Do Hamsters Make Good Pets?
Popular among children for being cute and small, and among human parents for being easy to care for - Hamsters are the MVPs of the small pet world.
Hamsters are tiny, furry and easy to manage but just like any other pet, they require care and commitment. And for those who are wishing to have a pet hamster, various questions arise ranging from “Are hamsters easy to care for?” or “How long do they live?” to “Do they make good pets?”
Read ahead to know all about hamsters - from the various types to their essential supplies.
Important Discussion Points In This Guide
- All About Hamsters
- Do Hamsters Make Good Pets?
- How To Take Care Of A Pet Hamster
All About Hamsters
First discovered in Syria, Hamsters are nocturnal and anti-social. There are largely five species of hamsters of which Syrian hamsters are the largest type.
The other hamster species being:
- Dwarf Campbell hamsters
- Winter White hamster
- Chinese hamster
- Roborovski’s hamster
"Hamster's teeth keep growing throughout their life"
These small pets usually vary in size with the dwarf hamster growing to a maximum size of 2 to 4 inches, while the most common pet of the species (Syrian hamster) usually grows to about 6 inches. Syrian hamsters are never good in pairs, whereas dwarf & Chinese hamsters do well in pairs of mother & child or littermates.
Naturally excitable, hamsters are not good at handling stress. These small rodents don’t shed a lot and have shown very few cases of causing allergies to humans.
Hamster as Pets - Do Hamsters Make Good Pet?
Hamsters require less attention when compared to other pets. Other than being cute, these small pets are omnivores who also keep clean. They have a spot reserved for eliminating and keep the rest of their habitat clean by themselves.
Irrespective of the species, hamsters typically have a lifespan of two to three years.
With an exercise wheel to entertain and keep them busy, hamsters make a no-fuss pet.
But like any other pet, these rodents have cons too.
A stressed or disturbed hamster can bite, causing great pain. They have also proven to cause chaos when in pairs.
Hamster Care - How To Take Care Of A Pet Hamster?
Like every other pet, caring for a hamster is a responsibility and a commitment.
Following the hamster supply list listed below, you have got your basics of hamster care covered:
Hamster Supply List
Hamster Food
A quality hamster specific diet is essential for your small pet. Pellets, seed mix and fresh vegetables and grains are safe foods for them.
Changing their food bowl on the daily is important as they dislike leftovers and need fresh food to stay healthy. Carrot, a human food, is also a favorite of these small pets.
Shop Premium Hamster Food
Clean Drinking Water
Other than their food bowl, hamsters also need a water bowl with clean drinking water. Placing the water in and around their habitat or cage, allows them to stay hydrated as required.
Prone to dehydration after activities (like playing/exercising), a steady supply of water in their cage helps them avoid any illness.
Hamster Bedding
Being natural burrowers, pet hamsters require bedding to nest and burrow in their cage. Use nesting materials such as shredded paper or aspen.
Bedding also provides your small pet with comfort and odor control. It should cover the entire hamster cage with a depth of 2 to 3 inches allowing ample space for them to burrow.
Exercise Wheel and Hamster Toys
To keep your small pet excited and rid of boredom, toys and exercise wheels are essential. Hamster wheels also aid your pet to stay healthy and get their daily dose of exercise.
Tunnels and tubes are also a good toy for them. But ensure they don’t exhaust themselves as it can affect their appetite and cause dehydration too.
Shop Cool Hamster Exercise Wheel
Hamsters do make good pets but their care should not be underestimated.
It is also good practice to visit a veterinarian specializing in small pets for your hamster’s care.
Now that you know about pet hamsters, check out our blog to learn about "Adopting Pets"
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