Hamsters are extremely popular pets. They are small, fairly docile, and easy to care for. Many people choose hamsters as first pets for their children or even as classroom pets. However, even though hamsters are very common, there are still many misconceptions that people have in regards to caring for them. Here are some frequent hamster care myths.
Hamsters tend to bite. Hamsters are generally not aggressive and usually only bite when being mishandled. Frightening a hamster or trying to touch one when they are asleep or just waking up is a good way to get bitten, and thus should be avoided. Hamsters may also nip if your hands smell like food.
Plastic habitat cages are the best homes for hamsters. Many of the popular hamster habitats just don't have enough space inside for your hamster. In order to meet your hamster's housing requirements, you will generally need to connect several habitats together, which can be expensive and make cleaning a pain. In addition, many habitats come with tubes and wheels that are too small for Syrians.
My hamster loves his wire wheel. Wire wheels are very dangerous for hamsters, as their feet can get caught in the spinning wheel and break while they are running. Other rodents will have the same problems with their tails. A wheel with a solid plastic floor should always be used.
Cedar/pine bedding is perfect for hamsters. Cedar and pine wood may smell great, but they contain chemicals that can harm or even kill rodents. Aspen or paper-based bedding is much safer.
This information is courtesy of
Dr. Tripp Stewart.
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