Tuesday, August 24, 2010

How treat your sick hamster


    1. Check your hamster's symptoms:
    • Is your hamster sleeping longer than usual? Keep in mind that old hamsters naturally sleep longer.
    • Has your hamster lost its appetite?
    • Does it no longer groom itself?
    • Is it irritable?
    • When awake, is it slow moving, or has has a hard time getting around?
    • Has your hamster lost any of its fur, or has bald spots? Keep in mind that this is normal for older hamsters.
    • Does it have a runny nose, teary eyes, and/or wet bottom?
    • Hamster droppings should be rod-shaped. Watery droppings indicate too much fresh fruits and vegetables. Hard, dry droppings indicate not enough.
  1. 3
    Find out what your hamster has and how to cure it:

    • If your hamster has a cold, he will have a stuffy nose, sniffles and irritability. Give it cod-liver on some bread and it should be fine.
    • If it has teeth problems, it won't do anything really noticeable but you should look in their mouth occasionally! Dry milk helps almost all dental problems.
    • If your hamster has wet tail it will have a wet bottom and will be slower and more cranky. Act immediately, as this can be deadly. Wet tail comes from dirty cages, so you should keep cages very clean. To treat, get a broad spectrum antibiotic immediately.
    • If your hamster has diarrhea, stop feeding fruits and vegetables until he is better. It is usually caused by intestinal or stomach blockage. The best way to avoid this is to provide some alfalfa as part of the diet.
    • Constipation - this is caused by lack of water in the diet. Make sure fresh water is available at all times. If your hamster does become constipated, give him some carrots or other fresh fruits or vegetables (Plus, give him/her more water.)
    • Runny eyes, teary eyes - this indicates foods stuck in the food pouch. This occurs if you feed you hamster too much soft fruits and vegetable. Avoid this by giving your pet small pieces and watching to make sure he doesn't hoard it. If your hamster does get food stuck in his pouch, use a medicine dropper to flush the pouches.
  2. 4
    Find out how to prevent it (this isn't treating, it's making sure it won't happen again) and your hammy should be all set:

    • Colds: Make sure you wash your hands and dry them with a clean towel. Keep the cage away from drafts and never give your hamster a bath.
    • Teeth: There really isn't anything you can do except make sure they have a chewing block. If dry milk doesn't work see a vet which is the best choice anyway.
    • Wet Tail: keep the cage clean and it shouldn't be a problem.
    • Diarrhea: Don't give it more then one soft treat a day.
    • Constipation: Make sure there is always water available
    • Runny Eyes: Make sure they eat soft foods right off. Check their pouches occasionally to make sure nothing is stuck.
Information was taken from http://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Your-Sick-Hamster

How to Train Your Hamster

Hamsters are good pets but they are sometimes naughty, scared, bored, etc. This page will tell you how to train them, and make them the best pet they can be!

[1]
When you bring your hamster home, leave him or her alone for a couple of days so he/she can get comfortable with its new habitat. This will teach him that you won't push him into something he/she doesn't want to do. Also, make sure that your hamster's food dish is filled when you put him in the cage. Don't leave him/her in his ball (if you have one) too long, or he/she might go to the bathroom in the ball and it will go through the cracks!

[2]Put a sunflower seed or a hamster treat in your hand and then lay it flat in the cage. Wait patiently for your hamster to climb on your hand and then take the treat, do this for about an hour. Your hamster, however, might grab your finger instead and bite it. Now this time, when the hamster climbs on your palm, slowly lift him out of the cage and stroke his/her fur. This teaches him that you love him/her and he/she can trust you. Eventually he will climb on your hand and will be waiting for you to pick him/her up.

[3]
Teach your hamster some tricks. This will not only give you a bond, but it will make your hamster respond to you better.
  • Start simply with "stand". Hold a treat over his head and wait for him to stand on two legs. Say "stand" over and over. He will get on two feet and take the treat. After a while when you say "stand," he/she will do it on it's own. Don't forget to reward him or her!
  • You can do the same thing with other tricks like "paw," only put the treat in front so he will put a paw forward to get it.
  • For "turn" or "roll over," put the treat on his back side so he will turn around to get it. Then do the same thing as "stand". Say it and repeat it. Don't use treats until after the trick has been performed and now you have a trained hamster!
[4]Train him about what not to do. If he/she chews on something he/she not supposed to, say assertively "No". Every time he stops when you ask, give him a treat or love. Whenever your hamster does what you ask, give him/her a reward! Try not to make the reward a treat all the time because too many treats is a bad thing!

