Do you want a hamster that, possibly, won't bite you all the time? Then read this article to choose the most suitable specimen for you!
Steps
Step 1. Search a pet shop
Opt for a small shop, as larger shops (often) spend less time looking after their hamsters, and they are more likely to get sick as a result. Look at at least 2-4 specimens that you like. They can be of the same race or of different races. There are many: Syrian, Roborovski, Chinese, Russian, etc. Evaluate their characteristics well to choose the most suitable animal for you.
Step 2. Evaluate the hamster's age and buy a young one
Hamsters only live 2-3 years, so look for one that is 6-10 weeks old. A mature hamster will be larger and will have yellowed teeth. A young specimen will have thin white hair inside the ears and white teeth.
Step 3. Choose a healthy specimen
Nose and eyes should not have mucus leaks or anything else. There should be no scratches or scabs on the skin and there should be no peeling spots on the fur. If the rear is wet, the animal could be suffering from wet tail pain, a fatal disease. Make sure the hamster does not have his ears bitten, which could mean that he has been fighting or not being properly cared for.
Step 4. Ask the clerk to take the hamster out of the cage
Gently caress the animal with two fingers. If he seems comfortable, that means he is comfortable in your company and does not intend to attack you. By doing so, the hamster realizes that you respect him and do not want to harm him.
Step 5. Try to hold it in your arms
If you get upset a little, it's not a serious thing, as long as you calm down quickly (it might just be a little uncomfortable). If the animal does not calm down, it could mean either that it is uncomfortable or that it does not feel safe in your arms.
Step 6. Take it home with you
If the hamster begins to nibble on the box in which it is contained, it means that he feels trapped (which is absolutely normal). Once you get home, let him run around for a while inside the cage until he gets used to his new home. Also, don't play with him for a while, but just feed him from your hand. This will bind him more to you.
Step 7. Try playing with him for the next two days and put him in his ball for him to explore the house
Once you get used to the ball, try playing with it using your hands. Also, stroke it often and hold it in your arms. Over the next 2-3 days feed it from your hand, so that it becomes attached to you even more!
Advice
- Play with him often to earn his love.
- If you buy a hamster wheel, take it without bars, so that the animal does not get caught between them.
- See if he likes his cage. If you want to be friends with him, take into consideration the importance of his feelings.
- Don't wash it! This would remove the natural oils secreted by him, causing him any disease or even leading to death. Hamsters wash themselves.
- Close your hand into a fist and allow the animal to smell you, then lift it gently.
- Never make sudden movements, otherwise the pet may get scared, run away or bite you.
- When you bring your hamster home, don't forget to buy the feed and litter box.
- When choosing your hamster, remember to check its sex.
- Try to buy the hamster late in the day or in the morning, as hamsters are nocturnal animals and it is during these times of the day that they are most active.
- Before removing the hamster from the cage, make sure it has emptied its bladder.
- If possible, have someone who is experienced in hamster accompany you to the shop.
Warnings
- Dwarf hamsters are sometimes biting, so best to start with a Syrian (unless you're looking for a challenge!) If you're not afraid of getting bitten, feel free to buy a dwarf hamster. Some hamsters bite at first, then stop when they get used to being touched.
- If you buy a dwarf hamster, don't put it in just any cage. Choose a cage that suits him (all hamsters should have a cage that suits their needs).
- Hamsters, if ignored, get irritated. If you only have one hour a day to spend in the company of your future hamster, it is better not to buy it at all.
- If your hamster's behavior changes suddenly, take him to the vet - he may be sick.
