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First-time pet owners are usually confused about what to do and how to take proper care of their pets. When planning on what to purchase for your Syrian hamster, you must consider how big they will grow and get the necessary items according to their size.
Even if they might be small at the moment, you still need to get a big cage, toys, food, water, and bedding for them to form their nest.
Before you get a pet hamster, ensure you do thorough research on what kind of breeds are available and determine which of them will suit you best.
Although hamsters are low-maintenance pets, certain things need to be in place. They need regular exercise to keep them stimulated. Their cage also needs to be ventilated with a safe space for them to rest and sleep.
Also, ensure you feed your hamster with the right diet consisting of food gotten from the store and fresh fruits and vegetables. You also need to know how to care for them, so they don’t come to harm.
When it comes to purchasing the right items for your hamster, you should get the basics for a start.
Here is a comprehensive list of essential items that your hamster needs. Happy reading!
Cage
When getting a cage for your hamster, you need to consider getting a cage that will be big enough for it when it grows to adult size. Hamsters are very energetic animals and need a lot of space to play and move around. Cages can cost between $30 to $110 and usually comes with metal bars or are made entirely of transparent glass. Make sure that the cage is well ventilated and can be easily cleaned up.
See things to consider before adopting a hamster‘
Food
A balanced diet can ensure that the hamster remains healthy and has a strong immunity. Hamsters love munching on fatty foods before any other. They usually prefer to consume sunflower seeds while ignoring the other parts of the plant. Though they love fatty foods, it does not mean that they shouldn’t consume other diets.
Food dish
Feeding your hamster is usually not expensive and costs less than $3 for a day. Hamsters are well-known for keeping their food, so you should not worry when they keep their food at different places in the cage; instead, you can place them yourself. Hamsters usually develop these eating habits in captivity.
Hideout
Hamsters love places that make them feel safe and is convenient. A rigid paper box or a large shell can serve as the right place for them to rest.
Before you decide what their hideout should be made of, it is advisable to observe your hamster know what they like their hideout to be made of so you don’t waste your money on the wrong thing.
See is chocolate good for hamsters‘
Toys
Hamsters love to move around, explore, and engage in activities that stimulate them. Tunnels and bridges allow them to run around, climb, and scale. Puzzle toys can help stimulate them mentally as they are required to use their brain to earn a reward, which could be their favorite fruits.
It is recommended you get 2 or 3 toys for your hamster to keep them happy. Remember that the amount of toys you buy for your hamster is largely dependent on the size of the cage. Also, the type of material used will determine the price of the toy. Try not to get any toy made of plastic so your hamster won’t end up chewing on it; also, plastics are not suitable for the environment.
Wheels
Hamster wheels give hamsters the chance to exercise while in the cage even though the cage might not be big enough for them to run around. Hamsters can run for many miles every day if they live free but obviously can’t do that in the cage. The size of a wheel will largely determine the price.
Choosing the right size of the wheel is essential, as selecting the wrong wheel can lead to back pain. The wheel for a smaller hamster should be less expensive than a wheel for a larger one.
Burrowing boxes, carriers, and balls can also be purchased for your Syrian hamster.
Water bottle
Water bottles are usually not expensive to purchase and should be filled with water daily. It is advisable to get more than one water bottle for your hamster; just if one of the bottles happens to be broken, you would have another option to use. Attaching about two water bottles to your hamster cage makes sure that there is another option for your hamster if one of them is empty when you are not around.
Chew toys
Hamsters teeth don’t stop growing, so you have to purchase toys that they can chew on. Wooden toys are mostly preferred and are inexpensive.
Ensure that your hamster is kept indoors and not in a garage or close to the window where they would expose to cold weather conditions. Also, do not place them close to the fireplace, hot radiators, or direct sunlight. Remove them from other animals like cats or dogs, place them in a separate room.
Once hamsters are familiar with their new environment, they won’t demand much attention from you to care for them. All you will need to do is to supply food and water and clean their cage occasionally. Playing with them makes it possible for you to form a bond with your hamster. Try to keep emergency funds for when your hamster becomes ill so you can care for them.
See thinking of adopting hamster things to consider‘
Conclusion
Hamsters are lovely animals and are fun to be with. They are also fun to watch as they burrow through things and run around. Be sure to get the necessary equipment and tools before bringing a hamster home. Contact your vet whenever you notice any sign of ill health in your pet.