Hamsters! (Hamsters)

Member Name: heekeer

Product:	Hamsters
Date:	16/08/09 (26 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to look after, cute, will let you pet them

Disadvantages: Escape easily

Hamsters are an easy to look after pet, perfect for responsible children.

Hamsters are a small fluffy rodent that come in many different varieties, the most common is the Syrian hamster which is a golden colour and is the easiest to look after, you can also get dwarf hamsters that are very cute but their lifespan is not so long.

When you are buying your hamster you will need a cage, which can be a basic wireframe model, that may come with many levels, or special maze type cages with many sections though you have to be careful when buying these as the sections must fit securely or your hamster will escape!

To line the cage you will need to buy wood shavings, but also nesting material as hamsters love to make themselves big elaborate nests but not straw as it can damage their sensitive cheeks. Hamsters need to be fed just once a day with a standard hamster mix but they do like to store their food so if you forget for a day, don't panic! They do love to have occasional fresh treats like bread and a particular favourite of my hamsters is hard boiled egg!

Hamsters do need a lot of exercise so make sure they have a wheel in their cage and if you want them to run around your house you can get a hamster ball, just make sure you don't kick it!

Hamsters don't mind being handled and mine will lie in my hands and allowed me to pet her after a few days of getting used to me.

They will make a quick escape if left unattended so be sure you keep an eye on them, I have lost my hamster at times but she is easily lured out with some hamster food.

They are easy to look after, and the Syrian hamsters are perfectly happy to live on their own so make great pets for around 2-3 years. They are especially good if you don't have a lot of time but want a pet more exciting than a goldfish.

Summary: Good easygoing pets!