Any experienced hamster owners that can give a newbie some pointers?

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Lindsay

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I've been thinking of getting a hamster, or possibly two. I'm trying to do a little research beforehand, like normal people do (or should do, at least). I've never owned one before, and I have two cats. I've heard a lot of rumors and myths, some of which including that Golden Hamsters are friendlier, Dwarf Hamsters have shortened life spans, and also that wire cages aren't a smart choice for small hamsters because they can escape. I'm also interested in diet requirements. What types of food do they need, anything besides the prepackaged hamster/gerbil diets? And I've been trying to see about the differences between wood shavings and paper beddings. What are the pros and cons of each? How often do you have to clean the enclosure? I've heard you can coax this nocturnal animal to be primarily active during the day, as well.

Any information you have would be extremely beneficial!
 
OH MY GOSH IT'S PREGNANT! Have fun picking out names!
 
1. I have only owned Dwarf hamsters but found them very good pets. they don't live too too long but are still worth while while they are here. 2. Wire cages are NOT good for dwarf hamsters as they CAN squeeze out. My hamster did and got half way through then hung by her leg for an hour before i found her. She only suffered a mild break in her front paw and lived a long life. 3. Diet...Look up the brands of hamster food then go to the pet store and ask someone who works there to find a food that is best for your type of hamster. Just a little in a small hamster bowl a day will be good. 4. Do NOT use pine shaving for any small animal. It hurts there nose and lungs and its terrible. use soft fluffy shavings or cage lining and make it deep so they can snuggle down and sleep. It worked for mine. 5. Clean it once every 1-2 weeks (depends on how much your hamster goes ^.-) and 6. Get lots of toys including hamster balls , chewing toys , wheels , play houses , and more. Sometimes you can catch your hamster playing in the day as well as the night. And sometimes its just good to take them out and hold them in a old hand towel on your lap as you watch t.v or read.

Have fun with your babies :)
 
Hamsters are great pets, whether you get a dwarf or a Teddy Bear (golden). The Goldens are a little easier to handle when you pick them up, but either one is just as friendly as the other. I personally have a dwarf named Chestnut at the moment.

And yes, Dwarf hamsters live about 2-3 years while Teddy Bear hamsters live 3-4 years.

I have a wire cage for my hamster. It's a CritterTrail Double Decker. I have never seen him try to get out, and I'm 100% positive that he couldn't even if he tried.

Food-wise, you will need to get your hamsters a balanced diet. Some people like feeding the hamster pellets because then the hamster can't pick out what it likes and eats everything. I personally use a mix, which includes various kinds of seeds in addition to pellets. My hamster does pick out its favorites, but it eats the pellets as well.

If you use wood shavings, then absolutely DO NOT use pine shavings. These are poisonous to the hamsters. Honestly, I would suggest staying away from wood shavings altogether because they can cause respiratory problems is they are poor quality. I personally use CareFresh Ultra. This is a synthetic bedding that works wonderful. It absorbs odors extremely well and holds its shape so that my hamster can burrow.

I usually clean my cage once a week, but that is just because I like keeping things clean. I honestly think I could wait two weeks with my hamster since he's so small and the bedding is so absorbent and clean. It depends on how much your hamster goes to the bathroom, though. If you feel like the cage looks too dirty, then by all means change it, or empty out half the soiled bedding and a bit of fresh bedding.

While you can't exactly train your hamster to be active during the day, if you don't pester them and make them feel insecure or wary of you they will occasionally pop out for a few minutes throughout the day. They are primarily nocturnal creatures, and mine doesn't like coming out until the room is dark and I'm lying in bed. That being said, around 10pm, if your hamster still hasn't come out, it's a good idea to take him out yourself and handle him for about a half hour each day. Only do this at night so you don't disturb his sleeping hours.

The only time I've seen my hamster come out during the day is when he needs water, wants to grab some food to bring back into his house, and feels the need for a 2-minute run on his wheel.

Another important thing: Make sure you provide chew toys for your hamsters. Their teeth can easily get too long if they have nothing to chew on, and they might even chew on their wheel or house if they have nothing else to do.

It is also good to give them the occasional fresh food treat. I like to give my hammie a piece of apple once a day. Once a week I give him a piece of uncooked pasta to nibble on.

Also, you can buy a little hamster ball and put him in that for about 15 minutes every day (again, do this at night, preferably after 9pm).

I hope you enjoy your new hammies :)
 
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