[5]If you want to be a good owner then get a box a little bigger than the size of a sticky note then fill it with sand have your bedding be level with the box so he will be able to climb onto it then they will be able to dig and will love you for it.

[6]
Try Jump Put a treat up above the hamster and go up with the treat when she is standing say jump again and again

[7]
Try giving the hamster a carrot as a treat. Most hampsters like carrots. (Some hamsters even like Honey Nut Cheerios! But regular Cheerios are fine, too. If you prefer, anyway.) Do not give carrots to you hamster often, but only once in a while. Your hamster will appreciate a new treat.

This information is taken from http://www.wikihow.com/Train-Your-Hamster

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Hot to take care a Guinea pig

A Guinea pig is the common name for the rodent officially known as the cavy ( plural cavies ). Its name is utmost misleading as it is not a pig but a rodent. Its popular name of Guinea pig is derived from its ability to produce sounds akin to a pig's squeals.

Among the common rodent pets like hamsters, gerbils and mice, the Guinea pig is the most sociable and companionable. They relish attention and try to communicate to their owners by vocalizing their needs.

Generally every Guinea pig makes 4 different types of sounds for expression. A purring sound appeals for attention. A " chutt " sound signifies curiosity about something. A whine expresses fear of danger. A " drr " sound is a vocalization of actual fright. Your guinea pig's squeal is an immediate cry for help. It is always good to check out your pet's cage to find out the reason for its communication.

As your Guinea pig is a small rodent, keep it indoors with a secure cage. Place a deep tray below your cage to collect the hay / bedding strewn about by your pet's burrowing. You need to clean its cage and change its bedding weekly. Cleanliness is preventive medicine against diseases. Divide your Guinea pig's house into quarters for eating, sleeping and playing. This makes its house tidy.

Commercial Guinea pig food pellets are available. You need to supplement with fresh fruits, hay and water. Place fresh food in a separate container and discard these daily to avoid feeding your pet decayed food. Some people think that Guinea pigs are disgusting because they eat their own feces. Actually, their feces are re-ingested to digest them again. All rodents need chewing toys and your Guinea pig is no exception.

Groom your Guinea pig weekly just before its bath. A long hair coat need regular trimming. As with all pets, clean its body and clip its nails. Once a Guinea pig is accustomed to grooming and handling, it is calm and co-operative.

As Guinea pigs are gentle rodents, they are prone to shock and dehydration. Take care of your pet well. Abnormalities that signal illness include runny nose and eyes, loss of appetite, excessive salivating, diarrhea and skin disease. Small animals are expensive to treat so it is best to bring your pet to the vet early to avoid complications.




Not my work info is pick from http://www.essortment.com/all/howtocarefor_okz.htm

Sunday, January 17, 2010

how to take care a cat

For a pet lover, nothing can be more pleasurable than spending leisure time, with the animal. Apart from playing with the pet, a responsible pet owner should devote time to groom his/her pet. As far as cats are concerned, they need to be taken special care of, because they are highly dependent on their owners. If you are one among the pet owners, looking for some tips to take care of your cat, this article is the right for you. Go through the following lines and learn how to take care of your cat.

How To Take Care Of Cat
  • The prerequisite for the healthy growth of a cat is a well-balanced diet. Therefore, feed your cat with a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Include meat, poultry and fish in the pet's diet. Many brands now offer quality cat food, which you can buy for your pet. Feed your cat with fresh water, every day. You may use cat self watering unit for the purpose.
  • Hygiene is essential for maintaining good health. Hence, bathe your cat regularly. Keep the litter box clean.
  • Your cat may spend maximum time in sleeping. If your pet stays indoors, make sure that you provide a comfortable spot to lay down. Purchase a cat bed for the purpose.
  • The best way to keep your cat occupied is to provide it with pet toys.
  • Cats have unquenchable curiosity to explore things. Hence, keep attic doors, basement doors and front door closed, so that your pet doesn't land into the 'danger zones' both indoors and outdoors.
  • Keep string-like objects, like tinsel, thread and rubber bands out of the reach of your cat, because the pet is easily attracted to such objects and tends to eat them.
  • Like human beings, cats are also prone to diseases related to kidney, heart, dental diseases and chronic ailments like cancer. Hence, get your cat vaccinated. Regular veterinary check ups are also necessary.
  • Neutering (removal of reproductive organ of the animal, to stop reproduction) becomes essential at one stage of life, when your cat has produced enough offspring. The procedure is called spayed (for females) and castrated (for males). The procedure helps control unwanted birth of kittens, thereby minimizing the risk of problems in the cat, associated with its reproductive tract.
  • Train the cat to abstain from undesirable behaviors such as scratching furniture and jumping on countertops. Disciplining cat is very important to maintain a cordial bonding with the pet.
  • You would not want to loose your cat. Therefore, when you are going from trips with your pet, put collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number around the cat
  • Cats spend indefinite time, licking and cleaning themselves. Hence, it is advisable to clean your cat regularly. Make use of a cat shampoo. While shampooing your pet, be sure not to put the shampoo into its eyes, because the chemical irritates the eyes. Groom your pet. Brush its hair, especially if it is a long-haired breed, so that it stays clean and free from loose fur.
  • Always reward your cat for desired behavior. This motivates the pet to repeat the positive things time and again and helps you to create a strong bond with it.




