hamsters live an average of two and half years.Some breeds live longer than others.As people get attached to their pets, you may want them to live longer.There isn't a way to prolong a hamster's life.You can take certain precautions to make sure your hamster is well cared for.His life may be extended by this.
Step 1: You can choose the right cage.
Hamsters will live longer if they are in a proper environment.Make sure your hamster is comfortable in its cage.The size of a hamster's cage is important.A hamster needs a cage that is at least 18 inches long and 12 inches wide.A bigger cage is generally better.This will allow your hamster to get more exercise.A bigger cage is necessary for a specific breed of Syrian hamster, which can grow as long as 6 inches.A ceramic bowl of food and a hanging water bottle are all you will need for accessories.An exercise wheel, toys, ladders, and material for chewing are helpful to have in a hamster cage.It keeps your hamster stimulated.A hamster's lifespan can be shortened by health and behavioral problems due to boredom.The warm area of your home is where your cage should be.Colds can be caused by drafts and cold temperature.A hamster can be bothered by excessive heat or stuffiness.Pick aventilated area, which you have access to at all times.If you want to keep your hamster out of the sun, place the cage on a table.In a hamster's cage, never use newspaper, cat litter, scented bedding, or corn cob.There are substances that can be harmful to your hamster.
Step 2: The cage needs to be cleaned frequently.
If hamsters are forced to walk through their own droppings, they can get sick.If you want your hamster to live a long, happy life, it's important that you clean his cage at least once a week.Before cleaning, remove the hamster from his cage.He should be placed in a safe area.All bedding, toys, food bowls, and water bottles should be removed.Old bedding that has urine or feces should be thrown away.Any toys that are not safe to play with should be thrown out.You can buy regular cage disinfectant at a pet store.White vinegar can be used to clean your hamster's cage if you are worried about chemicals.If you want to wipe down the cage, you need to spray it down, get the bottom of it, the top, and the bars.You should wash the hamster's toys, food bowl, and water bottle.Before putting them back in a hamster's cage, make sure to rinse them thoroughly.Before you put your hamster back in his cage, make sure the cage and supplies are completely dry.
Step 3: Your hamster needs to get exercise.
Health problems in hamsters can be caused by being overweight or inactive.It's important that your hamster gets plenty of exercise so he can live longer.It's important that the environment you provide for your hamster encourages physical activity.Running wheels and ladders are great ways to make sure your hamster gets a good workout.Purchase a variety of fun and interactive toys for your hamster at your local pet store or online.A hamster's cage can be purchased with plastic tubes.Some people invest in a second cage and use a tube to connect it to one another.Your hamster will have fun exploring the tubing and it will give him something to do all day.Your hamster's longterm health can be improved by the more he moves.A hamster ball can be purchased at a pet store.This is a small plastic device that you can use to place your hamster in.Always supervise your hamster when he uses his ball, and make sure the hamster ball is closed completely before releasing it.
Step 4: Feed your hamster a balanced diet.
In order to thrive, hamsters need a specific diet.Make sure your hamster gets all the vitamins and minerals he needs by feeding him a combination of table food and hamster pellets.It will allow your hamster to live a long life.Your hamster's diet should include a lot of pellet food.Commercial pellets can be found at your local pet store.Most of the food your hamster needs should be provided by them.Ask your vet about adding vitamins to your hamster's diet if you're unsure about commercial pellets being adequate.Many hamster owners mix vitamins into their food to improve their pet's health.Fresh produce should be added to your hamster's diet.Grains and veggies can be added to a hamster's diet.Do not give your hamster food that is rotten.It can cause health problems.Hamsters prefer to eat from a pile first.They can eat all of their seeds without touching their fruit.Do not take this as a sign that you should feed your hamster more seeds.You need to make sure your hamster has a balanced diet.Moderation is important to a happy pet.
Step 5: Provide a lot of water.
hamsters need a lot of waterYou should refill your hamster's water bowl every day.You should dump out water on a daily basis and replace it with fresh water.Take your hamster to the vet if he seems to be drinking a lot of water.Diabetes can be a sign of increased water consumption.
