Future Hanster Owners Need to Know Some Important Facts

[Texasmujer]

"Hamsters have a relatively short life span of one to two years. They are nocturnal, so it's a good idea NOT to keep the cage in a bedroom, unles you want to hear them play all night. Hamster cages need to be cleaned at least once a week.

Don't buy soft materials, such as rubber balls and soft-plastic toys---they can easily chew through them. Hard-plastic tunnels are fun. They love to use an exercise wheel---a metal one is the preferred type.

They are also great escape artists, but there is way to get
a hamster safely back. Use either a bucket or box and put something soft in the bottom, such as an old towel or pillow. Cover the top with a sheet of newspaper or a couple of paper towels and put your hamster's favorite food in the middle. Put a board or yardstick from the floor to the top of the bucket/box for it to climb. When it gets to the food, it will drop to the bottom and be there waiting patiently for you to come to the rescue.

If you buy a hamster, get a book that will tell you the important facts about how to keep them safe and healthy.

[mee]

Have had to use the bucket and board technique many, many times haha! chi chi (daughters hamster) is a houdini when it comes to getting out of her cage, she is 3 years old now and my daughter gets her out everyday and plays with her. Sometimes she carries her around in a pocket for hours. one time in particular she carried her to the grocery store, I did'nt notice until she giggled and i saw chi chi with her head poked out of her pocket! was so funny!

[Texasmujer]

That is so cute...The Hamster sounds like it's very loved...lucky animal!