Info from http://pets.iloveindia.com/cats/cat-care.html

how to take care of dogs

The care of the dog's mantle present differences depending on its breed. Some dogs require more attention depending on the length and thickness of their hair.

The dog's hygiene has three objectives:

  • To protect people, children and adults who are close to the animal because some parasites and infections could be transmitted to them.
  • Observe the dog regularly in order to be able to detect any anomalies that could generate more serious symptoms.
  • Taking good care of the dog and its hygiene will allow us to guarantee it a long and happy life.

We propose a brief anatomical description of the animal's different parts, in order to be able to understand their functions, the care it needs and the different diseases that could arise in the case that the animal does not have a proper hygiene.

Necessary Material to Take Care of a Dog: The owner of the dog needs specific material: scissors, tweezers, medicine, bandage, etc. This does not mean that we will not need to go to the vet.

The Medic Kit: It is useful to have different first aid instruments and medicine at home. The first aid kit should have the following material:

  • Gauze
  • Alcohol
  • Iodine
  • Tape
  • Bandage
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Disinfectant soap
  • Disinfectant spray
  • Serum to clean the eyes
  • Antibiotic cream or liquid

Instruments

  • Plucking tweezers for ticks, thorns, etc.
  • Nail clipper
  • 2 ml syringes in order to administrate liquid medicine.
  • Scissors (small)
  • A small board in the case of a lesion.

Complementary Medicine

  • A bottle of ether (against ticks)
  • Intestinal protector against diarrhea
  • A small box of antibiotics

The Anti Parasite Equipment

  • An anti parasite pump or fogger
  • Repellent against bugs

Medicine: We will classify the products according to the different ways they affect the dog. Dog Skin Problems

seeFIDOEncyclopedia For DogsDog's ArrivalDog PhysiologyMuscular ToneLearning PuppyPlaying DogDog BehaviorDog Daily CareDog Skin ProblemsDog Medicines AdministrationDog NutritionDog CareDog MatingDo Feeding3 Stages Dog LifeDog ReproductionMan and DogPuppy's DevelopmentBehavioral UpheavalsCorrecting Dog BehaviorDog Rights



Info from http://www.seefido.com/html/taking_care_of_the_dog_day_by_.htm

How to take care of your pet baby bird

There are a variety of tame birds that you can purchase at your local pet store. Some birds can talk, while most sing. After you have chosen and purchased your fine-feathered friend, you will then need to know some basics on how to take care of him or her.

The first and most important thing for you to do, is to find, if you don't already have one, a veterinarian who will care for your bird.Set up an appoinment as soon as possible for a complete physical examination fo your bird. Even if your bird looks healthy, and shows no signs of illness, you will want to make sure that it is in good health and free from diseases.

One thing to check for in a healthy bird is its feathers. A healthy bird's feathers are bright and smooth to the touch. Look at its eyes--are they clear and free from matter? Are they bright and alert? Is your bird's beak well-shaped and free from scales or abnormal growths? Are its feet also free from scales and growths? Is your bird interested in its surroundings? Is your bird eating and drinking well? These questions should be checked into and answered when you first get your bird and for as long as you own your bird. Birds are like other animals in that they cannot tell us when they are sick or in pain, so we, as responsible pet owners, must keep a close watch on them to ensure they stay healthy and happy.

One of the most important things for your bird is a roomy, clean cage. The cage must be large enough so that your bird can move around freely in it. Make sure that your bird cannot get its head in between the cage bars, as this can be very dangerous to your pet. Clean the cage out daily along with your bird's water and food bowls. These need to be kept clean so your bird doesn't get sick from diseases or illnesses picked up from dirty bowls. Make sure the cage contains a perch too. And, finally, line the bottom of your bird's cage with newspapers or paper towels and put them down clean materials daily. A bird toy or two in its cage will help to give your pet bird some play time too.

