how to make your hamster happy

how to make your hamster happy

Female hamsters may be more aggressive than males. As you’ll see, the best way to keep your hamster happy is to provide the best possible care for them and to stimulate them mentally. Training your hamster to use the litter box is a bonus tip for this post. Today on Izzy's Toy Time we're FINISHING Happy the Hamster's mega mansion! Attending your hamster this way will make them feel good. Then, slowly walk up to the cage and stay there for a while, repeating that as often as necessary until the hamster explores its cage as usual while you're watching. Either way, they sleep during the day. This is particularly true of Syrian hamsters. If it does end up nipping you, remember their body language so you can spot it before getting bitten in the future. Scoop it peacefully until the squeaking stops. Syrians are very territorial. Their cage is not just their home; it’s their whole world. 1 / 172. Hamsters like to burrow, so make sure there are some areas where the shavings are deep. Change the tube system around every so often. For that reason, you always want to make sure anything your hamster comes into contact with is safe for them! Although it's tempting to handle them often, this should be kept to a … there stinky and I don’t think you’ll be happy with a guinea pig. As many species of hamsters come from desert climates, they may not drink much. Good nutrition lends itself to a happy hamster. You can get as fancy as you’d like, or keep it simple with just a few natural elements included. Affection. Talk to the owner of the other hamster about health issues. Can Hamsters Eat Coconut? Hamsters don’t have the luxury of flushing a toilet … I’m thinking about getting a hamster, which would be easier to take care of or which will live longer? In the wild, hamsters live in complex underground tunnel systems. Make sure there are a couple of areas where you provide your hamster with soft bedding. All rights reserved (c) 2019 -2021 Hamsters101.com. ~Dumpling the Hamster, Thank you for this great article! Of course, you have to consider your hamster's health first, then its likes. You’ll want to make the transition as easy as possible as it can be stressful for a hamster to go from a pet store or a shelter or a rescue to your home. Published on 7/28/2015 at 7:01 PM. Failing to look after your hamster when they’re out of their cage. Then, provide lots of toys and entertainment, such as a hamster wheel or a tube system if there’s room. That's the same with my hamster Delilah. Wheels and tunnels are great, but toys are even better! The Syrian hamster is the most popular pet hamster. 1 decade ago. Once you have gained the trust of your hamster (by feeding them lots of healthy treats, of course! Note that your hamster might pee or poop in the room. Now that you know that your hamsters are happy, you should check out What Should You Put in a Hamster’s Cage? Your hamster's diet is a major factor in his overall … Most hamsters like mealworms, sunflower seeds, cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, shrimp,and scrambled eggs. Cages with plastic crawling tubes will also be enjoyed, although they are admittedly harder to keep clean. This should help make your bond stronger. A good place might be an old and unused cage that is big enough for everyone to play in. A new tool to assess moods in the furry little rodents can tell if they are optimistic or depressed. It is also possible that the growth is benign and is not threatening the health of your hamster. Be sure to check out our post with 37 Hamster Care Tips That Will Take You to the Next Level to get started! These could make your hamster sick or even kill them! A happy, healthy hamster might show their appreciation by letting off some short, shrill squeaks of excitement. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. It helped me realize how to make my dwarf hamster happier since she was acting a little upset in the past few days, but she seems better now, which is very great! Read more here: What’s the right size for a hamster’s cage. Tubing and cages come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Although it will take a little work to figure it out, once you create a plan to feed your hamster, you will improve their health. Ultimately, though, an enclosure twice this size would be good. Grooming your hamster is another way to make them happy. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Provide your little friend with opportunities to explore new areas by changing the tube system around. They’re also fairly easy pets to take care of. Horse Stuck In Bathtub. