Hamster Housing

So... you have decided that it is time for your family to have a new pet, and that pet is going to be a hamster. Have you decided on the type of housing you will provide for your new hamster? There are a number of factors you should consider when purchasing a habitat or cage for a hamster, including size, space, supplies/accessories and safety of the animal. Let's take a closer look at these factors, and how to deal with them.

Habitats and Housing

When it comes time to purchase a home for your hamster, there are four things you need to think about:

Size: Hamsters need exercise, so you need to make sure that there is plenty of room in the cage for them to exercise. There should also be areas for eating, sleeping and using the bathroom. At least two square feet is needed for an optimal hamster living space. You can add space by purchasing cage add-ons, such as tunnels and houses.

Space

Where you place the hamster habitat in your home is very important. You have to ensure that the habitat is not in direct sunlight, or in a noisy area of the house. Because hamsters are nocturnal, they need to have a quiet place to sleep during the day.

Hamster habitats should not be located in areas that are too hot or too cold, as either can be detrimental to the health of your hamster.

Habitats should be placed where small children and other animals can't get at them. Also, make sure you place it where it is not likely to fall.

Obviously, putting a hamster habitat in a kitchen is a bad idea, because things that the hamster moves around, like bedding, food, and feces, could contaminate your food.

Supplies and Accessories

You will need the following supplies and accessories to ensure the health and happiness of your new hamster:

Food and water: Have a bowl or dish for food, and a specially-made water bottle that the hamster can't chew apart.

Good bedding: This should be absorbent. Items that work well include cotton, wood shavings, shredded paper and pellets.

Exercise wheel: Hamsters need exercise, and a good wheel will provide that exercise. Make sure it is large enough for the hamster.

House or enclosed sleeping area: Just like you, your hamster likes to feel snug when sleeping, so provide an area just for this purpose.

Toys: Hamsters need toys for exploring, such as tubes (can be as simple as paper towel rolls), tunnels, ramps and nooks and crannies to hide in. They also need toys that they can chew on.

Safety

If you are going to have more than one hamster, make sure, if the breeds are different, that they are compatible. Also, remember that if you have male and female pairs, you can expect babies!

Make sure you inspect the habitat, and make sure that you have eliminated any chance of escape! Hamsters are great escape artists, so you want to give them as little opportunity to do so as possible.

By following the above steps, your hamster is sure to be healthy and happy.

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