Birds need a balanced diet along with plenty of fresh, clean water in order to help them maintain good health. You can purchase bird seed at your local pet store. If you are not sure what kind of seed to buy, then ask a clerk for advice. The seed you buy will depend on the specific type of bird you have. Like their freinds in the wild, most caged birds also enjoy grain cereals, bread, nuts, berries and fruits.

A bird is stuck within the confines of his or her cage most of the time, if not all of the time, and is confined to stay inside the house. Because of this, you must realize that your bird cannot escape from any toxins or odors that might be in the air. These toxins may include cigar or cigarette smoke, cleaning solutions, bug sprays, paint fumes,etc. Be careful not to subject your pet to these dangerous toxins so that he or she may remain in good health. If you are going to paint the inside of your house, for example, remove your bird from the room before you begin painting.



Not my work from http://www.essortment.com/all/howcarebirdp_rgzs.htm

Taking care of fish

If you own fish or are thinking of getting them, consider what it takes to care for them and the expenses of a really good and nice looking fish tank. Cleaning

out a fish tank and its contents, otherwise known as siphoning, is not a glamorous thing. In fact, it’s a chore that sometimes requires the work of two people.

Fish can make wonderful and beautiful pets. They are especially easy to care for, but you have to be careful at times. If one fish gets a virus--they all die and you’re left with no fish and a depressingly empty fishtank. If you want to care for your fish in the best way possible, use the following advice.

If You’re Purchasing Fish

If you’re purchasing fish, the best thing to do is start getting as much information as possible from a really informative salesperson at the pet store. Usually, they are pretty helpful and can direct you to exactly all of the supplies and things you will need to purchase your fish and fish essentials. Make sure you buy the right fish food for the type of fish you’ve purchased. It might be nice to add some color and texture to your fishtank with some fish displays and fake underwater “things”.

Fish Essentials

The essentials you will need to cover the entire fish purchasing process would include: various fish, fish tank and stand (probably the most expensive items), fish food, fish displays/props, a siphoning tool, real rocks to cover the bottom of the tank, and perhaps some colored stones and rocks for looks.

If You Already Have Fish

If you already have fish, you probably know the routine. Siphoning out the fish tank every month is not a fun chore. But, it must be done for the survival of your precious fish. For starters, get a partner.

Steps to Siphon Out Your Fish Tank

1. Buy a tool that is used for siphoning. Usually, it is a two-piece instrument that sucks water out of one area and puts it into another. Obviously, with a full fish tank, you cannot simply take it and dump the water out into the sink or toilet--tanks are too clumsy for that; this is why you have to siphon the water out. It’s almost like a vacuum, except the water and dirt goes down the drain. It must be all done by hand. *Cart your tank over to the sink or try to perform this task outdoors, if possible.

2. After 50% of the water is siphoned out, scoop out rocks from bottom of tank (You don't want to remove all of the water or you may run into "new tank syndrome"). Sift the rocks individually with a sifter or macaroni drainer. This way, you clean the debris from the rocks and may reuse them, instead of putting in new rocks.

3. After the rocks are all out, clean and scrape all debris, algae, and dirt from the insides of the tank walls; allow to dry. DO NOT use bleach or other cleaning fluids inside the tank.

4. Put back rocks; add fresh water.

*Note: It may help to have a rolling cart that you may move the fish tank with, as sometimes, the really large tanks are very difficult to handle. Hence, the “partner” ide




This is not my work info were took from http://www.essortment.com/all/fishpetstaking_rmtw.htm

How to take care of a turtle

A baby turtle might sound like an adorable pet for you and your family, but you should know the facts about baby turtles and the care that they require before you get one. Red eared sliders are the most common variety of turtle that are kept as pets, although there of course are many others that you could come across. If you have children, you have to understand that turtles are not the ideal pet for kids because they can’t be cuddled and snuggled with like a cat or a dog could. In fact, they really can’t even be petted like a hamster, gerbil, or guinea pig. It’s not that the turtles will bite – in fact it’s nothing violent at all. The problem is that turtles can pass Salmonella bacteria on to people, especially children. A child will want to touch the baby turtle – and maybe even taste it! Hey, kids do some wacky things, and licking a turtle is not out of the question for a tot at all. As an adult, you have the sense and the good hygiene to thoroughly wash your hands after handling a baby turtle in order to ward off a bacterial infection. A child is far less diligent, and therefore there is a much greater likelihood that your child could get sick as a result of handling the baby turtle. Make sure that your family is mature enough for this type of responsibility.

