The Siberian hamsters are one of the most widespread species of these rodents as pets! These charming little animals are very attractive to hamster enthusiasts, but they must be taken care of. Here are some tips for dealing with it correctly.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Host the Hamster
Step 1. Get a suitable cage
The minimum size of a cage for keeping a Siberian hamster is 0.25m2 of space; for two specimens will need a minimum 0, 5 m2. In any case it is advisable to use larger sized cages. You can keep two or more Siberian hamsters together, if they belong to the same litter. Make sure the cage is in a location where it is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Step 2. Put lots of litter in the cage
About 7 cm or more. Do not use cedar or pine litter for hamsters. A conifer litter, such as pine or cedar, contains harmful chemicals that can cause breathing problems for hamsters.
Step 3. Place the cage carefully
Do not place it in front of a window: the hamster must not be in full sun.
Method 2 of 5: Adaptation
Step 1. Do nothing with your hamster for the first 2-4 days after bringing him home
After this time, you can start talking to the hamster and petting him.
Step 2. If you try to stroke the hamster and he squeaks or hisses, that means "I'm afraid" or "Leave me alone"
If this happens, leave the hamster alone for a while longer. Also, when you are near the cage, do not raise your voice and avoid loud noises, which would stress the animal.
Method 3 of 5: Feeding the Hamster
Step 1. To feed the hamster, use a seed mix that does not contain too much sugar (Siberian hamsters tend to become diabetic)
Please refer to the following nutritional values to find a suitable feed:
- 17-22% protein.
- 8-10% of fibers.
- 4-6% fat.
Step 2. Feed the hamster suitable foods
Never give him human food. Foods that contain a lot of sugar, such as fruit, should be given in very small doses.
Step 3. Check the water bottle often to make sure the water level is sufficient and the water is fresh
Step 4. Don't give Siberian hamsters too many sweet treats or they'll get fat
Many treats also contain large amounts of sugar, which can cause diabetes.
Method 4 of 5: Physical Activity for the Hamster
Step 1. Get the hamsters moving
To help them keep fit, put a solid-surface wheel in the cage. Do not use metal wheels or nets, as hamsters can injure their legs or get entangled. Make sure the wheel is large enough so that hamsters don't have to arch their backs while running, as this could cause problems. If you want to get hamsters out of the cage, get a hamster ball or playpen for them to play in. Do not leave the hamsters out of the cage for too long - they will get stressed.
Step 2. Give the hamster some toys to nibble on
Hamsters' teeth grow very fast, especially those of dwarf hamsters. Give them some nibbling toys, such as wood, so they can file their teeth.
Method 5 of 5: Cleaning and Hygiene
Step 1. Check that the hamster's teeth have not gotten too long
If it seems to you that they have overgrown, give the animal a stick to gnaw on or something with which it can wear down its teeth.
Step 2. Even if the hamster is dirty, never bathe him
The right way to clean a hamster is to use some types of sand, preferably children's play sand. Place a container full of sand in the cage so the hamster can roll around in it.
Step 3. Check the hamster for eye infections, dirty tail, odor glands or any other impurities on the body
Never squeeze the hamster! This would cause him stress and would likely squeak, blow, or bite. Always touch it gently
Advice
- Whenever you want to pick up the hamster, put your hand under him. If you get it from above you will scare it.
- When choosing your hamster to buy, make sure it has no wet tail or too long teeth, that it has bright eyes, is alert and active, and is relaxed if you pick it up. Tame it for 3-4 days.
- Wash your hands before and after touching the hamster.
- Clean the hamster's cage 1-2 times a week.
- The hamster will be shy at first; give him time to get used to his new environment.
Warnings
- If the hamster blows you, it will bite you if you try to get close.
- Make sure the drinking bottle does not leak, wetting the litter box.
- Do not use round cages. They don't provide enough room to move around.
