Tips for hamster owners

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## TIPS

* Don't give a hamster a toy with fluff or stuffing because they may chew through it and swallow this or choke on the stuffing.
* Hamsters need to play, put them a playpen, put toys and treats in with them and play with them, show them you love them and they'll love you back.
* Make Sure you clean the cage before you get the hamster because you don't know where the cage has been or another hamster has been in it.

There might be germs that will make the hamster sick. Then it's a trip to the vet.

* Take your sick hamster to the vet. Find a vet who specializes in treating small animals if possible, but any vet should be able to help you. Veterinary care for these little guys is much less expensive than for a dog or a cat--just the price of a regular appointment and then treatment is usually just antibiotics or a shot ($40 to $100 tops). Your little friend will thank you for it. It is good to always have a bit of money set aside for vet trips just in case.
* Wake up your hamster gently. Take out your treat. Could be a chunk of apple, banana, carrot or a sunflower seed. Your hamster's favorite treat works the best. Whatever it is, make sure it's safe for your hamster and has a strong, yummy smell. Put the treat in your hand. Then put your hand near your hamster. If it smells the treat, it should wake up. Let it climb your hand and eat the treat, so it won't be cranky anymore. If your hamster is a light sleeper, then tap gently on his cage and whisper his name softly into his furry ears.
* Hamsters love chewy toys! They don't just like them, but they are good for them. If hamsters don't have something to gnaw on, their teeth will grow too long, and that would mean you might need to take it to the vet . Hamsters' teeth are constantly growing, so give them something to chew on.
* Don't feed your hamster too many greens, it can result in diarrhea.
* Be sure to interact with them often to keep them fit and active.
* Hamsters love fresh foods. Give your hamster small bits of bell peppers, broccoli, apple, zucchini, carrot, scrambled egg (cooked, no salt), or other foods that are hamster safe.
* Get a toothbrush for your hamster. Don't brush its teeth, but do brush its hair.
* Play with your hamster 15 to 20 minutes daily to promote social activity.
* Never use cotton bedding in cages because the hamster might choke on it.
* You can always make recycled material toys for your hamster, such as egg carton hideouts.
* Hamsters don't need dentists. Dry milk will cure almost any dental problem. If not, see a vet.

* Dwarf hamsters excluding Robo's are prone to diabetes and can have fruit and sugary foods very limited. Many don't know but peas, corn and carrots are very sugary and shouldn't be fed to dwarfs. Hamsters should get fresh veggies every other day. The hamster's diet should have 16% protein or more, for example, Hazel hamsters food.

* If you can't afford a hut for your hamster you can always try to make one.
* Hamsters require 360 square inches (2.5 square feet, 1/4 square meter) of space no matter the breed. Chinese hamsters can not be housed together and neither can Syrians.
* Do not get huts that are easily chewed, they can make your hamster sick if they eat too much of it.
* Don't put two dwarf hamsters together unless they are siblings or have been together for a long time. They can be very sensitive about territory.
* Treat your hamster with love and care. Do not keep a hamster where a dog, cat or child (especially a toddler) has access to it. It's not safe! A hamster is a very time-consuming pet and isn't suitable for a child. Depending on the size of the cage, hamster cages need to be cleaned every 1-2 weeks. Spot cleaning the cage every day and litter training your hamster are both great ways to keep your cage smelling fresh. Hamsters need to get out of their cages for exercise and they like routine. They are not a toy. Some children might forget that.
* Many hamsters require little to no taming at all, as they are naturally friendly. Your hamster still needs the time to get used to you, though.
* Make sure you play with your hamster every day so you and your furry friend can bond.