Hamsters Tip Sheet Flashcards
MAINTENANCE
Water bowls
The use of a 4 to 8 water bottles is necessary, so the water stays clean and free of bedding and the vitamins are not wasted.
Fresh water should be available at all times and replaced daily.
Water bottles need to be kept clean of not only any bacterial growth, but also of sediment that may be caused by using nutritional supplements.
Use a bottle brush set to clean both the inside of the bottle and the inner surface of the stainless steel drinking tube.
Brushes may be used with dish soap.
Be sure to rinse bottles and tubes well and to wash and rinse brushes themselves following use.
If your pet is housed in an aquarium, a bottle holder or bottle guard will be required.
Hamsters like to put their food in water so make sure water and food are place next to each other.
MAINTENANCE
Litter
Pine or aspen shavings or soft bedding made from natural fibres (e.g. CareFRESH®) is recommended for your hamster.
Many hamster owners use a hamster toilet.
It is easy to remove, reduces the time and cost of maintenance and cuts down on odour.
Use a small litter scoop to spot clean corners every one or two days.
MAINTENANCE
Cage Cleaner
There are pet safe stain and odour removers available for small pets.
Many are enzyme-based formulas that work naturally to permanently break down stains and odours.
Once a week, you should clean his cage with a pet safe cleaner,or hot water and mild soap, rinse well and dry.
Do not use bleach, or other household cleaners, which will irritate your hamster’s respiratory system, or even cause worse problems.
Also b/c hamsters don’t properly absorb calcium, there is a higher concentration of it in their pee and that causes white spots on the bottom. It’s important to scrap those off as it can damage your cage.
MAINTENANCE
Crock Bowls
These are easy to clean, and your hamster cannot chew them!
Pick up two, one for food and one for treats.
MAINTENANCE
Brush
Most hamsters enjoy a gentle brushing a few times a week.
Afterward, reward him with a treat and it will be an activity he will look forward to.
BEHAVIOURAL
Chew blocks
Your hamster’s teeth will grow
throughout his life. Give him a variety of chewing aids to keep his teeth trimmed.
A branch from outside may not be safe nor will a toilet paper or paper towel roll.
Hamster chews are generally made from balsa wood, which is hard enough to gnaw on, but soft enough not to splinter or cut.
BEHAVIOURAL
Exercise Wheel
Just like us, hamsters need exercise to stay healthy and trim.
As any hamster owner can tell you, the wheel is used nightly for your little one’s instinctual need to run, run, run!
BEHAVIOURAL
Exercise Ball
An exercise ball can be a fun and safe way for your hamster to gain a little more freedom, while staying in shape.
Remember to keep his ball far away from stairs to prevent an accident!
A ball should never replace an exercise wheel
BEHAVIOURAL
Harness and Leash
Hamsters enjoy an outing!
Take him out for a safe walk and don’t worry, he won’t pull you over!
ENVIRONMENTAL
Cage
Whether it is a two-storey cage with a removable plastic bottom, an enclosed plastic unit with tunnels and attachments, or perhaps it is an aquarium with a snug-fitting screen lid; do not underestimate your potential escapee!
Try and give your hamster room enough to run, sleep and tunnel.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Nesting material
This material is specifically made for hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats and degus (it’s safe).
One package goes a long way in giving your new pet soft bedding that he can form into a cozy bed.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Hiding places
Every living creature needs an area to call their own.
Their hideaway is necessary in reducing stress and makes them feel secure.
Their home can be made of ceramic, wicker or wood, but make sure it is made specifically with a hamster in mind.
Tissue boxes or toilet paper rolls, although happily slept in and chewed, are potential health hazards that you should avoid.
NUTRITIONAL
is an omnivore.
primary diet is an extrusion food.
Follow the recommended guidelines on the bag of food as to how much should be offered daily.
Plus add a teaspoon of a gourmet hamster food mix to the extrusion food daily feeding program, to keep him satisfied.
Hamsters have a habit of selecting mixes with nuts, corn, seeds and fruit morsels and leaving the healthy pellets behind, so a primary diet of extrusion food is the best option.
Many small animals are susceptible to diarrhea, especially when new foods are introduced too quickly or they encounter a stressful situation (i.e. being adopted).
By providing food that is familiar to them, their digestive systems will prevent this type of health problem. (It can take months for them to transition to different foods)
NUTRITIONAL
Moss Hollow Adapt
Using Moss Hollow Adapt, while minimizing stress, can help your new pet adapt to their new home by promoting relaxation from stress caused by the environment
(Echinacea), Offering a prebiotic for building gut flora (Burdock Root), easing diarrhea (Psyllium Husk), increasing palatability (Wheatgrass), providing a natural dewormer (Diatomaceous Earth), and nutrient rich clay (Bentonite).
This veterinary health product uses natural ingredients which can aid all small animals before symptoms emerge.
NUTRITIONAL
Hay
Supply grass hay to stimulate natural foraging activities to help in the prevention of obesity.
Hay is an excellent source of nesting material.
The bonus is that they also love it. Choose from a variety of hay.
Hamsters especially enjoy oat hay, which often contains immature seed heads.
