Pet Hamster

                                   





Hamsters ( as are fish ) are one of the more easier pet animals to care for, which is one of the main reason hamsters are so popular among pet owners. Hamsters make wonderful pets because of their cleanliness, availability, affordability, small size, cuddly appearance, often docile temperament and quiet friendly ways, though may on occasion bite if bothered while sleeping. Hamsters come in a variety of sizes and colors. They are generally healthy, disease free animals and it's possible for them to have a new litter of babies almost every month. Hamsters for the most part are active, curious and always on the go when not sleeping.They love to run in an exercise wheel. Pet hamsters are fascinating creatures in that they hibernate in low temperatures to preserve energy. All household pet hamsters are descendents of the Syrian desert hamster. The most common pet hamsters are the Syrian hamster and the Dwarf hamster, but albino (white with pink eyes) hamsters are also available. Hamsters are stout-bodied little animals with large cheek pouches (to carry food) and short stubby tails much shorter than body length and have small, furry ears, short, stocky legs, and wide feet. Hamsters are nocturnal animals (night-active) although they may display short periods of activity throughout the day. Hamsters generally live 1-3 years and sometimes longer with an average lifespan of about 2 years. Hamsters housed in pairs or groups may fight, so it's best if they are housed in separate cages. Pet hamsters are best suited for children age 8 and older.

Diet:
Hamsters are omnivorous (eats both plants and animals as its primary food source).Their diet consists mostly of grains such as oats, acorns, corn,etc, Hamsters also like fresh fruits, root vegetables (carrots) and the green part of plants. Their diet should consist of at least 16-20% protein. Hamsters keep their teeth trimmed by eating nuts and seeds. Pet hamsters can be fed a commercial hamster mix, once a day, which can be supplemented with fruit, vegetables and nuts. Don't give your hamster too many treats that are high in fat and sugar, because this could lead to your hamster getting fat. Hamsters often hoard their food in a corner of their cage, making it seem as though they eat a lot more than they really do. Hamsters need a constant supply of water so a drip water bottle should be installed in their cage.

Cages:
Hamsters should be kept in a good quality cage or an aquarium. They can be housed in cages made of wire, stainless steel, durable plastic or glass. Cages should be built with rounded corners to prevent chewing and escaping from their cages. Cages should have secure latches...pet hamsters are known to be clever escape artists. Cages should have a solid bottom floor with a removable bottom tray (to make it easier to clean), with relatively deep bedding and sufficient nesting material. Despite the hamster’s small size, proper housing should always have a floor space of at least two square feet. The enclosure and all cage equipment and toys should be cleaned and disinfected at least once a week and food and water bowls changed every day.