HOUSING

You can’t just put a turtle in a fish tank and call it a day. Turtles require specific housing amenities to thrive. If you properly care for your little guy, he could survive for decades, so make sure that you provide your turtle with a comfortable and healthy home. If your pet doesn’t receive the proper care, it could become ill, experience shell deformations, or die. In fact, the death rate for turtles is extremely high – partly due to the fact that people buy turtles without researching their proper care. Your turtle should not be allowed out of its cage or enclosure because of the bacteria that it could threaten your home with if it was allowed to roam free (plus, your turtle will only be a few inches long as a baby – although it could grow to be about a foot – so you want to make sure that it doesn’t get lost or stepped on)! An aquarium will work fine. You should fill the cage with water so that the water level is taller than your turtle is wide. Use smooth rocks to create a “land” area in the aquarium as well. Your turtle should have equal land and water area in its home, or at least one-third basking area to two-thirds swimming space. Also, it is important that the air and the water are heated at about eighty-five degrees so that your turtle is not too cold to swim, and it can bask in warmth. Basking lights are available at most pet stores. As your turtle grows, so should your turtle’s home. You want to provide your pet with the best possible quality of life, and since it will spend its whole life in its home, it should be your goal to make that home a very happy place!

FEEDING

Turtle foods are available at pet stores; however, this food should not be your turtle’s only source of nutrition. You should complete the baby turtle’s diet by providing him with some greens, earthworms, small fish, and fruit. You might notice that your pet has a preference for certain foods, so pay attention to uneaten foods left over after feedings. Feed your pet two or three times daily.

CLEANING

Your turtle’s home should be kept clean at all times. You cannot leave uneaten food to spoil or you will wind up with a sick baby turtle. Clean, fresh water is also essential to your turtle’s wellbeing. Rinse your turtle with warm water after you feed him so that he does not have remnants of food on him that could spoil. If you don’t have a filtration system, then you should make daily cleaning of your turtle’s aquarium a priority, and even with a filtration, you should at least clean out any droppings on a daily basis.

HEALTH CARE

Find a local veterinarian who has solid experience with turtles so that your baby can get the best care possible.








Not my work this info is from http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/babyturtlecare_sdka.htm

How to take care a rabbit

Pet

rabbits are fun, loving animals that are very easy to care for and can be a welcome addition to your family.

There are many different breeds of rabbits to choose from. Visit your local pet store or rabbit breeder to get an idea on the type of rabbit you are looking for. When choosing a rabbit, look at the surroundings making sure it is clean. Look for alert and active rabbits. Look for people that can answer all questions regarding rabbits. A dirty environment can mean unhealthy rabbits. Do your homework before buying, be aware of what a healthy rabbit looks like and have a little knowledge. The best age to buy a rabbit is between six to ten weeks old. Their eyes should be clear and bright. Watch for signs of diarrhea, sneezing and sniffling.

Do not handle your new rabbit too much at first upon arrival home. Give him a chance to get used to his new environment. Explain to young children how to handle a rabbit safely. After a couple days, begin to hold your new rabbit. handling a rabbit makes him more tame and loveable. Slip one hand under his chest and use the other to support his hindquarters. Never pick him up by his ears!

Feed your rabbit twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Pellet food available at petstores, hay, and greens should be your rabbit's main diet. You can supplement this with occasional carrots, apple slices and brocoli. Keep plenty of fresh water available at all times. Make sure you provide pieces of wood for your rabbit to chew on. Rabbit's teeth grow constantly like fingernails and chewing on wood helps to file them down. Give your rabbit plenty of attention and pet him frequently. Rabbits get along fine with other household pets but use caution when introducing. Do not give your other pets a chance to hurt your rabbit.

Provide a cage for your rabbit. He can be an indoor or outdoor pet. If outdoors, make sure you provide adequate protection from the elements. The cage should be large enough to allow your rabbit to move around. Recommendations for size are four and one-half feet wide, two and one-half feet high and two feet deep.

Keep your rabbit's cage clean. Change his bedding as needed. it should be done at least two or three times a week as a minimum. They are generally clean animals and will usually "dirty" in one area of their cage. Scrub the cage with a mild disinfectant once a week.

