A Guide for First-Time Pet Owners

 

Caring for a hamster can be a satisfying experience and result in countless hours of enjoyment. Hamsters are fun creatures that can be the best first pet for children and adults. However, having pets entails a sense of responsibility to ensure their overall health and wellbeing. Cat Food Online

If you want to bring home a hamster but don’t know where to begin, this guide will help you find the right hamster breed and small pet supplies, including the cage, bedding, and food for your new pet.

Choosing the right hamster

There are different hamster breeds to choose from. Beyond their appearance, you must select one you can manage, considering that different breeds have varying tendencies and dispositions.

Here are the two main types of hamsters recommended for beginners:

Dwarf

Dwarf-sized hamsters have different breeds, with sizes ranging from 9 to 10 centimeters long with a weight of 25 to 50 grams. For a beginner, consider choosing either the Winter white hamster or the Campbell’s dwarf hamster because these breeds are the easiest to handle. They are also friendly.

Syrian

The Syrian breed is the largest hamster type, growing up to 18 centimeters and weighing up to 180 grams. They come in different fur coats, colors, and hair lengths. Variations include:

Teddy bear hamster

Golden hamster

Panda bear hamster

Black bear hamster

With their enormous size, they are best for beginners. They are solitary animals and the easiest to handle. Though you might see them in one cage, they can fight with their cage mates as they grow older, while trying to keep an eye on their personal cage space.

Selecting a cage

When buying a hamster cage, you will have a lot of options – with each having its pros and cons. Generally, the best cage for your hamsters is spacious and large, whether it is made of metal wire, glass or plastic. You can also choose one that you can add onto later so your hamsters remain happy.

The cage you will buy is where your hamsters will spend most of their lives. Here are some of the best cage options today.

Wire cage

A metal wire cage is the traditional, most economical habitat for hamsters. This is made of galvanized steel and comprises a small metal wire door, wire bar top and sides, and a plastic bottom base.

A wire cage offers more benefits than other options. First, it is more affordable than other cage options. Second, additional levels can be installed and secured to the crossbars. Lastly, it provides maximum air circulation; thus, fresh air is always readily available for your pets.

Glass tanks

If you want to have a clear view of what your hamsters are doing inside their home, choose a glass tank for your pets. Having solid walls instead of the openness of a wire cage will prevent your pets from escaping and keep the bedding from being thrown out when your hamsters dig about.

Plastic habitat

Today, there are several innovative plastic cage options to choose from. Ideally, opt for a plastic habitat that is made of strong plastic with pieces that your hamsters can’t gnaw into. Wet Cat Food

Proper cage location

Your hamsters’ habitat should strategically be positioned in your home to make sure they get enough rest and exhibit natural behavior.

Here are some location tips:

Low light levels

Hamsters spend their life underground. With this in mind, avoid placing the cage under direct sunlight and lots of bright light.

Ideal temperature

The inside of your hamster cage must have a temperature not lower than 15 degrees Celsius and not higher than 25 degrees Celsius. This means that you must not place it next to drafty windows or heaters.

Low traffic

During the day, hamsters need to rest, so make sure to place them in a quiet and low traffic area. Keep them away from radios, televisions, and other loud appliances. Otherwise, they can become stressed, leading to different health problems.