Housing
Your hamster needs a fairly big and roomy cage. In fact, there is no such thing as a cage that is ‘too big’ for a hamster as they love to just explore and run around. Ideally, a cage that is multi-level is perfect as this adds interest to their environment and gives them more places to hide, explore and play. The cage should be made of wire with a plastic tray bottom as wooden cages can be chewed through!
It is vital that your hamster or gerbil is kept indoors, away from draughts or direct sunlight. Their cage also shouldn’t be placed next to something that gives off continuous noise like a television or washing machine due to their sensitive hearing. Try and purchase your new pet’s cage before bringing him home, as this means you can put him straight in keeping the stress levels for him to a minimum.
The cage should be cleaned out thoroughly every week, and soiled bedding removed every day. Hamsters can catch diseases and illnesses from a dirty cage. In the summer months cleaning is especially important to avoid attracting flies. In the wet winter months, sometimes the bedding can go mouldy so particular attention to this should be paid here too.
Exercise
Hamsters and gerbils love exercising, and need at least 3-4 hours a day. If you have a wheel, make sure it is big enough that their back is not bent when they are inside it. It should also have a solid floor as rungs can cause damage to feet and tails. They also love climbing so hanging some thin rope is ideal for them to use and gnaw on. You can even make an exercise yard for your pet by putting some bedding into a cardboard box and adding some tubes to run through and twigs to gnaw on and hide under.
Food
In the wild, foraging and munching on food takes up the majority of a hamster’s time, so rather than giving the food all at once each day, make it fun for them by hiding it around the cage. This will occupy them and prevent them getting bored.
Does anyone else have tips for occupying a hamster! Send in your comments below.
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