Allow your rabbit to be out of his cage often to exercise. Provide supervision when he is out. Rabbits love to chew on things. Rabbit leashes are available to allow your bunny to take a walk outside.

Rabbits do not require much veterinary care unless sick. They can be neutered. You may want to take them in occasionally to have their nails trimmed.

Having a pet rabbit can be a welcome addition to your family. They are relatively easy to care for and require little maintenance-just lots of love and attention.



Not my work info get from http://www.essortment.com/all/howtotakecare_rcqn.htm



How to take care a hamster

Hamsters are tiny, nocturnal rodents covered from head to toe with different colours of fur. They are great pets to keep in a cage and are easy to take care of. If you would like to tame your hamster the best time to do so is when he is still young. The older he gets the harder it will be to make him trust people. Start by talking to your hamster and do not pick him up until you are sure he isn’t frightened of you. Hamsters will bite when they are frightened so be careful. If he shows any signs of being stressed, leave and try stroking him after a while. Cup your hands gently around the hamster to pick him up, or pick him up at the scruff of the neck, the way the mother hamsters will carry her babies when they are still young. It will take about three to four weeks to tame a hamster so be patient. Hamsters need a cage, food, water, a hiding place, toys and soft bedding materials.

For the cage, make sure it is not made of wood. The hamster would just eat his way through the cage, escape and might hurt himself. Never keep the cage near heaters, direct sunlight, on a fridge, next to a television or a radio. All these will harm the hamster and will cut his life expectancy down very much. Get the largest cage you can afford since the larger the cage is, the happier the hamster will be. Another great way to keep your hamster is in a glass tank. The hamster will not be able to gnaw his way out, and will not feel as cornered as the metal “prisons”. Ventilation is provided from the top, and a tray can be used at the bottom to ease the cleaning.

Hamsters will eat a variety of food such as apples, nuts, chicken, rice, eggs, hamster food, eggs, pasta, and bananas. Make sure you avoid any citrus fruits since they will be harmful to the hamsters. Make sure the hamster has a healthy diet with some fresh vegetables and fruit on every day. Store the store-bought hamster food in airtight containers in a dry dark place to ensure it stays fresh.

Fresh water should always be supplied to the hamster. The easiest way to do this is by getting a water bottle especially designed for hamsters. You can also use a bowl with fresh water, but make sure it is a heavy bowl so the hamster can’t tip it over and so you don’t have to refill the water as often. If the bowl tips over the bedding will also get wet and you will have to clean out the cage.

Hiding places are also important to the hamster. They love to hide under a log or inside a cardboard box. They will chew on the cardboard so something out of wood will be better. Don’t take the hamster out of the hiding place since he will feel safe to sleep in there and he needs a place of privacy.

Hamsters like to play with at least one toy and a great one to get is a wheel. The metal ones will last much longer since he will probably bite it once in a while. Keep it oiled to ensure that it will not squeak and keep you up at night. Hamsters love getting a new toy, so instead of having many toys crammed into the cage, periodically give him a different one to play with. Keep the wheel inside the cage at all times though since it will help the hamster exercise. Good ideas for hamster toys are underground tunnels (such as a toilet paper roll on the bedding), swings, bridges, tubes, and mirrors.

The bedding material should be plain pine wood shavings, or saw dust or straw. Do not buy any scented materials since the hamster might develop an allergic reaction to those materials. Give the hamster at least 2 inches of the bedding to make sure he is comfortable. For nesting materials give the hamster paper flakes or shredded paper, but make sure it isn’t newsprint since that will contain harmful chemicals to the hamster. Paper is inexpensive and safe for the hamster.

Something to look out for is that the hamster doesn’t get temperature that is lower then 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If this happens, the hamster will start entering hibernation and the hamster may appear to be dead. Hibernation can last from just a few minutes to an entire week. Usually the hibernation will last about two or three days and the hamster will probably get up to feed about once every twelve hours. Hamsters have been mistaken for dead since their body temperature will drop a few degrees, their heart will only beat about 4 times per minute and they will have less then one breath per minute. So if you are in doubt whether your hamster is in hibernation or dead, make sure you bring him to the local pet store and don’t bury him by accident. If he is in hibernation keep fresh food near him for the time he feeds, and slowly increase the temperature back to normal to help him come out of the hibernation. Do not do this too quickly though because he might go into metabolic stress and they might die. The best way to ensure your hamster is well and happy is to keep him at room temperature.

What a great little friend to have around.


Not my work info were get from http://www.essortment.com/all/howtotakecare_rnoj.htm TY