Hamsters aren't just cute and fun, they're also small enough to live in your bedroom.You have to make sure they have everything they need to stay healthy and happy.Provide them with the basics, clean their cage regularly, communicate with your parents and create a schedule to remind you when you need to do certain things.
Step 1: You need a large cage.
A small cage is the most important item you will need.Your friend will have a safe place to play.Your terrarium should be at least 15 inches high and 12 inches wide.If you have a lot of toys for your hamster to play with, you may need a bigger cage.
Step 2: Provide your hamster with a bed.
Line the bottom of the cage with bedding made of plant-based fibers.This is important, as it will give your hamster a nice place to sleep and play in.If you have a hamster, avoid products that have dyes or chemicals.Stay away from anything with a smell or scent.
Step 3: Your hamster will love the toys.
hamsters need toys to play withWithout toys, they will be bored and unhappy.Give your hamster several different types of toys and swap them out frequently so it doesn't get bored with them.There are some good toys, like a hamster wheel that is plastic, and chew toys.Dog biscuits made from walnuts.
Step 4: Feed your hamster good food.
Have your parents buy a bag of hamster food.The mixes include seeds, grains, vegetables, fruits, and more.Diverse food will give your hamster all the vitamins they need to be healthy.You should give your hamster treats occasionally.While you can purchase hamster treats at the store, your little friend will really enjoy bite-sized pieces of fresh fruit and vegetables.Fresh food should be taken out every day so it doesn't go bad.
Step 5: Provide your hamster water.
Multiple sources of water should be put out.A shallow dish of water is a good source.You can hang a bottle on the side of the cage.Your hamster will always have fresh and clean water.Every day, change your hamster's water.They should wash their water bottle/bowl with warm water and soap every week.
Step 6: The temperature can be monitored in the habitat.
hamsters don't need anything special to keep them comfortable, but you should make sure the temperature in their cage stays within limitsThe temperature in the habitat should be between 65 and 75 degrees.
Step 7: Keep your pet out of the sun.
Don't put your hamster's cage in the sun.The temperature could climb very fast if you do.This could hurt or even kill them.You can find your hamster's cage in a shaded location with some indirect sunlight.
Step 8: A schedule and chart are needed.
You can create a chart of your hamster duties.Either way, you can download or make your own chart.You will have a constant reminder that you need to do it.You can post your chart in a place you will see it all the time.If you have a hamster, you should put aside time before and after school to feed and check on it, as well as an hour on the weekends to clean the cage.
Step 9: Do you want to relocate your hamster?
You have to remove the hamster from the cage before you can clean it.Pick up your hamster and put it in a temporary cage.If you need a spare pair of hands, ask your parents or sibling to help.It's important that you have this, as your hamster can easily get out of your hands and run off.
Step 10: The old bedding should be removed.
Every week is a good time to clean your hamster's cage.Throw out the bedding you used to line the bottom of the cage when you do this.It can accumulate dirt andbacteria.Your hamster could get sick if you leave it in too long.
Step 11: Take care of the habitat.
You need to wash the cage after removing the old bedding.In a small bucket, mix detergent with warm water.Take a clean cloth and wipe the inside of the habitat.It is important to get the corners and other hard to reach places.There are toys in the habitat.Before putting anything back in, allow the habitat to dry.You can take a towel and dry it on your own.
Step 12: Replacing toys and other objects is a good idea.
You need to replenish the habitat with bedding after you washed it.Line the floor of the cage with 1 to 2 inches of your bedding product.
Step 13: Your hands should be washed.
If you want to touch your hamster, wash your hands with soap.This is important because you don't want your hamster's cage to be contaminated.You need to wash off any chemicals that could be harmful to your hamster.
Step 14: When picking up your hamster, be quiet and gentle.
It's a good idea to be very quiet when approaching your hamster.When you pick up your hamster, cup your hands around it.The hamster needs to be raised out of its cage and onto a surface.
Step 15: There is a door on the hamster's cage.
When you are done with your hamster, put it in its cage and close the door.If you leave the cage door open, your hamster could easily escape.
Step 16: If you think your pet is sick, tell your parents.
If you notice that your hamster is acting strange or sick, you should tell your parents.There are some things to look out for.
Step 17: Before you remove your hamster from the cage, ask your parents.
Before you take your hamster out of the cage, you should let your parents know.As your hamster could jump out of your hands, run under the door, and get lost, this is important.Ask your parents if you can take the hamster out of its cage.Is this okay?
Step 18: If you get low on supplies, let your parents know.
Since you are the primary caretakers of your hamster, your parents won't know if you're running low on supplies.You need to let them know when you are low.Give them a few days' notice so they can go to the pet store with you to get more supplies.