly!
Some of these include enclosure size, the amount of bedding provided, wheel size, cleaning their enclosure, and giving them enrichment to prevent boredom. There are many key factors that go into giving a hamster proper care so they can thrive. Hamsters can make great pets but do require a good amount of care so that they can live a happy life. This includes putting the extra effort into learning about their needs and providing them with those things.
It is important we care for them to the best of our ability. Many of us love our small animals and would do anything for them to make sure they are happy.
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