H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S
You can use a wire cage that hamsters can climb on or a tank made up of plastic or glass for easier maintenance . The house should have secured but well-ventilated lid or top wire mesh . With a barred cage , black colour wires will make pets more visible .
Housekeeping should be done every day to remove faeces , spoiled food and soiled beddings . Weekly tank disinfection using soap water or disinfectant and bedding replacement is important too . An inexpensive cleaning alternative using 50 per cent white vinegar solution is effective in removing urine residue . Evening , when your pets are widely awake , is the best time to do this cleaning work .
EXTRA NEEDS
You can put fancy accessories for hamster ’ s enjoyment . Tunnels and hideaways are good but do consider the sizes of pregnant or fat hamsters when buying the tunnels as the pets can get stuck in them . Have not more than two tiers of accessories to prevent dangerous fall .
Hamsters also shred and make nest using paper towel or napkins , so provide them with some . A sleeping area made up of a box or flowerpot should be placed in the furthest corner of the cage to offer privacy .
Since hamsters are agile creatures , a running wheel without rungs or a silent spinner is recommended for daily exercise . They can also play outside the cage by running in a plastic hamster ball that is specially designed for additional stimulation and
entertainment . This can be done at least once a week in a safe place away from stairs .
The absorbent bedding materials , about 2 inches thick , should always be warm and dry . It should not emit harmful fumes , as it can cause a possible allergic reaction .
Chew toys made of soft wood or calcium can be provided for entertainment as well as to keep hamsters teeth filed down . Cardboard materials like old toilet paper rolls and dog biscuits are good toys too .
BREEDING
Due to its early maturity , short gestation period and large litter size , hamsters are considered fast breeders . Breeding is not easy because it requires additional space , enough high-protein food and proper pregnancy detection . Behavioural and physical changes can also be observed , like nesting and cannibalism .
“ Although popularly offered as first pets , hamster ’ s nocturnal habits make them unsuitable for very young children ”
DEALING WITH CHILDREN
Although popularly offered as first pets , hamster ’ s
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