Hamster Quick Guide For Newbies

[betta_fish]

I note that similar questions are often asked so I compiled a quick guide for newbies. Comments/opinions with reason(s) welcomed.

Starter Kit:

Bedding - Aspen, Carefresh, Pine (may emit fumes that are toxic to hamster but use is subjective since Aspen and Carefresh are not commonly available, non-indicated woodshavings are likely to be Pine)

Cages - Plastic tank, Wired Cages without wired floor (Habitrail, Wild, *Crittertrail etc), use those that is simple, easy to clean and will not break apart easily

Cleaner/Disinfectant - Dettol liquid handwash or others with disinfectant

Food - Prestige Premium, Sluis Supreme, Habitrail Hamster Food etc

**Food (Health) – Brocolli (calcium), Critical Care (not eating), Oat (diahorre), Plain Unflavoured Yoghurt (stomach), Scrambled eggs/Beansprout/Tofu/Wheatgerm (pregnant)

***Hide-Outs/Bed – Toilet Roll Tube, Ceramic Tiger/Hippo, Hamster Igloo etc

Litter/Bath - Habitrail Tidy Toilet/Wild Bath House etc, Sluis Chincilla Bath Sand (not dust)/Wild Hamster Bath Sand etc, large litter/bath with overhead cover can double as hide-outs/bed

Nesting - unscented and unshreaded Toilet Paper, optional but recommended for first 2 weeks of birth

**Treats - Sunflower Seeds, Carrots, Corn, Cucumber, Nut

***Water Bottle - use those that can stay firmly, avoid vacumm suction type holder

***Wheels/Balls – Large Plastic Wheel with no rungs, Transparent Ball (sized to suit)

* = recommended for syrians only
** = feed sparingly or as required only
*** = if item not included with cage

Mantainence:

Do clean your cages at least once a week
Do not breed by keeping different sexed hamster together if you are unable to take care of the offsprings

Caution:

Do not keep syrians together at all as they fight
Only dwarf campbell/ww/robos can be kept together and must be below 2 months if from different source, otherwise barrier sniffing introduction/vanilla essence technique is required, seperate immediatelly if fighting occurs
Do not mix different breeds together in a cage (syrian/campbell/ww/robos are different breeds)
Do learn how to handle and tame your hamster before you obtain one
Do allow newly obtained hamster at least 3 days to get adjusted to it's new environment before handling it
Do not water bath your hamster as it will get sick, provide sand for bathing on it's own instead
Do not use a water container as hamster may drown in it, always use a water bottle
Do not place hamsters under direct sunlight or in a hot location
Do not disturb your hamster while it's asleep

Signs of pregnant hamster:

Sudden weight/size gain, eating a lot more than usual
Red spots appears on the belly (nipples become noticable)

After birth:

Do not touch hamsters or clean the cages for at least 2 weeks after birth
Do remove the wheel discreetly to prevent the babies from getting injured
Do lower the water bottle if the babies cannot reach it

I hope this helps.

 

[shrimply]

Pine bedding in the UK is thought to be safe as it is not treated like the stuff in the US

Glass tanks make brilliant containers to. Although they are heavy the are much easier to clean and there is no knawing.

Dettol antibacterial surface cleanser is a great spray on product which I have used with great sucess. Also diluted bleach or Miltons works just as well. Remember to rinse.

Harry hamster is a good brand.

Small oranges are a good source of vitimin C but not everyone will eat it. Apple and other fruit branches are good for keeping their teeth in check(NOT CHERRY)

Terracota pots make great cheap hides

Tilted glass jars work great as cheap litter places. I fill them with bird grit which is cheap and effective.
Hamsters tend to go in the corner closest to their water bottle so putting your potty there is a good idea.

I would also supply them with bedding to keep them warm. You can buy it commercially but I would personally keep away from cotton wool like stuff.

Treats go on and on. They love pumpkin seeds, mixed nuts(half crack the shell and let them get in themselves) and dried tropical fruit (or dried fruit of any kind) anything green that you would eat can be tried as well as grass and dandilions. Just make sure they haven't be fertilised. Also commercial treats such as choc drops are enjoyed. Remember not to over do anything.

Water bottles with suction caps do work with hamsters and are really good if using a tank.

Other entertainment includes mopani wood and cardboard boxes.

Please ask questions if you are unsure on anything. This is by no means an in depth guide.

 

[betta_fish]

Pine shavings are only safe if they are kiln dried. And remember Dwarf hamsters connot have any corn, peas, carrots, fruits or store bought treats. Dwarfs are very prone to diabeties.

 

[betta_fish]

Oh it doesn't say anything about diabetes in dwarfs OOPS! *slaps forhead*

Okay well any breed of dwarfs hamster is prone to diabetes. To help provent it or aalso if your dwarf does already have it follow this:

Never feed any Corn, Carrots, Peas, or Fruits. All of these foods contain to much natural sugar. Do not feed any store bought treast either as they either contain soem of these foods, sugar itself or molasses. All of these foods are to high in sugar.

They can have anything else besides these foods that syrians can have.

Symptoms for Diabetes are peeing and drinking execessively.

Hope that helps yall.