How Fun it is to Have a Hamster as a Pet and How to Care for Your Hamster

Hamsters are small, virtually tailless, velvet-furred rodents with enormous cheek pouches,The cheek pouches are a relatively unique anatomic feature of hamsters. They are actually a cavernous out pouching of the oral (mouth) cavity on both sides, extending alongside the head and neck to the shoulders. These pouches are used to store food and allow the hamster to transport food from where it is gathered to the hamster's den or nest the food is then eaten later, at the hamster's leisure. Hamster owners not familiar with these cheek pouches often panic when seeing them fully distended for the first time, thinking they represent tumors or abscesses.

Hamsters are very popular pets today because of their availability, affordability, small size, cuddly appearance, often docile temperament and relatively clean habits, although you do need to clean cages often to get rid of smell. Hamsters handled frequently from a very young age usually remain docile and rarely bite, none of my children have ever been bit by our hamster and we try to play with him daily just don't let your child get him out of the cage because sometimes they get startled and can get scared and may bite also only have one hamster in a cage they like to be alone, it is said they do not like companionship.

When cleaning cage, I always make sure I let my hamster play in his ball or put him in another cage while I am cleaning his home ,I have noticed at times he does get upset if I clean too often because they make there bedding just the way they like it and it takes them sometime to get it just right so try to use a good absorbent lining for his cage so you can try to clean it only a couple times a week and you must also know that proper housing is a major factor in maintaining healthy hamsters, they can be housed within enclosures made of wire, stainless steel, durable plastic or glass. The last 3 materials are preferred because they resist corrosion. Wood and similar materials should not be used to construct enclosures because they are difficult to clean and cannot withstand the destructive gnawing of rodents. Many pet stores sell durable colored plastic enclosures that include attached horizontal and vertical tubes through which the hamster can crawl for exercise. These are suitable enclosures for hamsters. The enclosure must also be free of sharp edges and other potential hazards. It must be roomy enough to allow normal activities.

Good quality food and fresh, clean water must be readily available at all times, my hamster loves fresh fruits and veggies, although you must wash them very good to make sure there is no pesticides on the items they can also be supplemented with small amounts of dry, sugar-free breakfast cereals, whole wheat bread, uncooked pasta, cooked chicken, tuna fish, cheese.

I have been very lucky so far but hamsters can get very sick and need to be treated quite quickly because they very small, nocturnal (night-active) and not closely observed, the early signs of illness are frequently overlooked or not noted at all. Hamster owners must be constantly vigilant for signs of illness and must seek immediate veterinary assistance when illness is suspected.One of the most common problems I was told they have is called wet tails a fairly common disease among recently acquired hamsters. Long-haired "teddy bear" hamsters are highly susceptible to wet tail. Signs include lethargy, impotence, unkempt hair coat, sunken, dull eyes, increased irritability, hunched posture, very fluid diarrhea, and a wet, soiled anal area and tail, but there is a medicine you can put in their water to help prevent this problem and make sure they get lots of the right foods.

Yes there is alot you need to know about a hamster but they are like I said a very nice and loving animal to have in your home, just remember to give him lots of love, clean his cage and feed him correctly and you should have no problems.