7 Things To Take Into Consideration Before Getting A Hamster

Hamsters are delightful little pets that can bring their owners much joy and amusement...and these furry friends are oh-so photogenic. However, they are exotic animals who require commitment and proper care to ensure they live the happy and healthy lives they deserve. So, if a hammy has stolen your heart or you are considering getting one for yourself or your kids, please read through these considerations. This process will help you to make an informed decision and minimize surprises.

Before You Get The Hamster

1. Initial Set-Up Costs

It is costly to set everything up correctly for a hamster. Hamsters need specific-sized enclosures and the correct enclosure enrichments to live a healthy and happy life. But once everything is set up right, the costs settle down.

 

2. Do You Have Enough Space?

The enclosure size for a Dwarf hamster is 1m x 50cm x 50cm, and for a Syrian (Teddy Bear hamster), it is 1.2m x 50cm x 50cm. The enclosure should never be set up outside, in a room with a constant draft, or in a room that becomes too hot in summer.

 

3. Medical Treatment

As with any other pet, hamsters need medical care at some point. Unlike other pets, hamsters need medical care from an exotics veterinarian, which often costs more than a general vet. So the tricky question is: do you have extra funds available for emergencies, and is there an exotic veterinarian in your area?

 

4. Do You Have Extra Time To Care For A Hamster?

The enclosure should be spot-cleaned daily. Old urine is smelly and poses a health risk to your small friend. Likewise, hidden food can become mouldy, and this, too, poses a health risk.

A hamster needs a daily diet of dry and fresh food, which can take an extra 5 - 10 minutes of your time to prepare. And although not all hamsters like to be handled, they still need daily human interaction. Because they are nocturnal animals, interaction and playtime usually only happen in the evenings when they are awake.

 

5. Are You Willing To Supervise And Take Responsibility?

While it's not recommended to get a hamster as a pet for children under the age of 10, it is important to know that older children should still be supervised when caring for their hamster. Some children may lose interest. Are you willing to take full responsibility for caring for the hamster?

 

6. Are You OK With The Short Life Span Of A Hamster?

Under normal circumstances, hamsters can live up to two years. (And yes, once in a blue moon, a hamster may live a little longer than that!) But are you willing to consider and accept this reality before getting a hamster?

 

7. Are You Willing To House Each Hamster Separately?

Did you know that hamsters do not need friends? They are solitary animals, and housing two or more together in one enclosure puts them all at serious risk of injuries and death because they (both male and female) are so territorial.

You also don't want to keep more than one hamster in an enclosure because they breed like nobody's business! A female can fall pregnant within minutes of giving birth. Pregnancy can last up to 22 days, so your hammy may fall pregnant every 22 days if not separated from the males. So, if you plan on getting more than one hamster, you must purchase an enclosure for each one.

 

Pawsome Pals Is Here To Help 

If you have read this far and are still willing to commit to the above requirements, superb! We at Pawsome Pals are here to support you, and we are passionate and committed to making the highest-quality, species-specific products available to our valued customers!

If you would like more in-depth information about the correct care for your hamster, please fill in your details below. We are looking forward to sharing up-to-date information and guides to give your hamster the care it deserves!