How To Care For Syrian Hamster
Like 2 Dislike 0 Published on 19 Sep 2013
TIPS
If you lose your hamster, turn every thing off in your home and listen because he\she might be in something.
If you feel like the little guy isn't getting enough nutrients, most pet stores sell Nutrients and Mineral stones for your hamster without prescriptions.
Play with your hamster when it's awake but do not wake it up to play with it.
They are most lively in the evenings so if you/your child gets home and wants to play with it straight away, let them wake up (Syrian hamsters wake around 6-ish) rather than wake them up. It'll make them cross and they'll bite, unless they are really friendly. Also let them eat and drink as much as they want before you pick them up.
If you feel that your hamster is heavier or fatter than normal, take it to the vet right away. It may be sick or may even be pregnant.
If your hamster is not fond of you holding it then put some shavings on your hand and let it climb on to you.
Keep them happy with toys. You can buy toys at the pet store, or make homemade ones.
Don't put them in a ball when you are cleaning out the cage. Put them in an empty bathtub. (Not with water in it!) Have fun with your Syrian hamster but look out for something called Wet Tail. It's basically diarrhea for hamsters and you will notice its got the runs because its backside will be covered in poop or water and might look a little yellow. If you catch wet tail early its fine but it can be fatal if left. So if you see it take your hamster straight to the vet.
Always use a 12 inch wheel for a Syrian. Anything smaller will cause them back problems and discomfort.
Change your hamster's water every day. Wash the inside with a bottle brush. It may look clean, but the inside of the bottle will become coated with harmful bacteria, naturally.
If your hamster doesn't get fed often, it may get aggressive and bite.
Buy a ball for your hamster to run in. Hamsters can get obese if they don't get enough exercise.
Hamsters like to be played with. When playing with them, try to think of new activities so they don't get bored. 'Steps' is a fun game to play, where your hamster can crawl down your hands on a never-ending staircase!
Clean your hamsters water bottle every day. It may not seem like the bottle is getting dirty, but bacteria will end up growing in it.
Syrian hamsters MUST be housed alone after about 6 weeks of age. At 4 weeks they must be separated by gender.
Make sure your Syrian hamster always has plenty of water.
It doesn't matter what breed of hamster you purchase. What matters is how it is handled when he or she is young will effect his or her personality for life. It also depends on the hamster.
If you have other small, peaceful, and herbivorous animals like Guinea Pigs, see if your hamster wants to play with them. Cats, parrots, and omnivores like rats are a danger to your hamster.
WARNING
NEVER use pine or cedar bedding as the natural chemicals in them can cause health issues.
Make sure you wash your hands before and after handling your hamster(s).
To prevent illness, only offer a new food in a very small quantity, such as half a teaspoon, or 1 square inch of lettuce. Then see if your hamster likes it.
Some vegetables are harmful for hamsters. Never feed raw iceberg lettuce, kidney beans, onions, peanut butter, raw potatoes, and rhubarb.
Don't house your hamster with another Syrian Hamster. Even if they don't fight to the death, being in close proximity to another hamster will lower your pet's immune system, making it more prone to diseases. Syrian hamsters are solitary animals in the wild. They should be placed in separate cages.