Thinking of getting a pet for your little ones? How about a hamster? They're cute, inexpensive, easy to care for, and a great first pet that will teach your child how to be more responsible. Here are some things I learned during my experience as a hamster owner. I hope they aid you in your pet-purchasing decision.
- Hamsters are nocturnal creatures, so expect minimal activity during the day and a fair amount of noisemaking from the hamster cage after hours. Place the cage in a warm, draft-free, secluded spot in the house, where potential activity won't cause a disturbance in the night. Be sure that the lid or door of the cage is securely latched tight, as hamsters are fond of making the occasional midnight escape. As a little girl I awakened many a morning to find my hamster missing, having jimmied the lock on his cage somehow. On several occasions I found him vacationing in a mouse hole behind our kitchen stove and had to coax him out with his water bottle (I'm not kidding about this). It always amazed me that he never injured himself on these wild adventures.
- Unlike guinea pigs, hamsters are solitary dwellers. Doubling or tripling up is definitely not a good idea, as hamster roommates will fight and may seriously injure each other. Your hamster will be quite content to live his adult life in his 'single room apartment.' Be sure to provide him with a sturdy cage of either the plastic and metal store-bought variety, or a roomy fish tank with a secure top. Hamster housing essentials: a water bottle that doesn't leak, dry cedar or pine bedding to line the bottom of the cage, an exercise wheel, and a steady supply of hamster food, all of which you can purchase at the pet store. You may also want to buy him a salt lick and a little box of hamster treats.
- Once your hamster settles into his new home, the first thing he'll do is build himself a cozy nest. Hamsters are quite funny with their housekeeping ways. You can watch yours fill up his cheek pouches with cedar bedding until he looks just like a blowfish; it's really quite amusing to see. Then he'll run to the corner of the cage and unload the contents of his cheeks. He'll do this over and over until he has a nice, big hill of bedding, and then he'll tuck himself right into the middle and drift off to sleep. He'll likely not want to be disturbed until the sun goes down, upon which you'll see him venture out of his nest, have a nibble of his food and then maybe go for a spin on his hamster wheel. Your hamster will even establish a specific spot in the cage that he uses for a bathroom!
- Wet tail is a common hamster ailment that can easily be cured with medicine that you can purchase at the pet store. If your hamster has wet tail, you'll notice his stools will be watery and he may also have a bit of a runny nose, too. Wet tail is the hamster version of a cold and should be treated promptly, as hamsters are not hearty creatures. To keep your hamster healthy and well, make sure his cage is kept in a warm, draft-free area in the house. Hamsters originate from a warm climate and therefore should not be exposed to a chill.
- Your hamster cage should be thoroughly cleaned out at least once a week. It's best to tackle this task outside or near a slop sink in a basement or garage, as it does get messy. Empty all the bedding into the garbage, wipe down any remaining soiled parts, and then use hot, soapy water to wash out the cage. Do not clean your hamster cage with bleach, as a residue can remain that will harm your hamster if he ingests it.
- If you've taken your hamster out for a little fun, never leave him unattended on a tabletop or high counter, even for a second. Hamsters do not have depth perception and will no doubt make a sudden dash for the edge of the table. You wouldn't want your hamster to break his leg, would you? On the other hand, he will enjoy a safe romp in his enclosed hamster ball. You can buy one at any pet store.
If you or your children aren't ready for the committment that having a dog brings, try a hamster on for size. Unlike a fish, you can give your hamster a kiss. Unlike a dog or cat, you don't need to feed him every single day or take your hamster outside. He will pretty much enjoy living a quiet hamster life in his hamster house. Sounds like the ideal pet to me!
Dina Giolitto is a New-Jersey based Copywriting Consultant with ten years of industry experience. Her current focus is web content and web marketing for a multitude of products and services although the bulk of her experience lies in retail for big-name companies like Toys"R"Us. Visit http://www.wordfeeder.com for rates and samples.
Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the... Read More
Did you know that dog toys are actually good for... Read More
For heat dissipation and body cooling, a horse trotting at... Read More
Thunder storms affected pets differently. Some hardly notice them, others... Read More
With all the companionship and love that our dogs give... Read More
More and more folks are looking to the Internet to... Read More
If you are keen on breeding Goldfish, you should know... Read More
Attention breeders, livestock owners and pet lovers! *Pets looking for... Read More
The greatest fear of most pet owners is that there... Read More
Tips to getting the right GoldfishGoldfish are a temperate breed... Read More
Many people are searching for different means to have pets.... Read More
My two therapy dogs, Nikki and Benny, bring joy to... Read More
Dog training is definitely not rocket science and is easier... Read More
Buy or Adopt - That is the question.If you intend... Read More
A pet can be as important a member of the... Read More
There seems to be an alarming trend to have cats... Read More
All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during... Read More
The proper selection of a training collar can have a... Read More
Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner's who... Read More
Let me begin by saying that I am not an... Read More
If there is an art to getting horses to load... Read More
We've all heard the phrase, "Free as a bird." In... Read More
Canine Parvovirus, is a viral disease that attacks dogs and... Read More
Have you ever wondered what a dog thinks, or if... Read More
Of course, we humans use shoes to protect our feet.... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo ..Mabeke is a young gorilla who was born in captivity... Read More
The trick of "sitting up" is easily taught to small... Read More
My dear owner,Thank you once again for giving me shelter.... Read More
'Help, my cat is pregnant and I don't know what... Read More
Many people don't realize that their dogs, just like human... Read More
First pet stores began selling clothes for pets. Then kennels... Read More
All breeds and sizes of dogs can be taught easily... Read More
It's beginning to get cooler and as such it is... Read More
You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on... Read More
We have a long history with domesticated animals and even... Read More
If your cat has recently decided not to use the... Read More
A former coworker has a dog that had begun itching... Read More
Occasionally, some of us get to do work that is... Read More
Is your dog or cat tormented by ear infections? Do... Read More
I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More
Vitamins Can Increase Your Dog's Life Span!There is evidence to... Read More
Like us, birds need variety in life. To be happy... Read More
Dog training can provide a tremendous amount of satisfaction. Every... Read More
West Highland White Terriers began their history as the undesirable... Read More
Dogs make great loyal pets and are always pleased to... Read More
Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your... Read More
One of the biggest question asked of the discus breeder... Read More
Owning a dog is a serious responsibility, one that should... Read More
Many people consider their dog to be part of their... Read More
When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I... Read More
Pet |