Hamsters make great first pets being extremely lovable and relatively easy to take care of. But before considering bringing one home, you have to make sure you have the time to devote to its wellbeing. As with any pet, you will need to spend time interacting and taking care of your hamster to ensure it leads a happy and healthy life.
The first thing you need to do before buying a hamster is to choose a cage in which to keep your new pet. There are different breeds of hamsters so before choosing a cage you should decide on the type of hamster you want. Syrian hamsters do well in most types of hamster cages but Dwarf and Roborovski hamsters need special accommodation because of their tiny size.
There are three main types of cages appropriate for most hamsters: glass (aquarium type cages), wire and plastic cages, each with their pros and cons. A larger Syrian hamster will do well in a glass or wire cage. A plastic hamster cage with tunnels and pipes may not be appropriate for a Syrian hamster as they can get stuck in the pipes. Roborovski and Dwarf hamsters, on the other hand, may not fare well in a wire cage as they may try to squeeze through the bars and escape, sometimes with tragic consequences.
Proponents of glass cages say they are escape proof, easy to clean and provide the hamster a great view of their surroundings. Another advantage of this type of cage is that there is no risk of drafts. Drafts can kill hamsters. The disadvantage of using a glass cage for keeping hamsters is that ventilation isn't ideal. Toxin buildup from waste can make your hamster sick. This can be avoided by providing a wire mesh top on the aquarium to allow air flow. Wire cages are ideal for Syrian hamsters but must be kept in a draft free part of the house. The advantage of a wire cage is that it provides climbing opportunity for your pet, something hamsters love doing. Plastic hamster cages come with various tunnels and pipes for your hamster to explore, these are ideal for Dwarf and Roborovski (or robo) hamsters. Ventilation can be an issue but some of these cages come with a wire area to combat this problem. Plastic cages can be more difficult to clean but the pipes and tubes provide an interesting environment for your pet.
Whichever type of cage you decide to buy, make sure you're prepared to take care of your hamster for the duration of its life. You must be able to spend daily time interacting with your pet and never neglect it. If you take good care of your hamster, it should provide you with many hours of entertainment and joy.
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