Nandini Balial is a writer and fact checker specializing in a wide range of life-style subjects, together with film/Tv, literature, and feminism, with work showing in Slate, Wired, Pacific Standard, and more prestigious outlets. In case you are serious about getting a pet hamster for you or a child, it is important that you know how to decide on one, what supplies you need, and how you can feed and care to your new pet. Hamsters are sometimes low-maintenance pets however proper care is crucial to holding them completely satisfied and wholesome. They're small rodents that sometimes stay about two years, and are usually greatest housed alone. Hamsters are in style pets for youngsters and adults alike. Hamsters come in a variety of colours and breeds, and completely different breeds are identified for distinctive traits. Chinese Hamsters: These small hamsters are not as widespread as other kinds of hamsters. Many people often mistake them for dwarf hamsters but they aren't true dwarfs. They solely grow to be four inches lengthy. Syrian Hamsters: Syrian hamsters are available a number of coloration variations and go by completely different names, comparable to goldens, panda, and teddy bears. Dwarf Hamsters: There are several styles of dwarf hamsters, similar to Roborovskis and Russians, they usually're just like Chinese language hamsters, but rather more commonly present in pet stores. Not every hamster within the pet store is in optimum health. They're much larger than dwarf and Chinese hamsters and are the mostly seen sort of hamster. Moving from a breeder or supplier to a store can be a nerve-racking period for baby hamsters, and they will typically get sick from it. Each eyes needs to be open and, ideally, the hamster might be consuming or operating across the cage. Choose an active hamster that doesn't look like it has a wet rear end or watery eyes. Younger hamsters can be easier to prepare and hand-tame than older hamsters, who may have had bad experiences or have by no means interacted with humans. There are various hamster cage choices available each on-line and at pet stores but some cages are positively better than others. Selecting a hamster that is straightforward to tame is another factor to contemplate. A number of cages might look cool, however aren't very useful and are extraordinarily troublesome to wash (cages with colorful tubes are a superb instance of this). Fish tanks aren't good choices for hamsters either, since they lack correct ventilation. Choose a cage that has good ventilation, is straightforward to wash, has area for a hamster to run and discover, and will not enable your hamster to flee. Chances are you'll even have to contemplate that smaller hamster breeds have completely different cage wants than the larger Syrian varieties, since cage wire spacing can determine whether or not a hamster is ready to escape. Contained in the hamster cage you will need to offer smooth and absorbent bedding, a water bottle, an train wheel, chew toys, a house, and meals dish. Remember that hamsters like and need to chew on items so wood, cardboard, plastic, and different items which can be able to be chewed may not last very lengthy contained in the enclosure. Most individuals assume that a store-purchased bag of hamster seed is what is best for a hamster however they actually want a variety of proteins, fruits, and vegetables to keep them healthy and completely happy. However if you happen to provide a pelleted food regimen as an alternative of a seed mixture and complement it with a variety of other safe foods, you can be providing your hamster with every little thing it must thrive. Hamsters might decide and choose what they wish to eat from seed mixtures and due to this fact will not obtain a balanced weight-reduction plan. Greens are a good choice to offer daily; parsley, kale, romaine, peas, and squash are all good choices. Your hamster's food plan should be manufactured from seventy five % fortified pellets, 20% veggies, greens, and fruits, and 5 % treats. Most hamsters may also eat the immature seeds in the hay. Hamsters might be tamed to be very candy little pets however for anybody who has ever been bitten by one, they know hamster bites undoubtedly aren't fun. It's also a good suggestion to offer hay in your hamster's setting to assist with nesting and foraging. Strive not to wake it up, and instead entice it to climb onto your hand by itself using a tasty deal with. This can allow you to achieve your hamster's trust over time, and can help you pet and hold your hamster whereas avoiding being bitten. Hamsters should not aggressive pets but if they are scared or startled they may chunk. Hamsters have to be lively and have enrichment in order that they do not get bored and overweight. Younger hamsters are usually simpler at hand-tame, but you can start educating your hamster to not bite by making sure you do not startle it. Additionally they need chew toys to maintain their teeth neat and trim. There are quite a lot of hamster toys that are designed to be chewed so your hamster's teeth could be properly cared for, and Can Hamster Eat Sunflower seeds an train wheel will permit a hamster to run as much as they need. Hamster breeding is not something the casual hamster owner ought to do. It is best left to hamster breeders who're breeding for particular qualities and temperaments but accidents do occur. Special balls can be bought to allow a hamster to run around safely outdoors its cage; cute houses and other climbable options are available to offer your hamster with ample train. Further food and a quiet nesting area inside the cage must be provided to a pregnant hamster. Many unsuspecting new hamster homeowners find themselves with a pregnant hamster after purchasing it from a pet retailer. Selecting a Hamster. Merck Veterinary Handbook.