Step 6: Look for signs of poor health.
There are signs of poor health in your hamster.If they're caught early on, most medical problems are easier to treat.Make sure your hamster is in good health by inspecting him once a week.Take a look at your hamster's nose and eyes.Both should be free of discharge.Hamsters can get colds.If your hamster is getting cold frequently, you may need to move his cage to a warmer part of the house.Chronic eye problems are a problem for hamsters.Take your hamster to a vet if you notice any of the above.As your hamster gets older, he may lose his fur and develop bald spots.This is not unusual.If your hamster is developing flaky skin, bald spots, matted fur, or rash, you should take him to the vet.Your hamster should be checked for lump each week.Hamsters are prone to benign skin growths but can have cancer.Your hamster has a better chance of recovery if the lump is removed sooner.Make a vet appointment if you notice a new growth on your pet.
Step 7: It's a good idea to take your hamster to the vet.
Prevention is always better than treatment for hamster health.You should take your hamster to the vet at least once a year.If you notice changes in your hamster's behavior or appearance, you might need a vet appointment.It's possible that your hamster is not feeling well.If your hamster is gaining or losing weight quickly, you should make an appointment with your vet.Keep an eye on the hamster's rear end.If you notice stools suck to the fur around your hamster's anus, he may have some issues.If you notice a smell coming from your female hamster, look for discharge above her anus.Females are prone to infections in the womb.
Step 8: Put your hamster's nails and teeth down.
Every week, check your hamster's teeth and nails.The bottom teeth of your hamster should be longer than the top.Without curving inward, nails should be long.Health problems can be caused by long teeth or nails, as well as punctures to your hamster's skin.Make an appointment with the vet to have your hamster's teeth trimmed.
Step 9: Take care of your hamster's weight.
A hamster's weight is important.At 6 months, hamsters gain weight.Their weight should be stable until they are 18 months old.Your hamster's weight will start decreasing at that point.It's possible that weight changes between 6 and 18 months are a sign that something isn't right.Discuss your pet's diet with his vet if he is gaining weight.You might have to find a different brand of pellet or cut back on his treats.If a change in diet doesn't result in weight loss, your vet may want to test your hamster for medical conditions that may be causing weight gain.Take your hamster to the vet if he is losing weight.A variety of health problems can cause weight loss in a hamster.More effective treatment can be provided by early detection.
Step 10: Put your hamster's cage in a safe place.
Keep your hamster's cage away from the sun.Small children and other pets may get at your hamster's cage, so don't keep it there.This could be fatal for your hamster if a cage is damaged.Before buying a hamster cage, read reviews.Some hamster cages are created differently.Go for a different brand if a lot of buyers report problems with it.
Step 11: Allow your hamster to live alone.
If you want your hamster to get along with other hamsters, it is best to let him have his own cage.They may end up fighting if you introduce a new hamster to your hamster's cage.A hamster's lifespan can be shortened by stress and fights, both of which can cause health problems.If you have to introduce a second hamster, do it slowly.Make sure your new hamster is the same sex as your current one.If placed in the same cage with an opposite sex partner, hamsters may breed.A hamster should be introduced to a new friend when he's young.When your hamster is a senior it can be hard to add a new hamster.hamsters can see one another in separate cages for a week.They should be placed in the same cage.If they fight, separate them and allow time to cool down.When handling hamsters, wear gloves to protect them from scratches and bites.
Step 12: Don't let your hamster out of his cage on his own.
hamsters are allowed to roam their homes in a hamster ball.This is a good way to exercise your hamster.A hamster shouldn't be allowed to wander a house on his own.Hamsters can get caught in nooks and crannies in your home, roll down the stairs, or even get out of the house.If you have a hamster, make sure you watch him when he uses the ball.
Step 13: You can choose the right wheel.
Injury and back pain can be caused by a wheel that is too small.This could prevent him from exercising.The wheel should be at least 6.5 inches.hamsters need wheels of at least 8 inchesA small wheel can cause a hamster to arch his back, so it's better to have a big wheel.This leads to injury.