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For many people, a hamster's downright cuteness puts her at the top of
their list of potential pets. But this companion critter has more than just
a pretty face--she's got more than a few requirements that need to be met
in order for her to be happy and healthy. Read on to find out if you have
what it takes to be a hamster caretaker.
Syrian Hamsters
While scoping out hamsters, you may have noticed that some are larger than
others. It's not that the smaller ones are younger--most likely they're
different species. The most common are Syrian hamsters. These guys are
about six inches long, and may have white, tan, orange-brown or gray
markings; their average lifespan is 2-3 years. The most important thing you
need to know about Syrians is that they are solitary by nature and MUST
live on their own. That means one to a cage--NO exceptions!
Dwarf Hamsters
Two- to three-inch dwarf hamsters, on the other hand, love to be with
members of their own kind. If you want to keep members of this species, you
must get at least a pair. Same-sex siblings are ideal, especially if you
get them when they are young. These animals have an average lifespan of 1-2
years. Some say that dwarf hamsters aren't as friendly as Syrians, and
their small size makes them extra-delicate. For these reasons, most experts
recommend Syrians for first-timers.
Hamster Behavior
We've heard of many owners concerned because their hamster sleeps so much
during the day, while others worry because their pets are up all night,
running on the exercise wheel. Well, that’s perfectly normal behavior for
an animal who's NOCTURNAL. That's right, hamsters are most active during
evening and night, and snooze through most of the day. If you have a
schedule that permits you to stay up into the wee hours to enjoy your pet,
a hamster will fit nicely into your life. Please note that you probably
shouldn't set up the cage in a bedroom, as busy hamsters can be pretty
noisy when digging, scratching and, yes, running on the exercise wheel.
It's also important to understand that a hamster is not the type of pet who
can be fed, watered and passively watched through the bars of the cage.
Hamsters will need an hour of out-of-cage exercise in a safe, secure area
every day. This isn't an option, but a necessity for keeping your pet
physically fit and mentally stimulated. Of course, you'll need to hand-tame
your hammy before these play sessions can begin; please see our section on
HANDLING for helpful hints on the proper techniques.
A hamster may be perfect for you, but what about the other members of your
family? It's ideal if everyone is involved in the decision-making and
caretaking. We realize that hamsters are one of the most popular pets, but
because of their nocturnal nature and tendency to bite when mishandled,
they are not appropriate for families with young children. Experts
feel that children under the age of six should not be allowed to handle
hamsters, and those over six may do so only under adult supervision.
If you decide a hamster's the pet for you, we suggest getting yours from a
reputable breeder or, better yet, adopting from a shelter or small-animal
rescue group. Check out sites like www.petfinder.com for hamsters in need
of good homes.
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