Hamsters are the most common pet rodents aside from rabbits.  Kids love them and they’re rather easy to care for. There are over 20 sub-species of the hamster, but the Syrian and dwarf hamsters are two of the most common types kept as pets.  The Syrian hamster usually grows up to 6 inches in size, while the dwarf hamsters only grow up to half the size. Compared to cats and dogs, hamsters have relatively short life spans from 2 to 3 years.  While hamsters make excellent pets for some, they are obviously not for everyone, so you’ll need to do some serious research. Let’s start out with some interesting hamster care tips.

All pet hamsters require a cage for their habitat environment, and if you choose a Syrian hamster you’ll probably need a rather large cage or aquarium so they have plenty of room to move about. Two important things to check before purchasing a cage for your pet: make sure that the cage has plenty of ventilation and also has a good sized hamster wheel.  You’ll also want to supply your new pet with comfortable bedding, a drinking tube filled with fresh water, and fresh food. Hamsters are vegetarians, so you’ll need to feed them fruits, vegetables, grains, and seeds. Never give them processed foods or confections. Ask a vet who specializes in hamster care for more information.

Taking proper care of a hamster still requires work and a little patience. Don’t be surprised when your hamster seems a little afraid of everything at first. Like any pet, a hamster needs to adjust to a new life with new settings and, of course, trust. Don’t expect an immediate bond with your hamster. First off, you need to know that all hamsters are nocturnal, which means they often sleep during  the day. If you see your pet sleeping, it probably would be wise to leave him or her alone.

Part 2 coming soon