If you're prepared for their nocturnal lifestyle, hamsters can be low maintenance pets for both adults and children.hamsters are plentiful at pet stores, shelters, and breeders.Once you've decided on where to get your hamster, visit the facility to pick one that's happy and healthy, and buy the proper cage and gear to set up at home.
Step 1: If you want a hamster that is healthier, contact a breeders.
Pets from breeders are going to be your most expensive option, but hamsters are generally healthier than the ones you see in pet shops or shelters.hamsters make excellent pets because they are handled frequently by breeders.Make sure the breeder is trustworthy.Call to inquire if you can make an appointment.You will always be able to visit the facility of a good breeder.
Step 2: If you want to rescue a hamster, you should go to a local shelter.
If you want to rescue an animal, look for shelters that specialize in exotic or small pets.Call to find out how many hamsters they have, what breeds are there, and when you can visit them.It's rewarding to rescue an animal, but be aware that you face an uphill battle with a rescued hamster.You might need to resocialize it to humans if you don't know what happened.
Step 3: There are pet shops in your area.
You can find pet shops in your area that sell hamsters.Look at reviews of the stores and see what people think about their pets.If there are complaints of health issues or a lack of responsiveness from management, steer clear of these places.There are more options for choosing a hamster in pet shops, but mass bred hamsters may not have received proper health screenings.
Step 4: There are a lot of facilities.
You can get a feel for the hamsters at different locations if you visit several places.hamsters seem to be more alert at one shop than at another.It's a good idea to wash your hands in between facilities.
Step 5: If you want a Syrian hamster to be friendly, choose it.
Syrian hamsters are the most popular breed of hamster, and they are friendly and open to being held if socialized properly.They need a big cage and an exercise wheel because they are the largest breed.Syrian hamsters are not very friendly towards other animals.If you get this breed, keep it separate from other hamsters.
Step 6: If you want a more active pet, choose a dwarf hamster.
Dwarf hamsters grow to only 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 cm) in length and have a more active lifestyle than Syrians.During the day, you may get more playtime with one of these, though they aren't always as thrilled to be held by humans.If introduced at an early age, dwarf hamsters do well in pairs.If an associate or breeder can verify that they are young or already bonding, consider getting two.The lifespan of a dwarf hamster is 1.5 to 2 years shorter than that of the Syrian, so take this into account when choosing a breed.
Step 7: An associate can help you handle the hamsters.
If the hamsters are napping at the pet store, you should ask the store associate to wake them up.If you notice that the associate isn't handling any of the hamsters, that may be a sign that they are biters and not good pets.
Step 8: Pick up hamsters that are bright.
When some of the hamsters are awake, look for them that are running around their pen or cage, sniffing things, or standing up on their hind legs to check you out.hamsters that don't seem very alert or are keeping to themselves and not moving around a lot should be avoided.The hamsters could have an illness.
Step 9: It is a good idea to check its eyes, nose and tail for signs of illness.
Pick up a few hamsters and check their eyes and nose for any discharge that could be a respiratory infection.Look under their tail to see if they have wet fur.If you suspect a hamster has wet tail, don't take it home, it can be fatal.If you see signs of wet tail on one or two hamsters, it is probably safe to assume the others in the cage have it as well.
Step 10: Male and female are kept separate.
Male and female hamsters should never be kept together at a pet store, rescue, or breeder.If you find your new female hamster delivering lots of baby hamsters at home, make sure they are in separate cages.
Step 11: There are healthy animals at the pet store.
Don't limit your observations to hamsters in a pet store.There are cats, dogs, birds, and ferrets for sale.Don't buy your hamster from this store if you see signs of illness or injury.
Step 12: Before you bring your hamster home, buy some supplies.
Before buying a hamster, make sure everything is ready at home.It will take some time to set up the cage, bedding, water, and wheel, so it's a good idea to prepare before you bring it home.
Step 13: You should find a cage that is the right size for your hamster.
Syrian hamsters need a cage with 61 cm of space.For dwarf hamsters, 1/30th of a foot (30 cm) is enough.A solid bottom, metal or plastic top, and more horizontal space are some of the features your hamster cage should have.
Step 14: A cage with half-inch or less bar spacing is a good buy.
Hamsters are escape artists, so you need to make sure they can't slip through the bars of their cage.For dwarf hamsters, look for cages with bars that are no more than half an inch apart.If you are buying a baby hamster, consider a glass cage since they could slip through the half-inch spacing.
Step 15: You can place the cage in a quiet place.
cages should not be kept in high traffic areas of your home because hamsters enjoy peace and quiet.The cage should be in a bedroom, office, or out-of-the-way area.Make sure there is no direct sunlight hitting the cage and that there are no drafts from the air vent.
Step 16: Find a wheel that fits your hamster.
A wheel for inside its cage is necessary because hamsters want to run at night while you are trying to sleep.Look for one that is at least 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter for dwarf hamsters or 8 inches (20 cm).The wheel is too small if the hamster's back bends up in a 'U' shape.You should get a bigger wheel.Try to find a wheel that is not made of metal bars.There are gaps that hamster feet can slip through.
Step 17: Purchase bedding made of wood or aspen.
If you use pine or cedar bedding in your hamster's cage, it can make it very sick.Purchase a wood product like CareFresh or stick to aspen pellets.You can use a pelleted newspaper product, like Yesterday's News, but don't use just plain newspaper since the ink can make your hamster sick.
Step 18: There is a variety of dry and fresh hamster food.
The main source of nutrition for the hamster is commercially-produced hamster pellets.A small serving of fresh fruits or vegetables, like carrots, peas, apples, or grapes, can be added to this.
Step 19: There is a water bottle.
Water dishes are easy to knock over and can become contaminated, so buy a water bottle that can be attached to the outside or inside of the cage.It should be low so that your smallest hamster can reach it.