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Your hamster's cage is his home, sweet home--and it's up to you to make
sure it's spacious and sturdy, and is kept as comfy and clean as possible.
A well-made cage and accessories are the most important investments you'll
make for your pet.
When selecting a cage, keep in mind the golden rule of happy hammy housing.
Syrian hamsters, also known as teddy bear hamsters, prefer their own turf
and MUST live alone. Dwarf hamsters, on the other hand, like to live in
pairs. When you know the species of your pet, you can properly pick out his
or her--or their--digs. Either way, there will be a variety of cages to
choose from.
Hamster Cages
A ten-gallon aquarium with a mesh cover makes a cozy, easy-to-clean home
for hamsters of all kinds. Wire cages are great, too, just be sure that the
space between the bars is small enough to prevent your pet from escaping.
If you've decided that wire's the way to go, be sure the bottom is plastic.
Wire bottoms can be tough on sensitive hamster feet--and besides, the
plastic will be a lot easier to keep clean. All-plastic cages with tubes,
tunnels and hideaways are also an option--and are great fun for hamsters.
However, they usually cost more and are much harder to maintain. Dwarf
hamsters in particular may have trouble climbing up and down the tubes, but
you can help your little guys out by putting a thin tree branch in the
tubes for them to climb.
Location of Hamster Housing
Take extra-special care when deciding on a location for the cage. Your
hamster's home should be situated away from direct sunlight and drafts. And
remember, these fuzzy fellows are nocturnal, so you may want to think twice
before setting up the cage in a bedroom--unless you don't mind being
awakened at 3 A.M. by a busy hamster hard at play. And since your pet will
be sleeping during the day, he'll do best if the cage is in a dimly lit
area without too much noise or traffic.
Wire or Glass Hamster Cages Need Cozy Bedding
Now it's time to make your hamster's house feel like a home. You'll need to
fill the bottom of the cage with bedding so your pet can engage in the
all-time favorite hamster sports of digging and tunneling. Experts
recommend aspen shavings, shredded paper or pelleted bedding available at
pet supply stores. Steer clear of cedar and pine shavings, as their fumes
can irritate your pet's throat, lungs and nasal passages. You'll also need
to designate an area in the cage where your hamster can go to sleep and
rest. Use a small flowerpot or a wooden box with an entrance hole--or buy
one from a pet supply store.
Add Some Fun Toys to Hamster Cages
Finally, add a few toys and your pet's all set. Some hamsters are serious
runners, so be sure yours has a solid metal or plastic exercise wheel.
Empty cardboard tubes from paper towel and toilet paper make great hamster
tunnels, and climbing frames and seesaws can keep your little guy well
occupied. And remember that hamsters are big on comfort, so be sure to
provide small pieces of paper towels or napkins that your pet can shred and
use to make a nest.
To be a good hamster housekeeper, every day you'll need to remove soiled
bedding, droppings and any uneaten food that your pet has stored. Once
weekly, remove and replace the bedding and scrub the bottom of the cage
with hot, soapy water. Rinse away any soapy residue, and be sure
everything's dry before refilling with bedding material.
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