My mom just bought one for me, and I have no idea how to properly care for one. Any useful tips, facts, or something to help?
Thx,
Jake
P.S. I hope this isn't TOO much to ask for, but what is a good name for a hamster?
2006-08-24 13:25:44 · 11 answers · asked by Jake 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
All these answers are great, but I can't find the perfect one. I'll leave it to the voters...
2006-08-25 03:48:38 · update #1
Here are some tips...
1. Hamsters become very territorial when they get older, so you should not put another hamster in with an aging hamster unless it's a dwarf hamster.
2. Never, ever use pine or cedar bedding for ANY small animal - it causes respiratory problems and can kill. I recommend using Aspen or Carefresh; they work very well and aren't lethal.
3. Give your hamster carrots and oatmeal as treats. My hamster likes those two (especially carrots). Another is to give your hamster some apple. Don't feed your hamster lettuce...It might cause wet tail disease!
4. Hold your hamsters and let them get used to you by playing with them at least 4 times a week. If your hamster bites, don't bite back! That is, don't let it know you're angry because it will keep doing it.
5. Cleaning the cage - To make a safe, effective and inexpensive cleaning solution, mix white vinegar with water (about 50/50) in a spray bottle. It's great for removing the residue from urine. Just spray it on, leave it a few minutes and wipe clean. I use this for my hamster, gerbils and rabbits and it works very well.
As for hamster name, try hamster name generator
2006-08-24 13:44:45 · answer #1 · answered by gazard 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hamsters need bedding in their cage, but do not use cedar or pine. We use Aspen. You can tear up plain white tissue paper (the wrapping kind) and they will shred it to use in the bedding. They love to chew, so empty paper towel rolls cut in half, empty toilet paper rolls, Pop Tart boxes...any kind of box BUT boxes that are from freezer foods are coated in wax, so those oare no-no's.
A wheel is fun for them, but get the kind that is made so their feet or tail don't get caught. There are all kinds of toys at Wal-Mart or pets stores, but look around the house for ideas, too.
They have to have a water bottle, the best kind is one that they cannot chew. They will tip over a water dish.
They will bury their food dish with their bedding, so you have to change it daily. If you put in fresh veggies, make sure they eat it all within 12 hours or take it out of their home.
Anytime I get an idea of a toy or treat, I do a simple search on the web and have always gotten an answer. There is so much info out there, look around and have fun!
Hope this helps.
2006-08-24 20:44:36 · answer #2 · answered by auntbea672004 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A hamster should live in a cage. In the bottom its this special shedding you lay down. You'll see it in the hamster aisle at your local pet store. For excercise they need a wheel. It a circle ball that hamsters run in. Alot of times there is one in the cage you buy. Make sure he/she always have water and hamster food. You can also feed them fruits and vegetables. They like chew toys to help their teeth. My hamster's name was furry. Not to disapoint or scare you but a hamster's lifespan is 2 or 3 years. Mine died when he was 2. Also hamsters can get out of their cages real easy. I've been through that many of times. So watch out. You should clean the cage every 2 wks but you'll know because you'll start to smell it!!!
2006-08-24 21:50:01 · answer #3 · answered by AysiaBoo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To keep it warm you can put it in the oven for about 30 minutes on a high setting dont forget to baste from time to time. Add a few potatoes and serve with a side salad
2006-08-24 20:32:40 · answer #4 · answered by D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shake & Bake for chicken works nice on hamsters. Then place on a hard roll with a little mayo. Yummy!
2006-08-24 20:31:19 · answer #5 · answered by Jenny A 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Buy dry food for hamster or feed it fresh vegetables/fruits. Thats what i do for my hamster. Also make sure that it has water.
2006-08-24 20:32:32 · answer #6 · answered by Rye26978 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hamsters rock!
1)it sleeps about 20 hrs a day, he's up at night
2)likes to live alone
3)loves to chew on toilet paper and paper towel spindles(little card board tube) they help file his teeth down or else they will grow to long and they will poke through his mouth and he won't be able to eat and he could die.
4)they're smart they know the openings in the cage and they will chew on those first
5) they're really lazy if it gets out i used to take his water bottle out and tap the bottom and he would come running out(like i said they're really lazy if it gets out it won't get to far before it needs a nap)if it gets out it will probably be in your room
6) don't reach in his sleeping area while he's asleep, it will nip at you
7)if you hold him a lot he'll be really social, i used to set on the sofa and eat dried fruit with mine, he used to beg any on to take him out of the cage
my hamster was named kobayashi we called him kobe for short, he was named after the Japanese guy that won the hot dog eating contest in Conney island NY . hamsters stuff their mouths until they look like there about to explode.
they like baby carrots, oats, dried raspberry and dried apple in addition to their seeds
have fun with it
2006-08-24 20:57:15 · answer #7 · answered by The Key Master 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The easiest thing to do would be to get a pet rattlesnake snake to keep it company. Good name would be Rat
2006-08-24 20:29:00 · answer #8 · answered by the_e_man59 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ruby if red eyes sugar if cute or cutie
2006-08-24 20:29:31 · answer #9 · answered by raven_9050 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good advice with the snake but "Rat" is a bad name. I'd go with "Dead Rat".
2006-08-24 20:33:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