hamster care and their behavior
TRANSCRIPT
A popular choice for a pet because of their funny behavior
and adorable, furry bodies, hamsters require proper care to
stay happy and healthy.
Hamsters are a popular pet choice, as their little furry bodies
and delightful nature make them a fun pet to watch and play
with. They require only a small amount of living space,
resources, and time, and are typically a low-maintenance and
low-cost pet.
For living space, hamsters need a cage lined with absorbent bedding such as shredded paper or
aspen shavings. Each day, uneaten food and soiled bedding should be removed, and the cage
should be thoroughly cleaned with all bedding removed and replaced each week. Hamsters are
very active and enjoy exercise, so their cage should include a hamster wheel for them to run
and play, and a small dome or box should also be supplied, as hamsters like to hide, sleep, and
play in little, enclosed spaces. Tunnels also make a fun accessory for hamsters, and even an
old paper towel roll placed in their cage will give them some fun and exercise. Napkins or
other small pieces of paper should also be provided for the hamster to shred and use in their
sheltered nests.
Hamsters feed on hamster mix, sold at pet stores, which consists of seeds, corn, and grains.
Fresh fruits and vegetables should also be supplied every few days, as hamsters will readily
consume carrots, lettuce, spinach and apples.Hamsters need a healthy diet to keep their small
bodies strong and fit, so they should never be fed any junk food, candy, or chocolate.
Hamsters are nocturnal by nature, so they like to sleep during the day and be actively digging,
feeding, and playing at night. Many new hamster owners may be unaware of this, and their
sleep may be disturbed by the hamster’s nocturnal activities. Hamsters also tend to bite when
they are bothered, and if they’re being handled in the daytime, they are unlikely to be very
happy about it and may end up nipping at your hands. Feeding your hamster treats by hand or
petting them gently can help train them to be held, and once they are used to your touch, you
can also allow them to play outside of their cage each day as long as they are supervised and
kept away from anything dangerous.
A hamster’s teeth never stop growing, so theyneed plenty of things to gnaw and chew on to helpkeep their teeth short and healthy. Small pieces ofwood, twigs,or food such as carrots and nuts canhelp keep them occupied and also wear downtheir teeth.
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