Caring for Your New Pet Hamster

So you have a hamster. They make great pets. They are easy to care for and fun to play with. They don't take up much space. They can be a lot of fun. It's important, though, to know how to properly care for your hamster.

Start out by giving your hamster the right place to live. A wire cage is best, because it gives your hamster good airflow. It should be a wire cage designed to hold small animals such as hamsters to make sure your pet cannot squeeze between the wires and escape. You can also use a glass aquarium with a screen top.

Your hamster will need some bedding in its cage. Cedar bark chips are popular. They are good for digging in, and have a nice smell. You can use other wood chips such as pine or aspen. You can also use shredded paper towels. Don't use newspaper because the ink can be harmful to your hamster if it uses its mouth to shred some of the paper.

Your hamster also needs a "house" of some sort. Pet stores sell various types of decorative houses you can buy for your hamster. Some actually look like houses, some look like rock caves, some look like other things. Your hamster will feel secure with a safe place to hide, to sleep, and to store its food.

Your hamster will also need a food dish and a water bottle. Feed your hamster a hamster food that you buy at a pet store. Make sure to buy a food that is specifically designed for hamsters so that your pet gets the proper nutrition. You can supplement your hamsters diet with fresh fruits and vegetables in small amounts as a treat.

You can buy toys for your hamster as well. The most popular hamster toy is a wheel for it to run on. Hamsters also like tunnels. You can buy plastic tunnels for your hamster to play in, or you can give your hamster paper towel or toilet paper rolls to play with.

You'll want your hamster to get used to being handled by you so you can hold and play with it. Start by putting your hand in your hamster's cage and holding it near your hamster. Let your hamster sniff your fingers. Do this a few times. Then gently stroke your hamster's back. Make sure your hamster sees your hand coming. Don't startle it.