The Humble Hamster: A Great First Pet for Your Child

Thinking of getting a pet for your little ones? How about a hamster? They're cute, inexpensive, easy to care for, and a great first pet that will teach your child how to be more responsible. Here are some things I learned during my experience as a hamster owner. I hope they aid you in your pet-purchasing decision.

- Hamsters are nocturnal creatures, so expect minimal activity during the day and a fair amount of noisemaking from the hamster cage after hours. Place the cage in a warm, draft-free, secluded spot in the house, where potential activity won't cause a disturbance in the night. Be sure that the lid or door of the cage is securely latched tight, as hamsters are fond of making the occasional midnight escape. As a little girl I awakened many a morning to find my hamster missing, having jimmied the lock on his cage somehow. On several occasions I found him vacationing in a mouse hole behind our kitchen stove and had to coax him out with his water bottle (I'm not kidding about this). It always amazed me that he never injured himself on these wild adventures.

- Unlike guinea pigs, hamsters are solitary dwellers. Doubling or tripling up is definitely not a good idea, as hamster roommates will fight and may seriously injure each other. Your hamster will be quite content to live his adult life in his 'single room apartment.' Be sure to provide him with a sturdy cage of either the plastic and metal store-bought variety, or a roomy fish tank with a secure top. Hamster housing essentials: a water bottle that doesn't leak, dry cedar or pine bedding to line the bottom of the cage, an exercise wheel, and a steady supply of hamster food, all of which you can purchase at the pet store. You may also want to buy him a salt lick and a little box of hamster treats.

- Once your hamster settles into his new home, the first thing he'll do is build himself a cozy nest. Hamsters are quite funny with their housekeeping ways. You can watch yours fill up his cheek pouches with cedar bedding until he looks just like a blowfish; it's really quite amusing to see. Then he'll run to the corner of the cage and unload the contents of his cheeks. He'll do this over and over until he has a nice, big hill of bedding, and then he'll tuck himself right into the middle and drift off to sleep. He'll likely not want to be disturbed until the sun goes down, upon which you'll see him venture out of his nest, have a nibble of his food and then maybe go for a spin on his hamster wheel. Your hamster will even establish a specific spot in the cage that he uses for a bathroom!

- Wet tail is a common hamster ailment that can easily be cured with medicine that you can purchase at the pet store. If your hamster has wet tail, you'll notice his stools will be watery and he may also have a bit of a runny nose, too. Wet tail is the hamster version of a cold and should be treated promptly, as hamsters are not hearty creatures. To keep your hamster healthy and well, make sure his cage is kept in a warm, draft-free area in the house. Hamsters originate from a warm climate and therefore should not be exposed to a chill.

- Your hamster cage should be thoroughly cleaned out at least once a week. It's best to tackle this task outside or near a slop sink in a basement or garage, as it does get messy. Empty all the bedding into the garbage, wipe down any remaining soiled parts, and then use hot, soapy water to wash out the cage. Do not clean your hamster cage with bleach, as a residue can remain that will harm your hamster if he ingests it.

- If you've taken your hamster out for a little fun, never leave him unattended on a tabletop or high counter, even for a second. Hamsters do not have depth perception and will no doubt make a sudden dash for the edge of the table. You wouldn't want your hamster to break his leg, would you? On the other hand, he will enjoy a safe romp in his enclosed hamster ball. You can buy one at any pet store.

If you or your children aren't ready for the committment that having a dog brings, try a hamster on for size. Unlike a fish, you can give your hamster a kiss. Unlike a dog or cat, you don't need to feed him every single day or take your hamster outside. He will pretty much enjoy living a quiet hamster life in his hamster house. Sounds like the ideal pet to me!

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Hamster Language - How to Interpret Your Hamster's Body Language and Sounds

It's easy for us to chat, text message or just talk with our friends. But how does our hamster gets along with his buddies? Just the same way -OK, maybe not just like us. Hamsters have a quite simple language: body language and vocalizations. Some of the sounds they make are ultrasonic. That way, they can not be heard by predators or humans when they talk.

Is your hamster stretching and yawning? This means that he is feeling happy or that he is a bit tired. It's not a good idea to try to play with him now because he might nip you. You would do the same if some huge hand would take you from your bed the second you waked up.

Is your hamster sitting up on his back legs, ears forward, without moving? That is a sign that the hamster is listening something very interesting that caught his attention.

Is your hamster sitting on his back paws in battle position, with his front paws up? Hamsters usually stand like this when they are threatening their cage mate(s) or even you.

Is your hamster collecting bedding and food in his cheek pouches? If he is stuffing all this thing in his pouches when he is out of the cage, it means that the hamster feels that the food/bedding you give him isn't enough. Instead, if the hamster is carrying the bedding and food supply from a corner of the cage to another, do not worry. he is just decorating his cage the way he likes it. Sometimes, his stuffing and collecting food isn't a sign of anything. the hamster just likes to stuff his pouches.

Is your hamster chewing the bars of the cage- he is tying to tell you that he is bored, that he needs toys to chew on or he is just stressed.

Is your hamster digging? Sure he is! Digging is their favorite thing to do.

Is your hamster nipping? If not, you are a lucky one. Hamsters usually nip when they are annoyed by something or when they want attention from our side.

So, as you can see, every little thing your hamster does has a meaning. Be careful at his behavior and you will soon be able to understand your hamster.

Diana Tudor is a hamster lover for quite a while. She loves these little creatures (especially the 2 dwarf hamsters that she has). Want to improve your hamster language? The hamsters and Diana await you at their cozy place to discover more about them.

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