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Hamsters

About Hamsters

Hamsters are good pets if you get them young, right after they have grown their fur and have their eyes open. Hamsters are commonly one of the more nervous of the rodents and if bought as an adult can get very lonely and have been known to bite. This is also the key to picking out a healthy hamster, never go for the quiet and docile ones, more than likely these “calm” hamsters are not entirely healthy. Hamsters are normally active animals and are moving around a lot, except when they are sleeping.

Fun Activities with Hamsters

A fun trick to do is to put a little of their food (typically seeds) on the bedding, this will make the forage for the food and will five them something to do. Watching the hamsters forage is also something that is good entertainment for kids. Hamsters are also a good educational project for kids, having them come up with things that the hamsters can do. It is also good to have some little shelter for the hamsters and for rodents as a whole, this will give them a place to build a nest. It isn’t needed to have a shelter in the cage, but the hamsters will appreciate it.

Caring for Hamsters

They need chew toys or sticks and can be taken out of their cage. Remember that the chew toys are important, hamsters have four front teeth that never stop growing. If the teeth grow too long the hamster will not be able to eat. Hamsters are among the few pets that should be given `extras’ if stuck in their cage a lot. They can be aggressive at times although this is if they are agitated. This is one of the pets that is best with companions.

They like to eat seeds, small nuts, and certain fruits. Be sure to buy your hamster as a baby, or buy them in pairs. Otherwise they have been know to become depressed and reclusive. In the end, they won’t be the best of pets to have. If purchased as a baby they will grow accustomed to the owner and will overcome much of the nervousness with the owner.

Some More Characteristics

Hamsters also have bad eyes sight as their vision is better suited for nighttime, when most of the predators are home and asleep. The sense of hearing is a different matter. They have very acute hearing and can spot noises very well.

Photo Credit: Jesse Barker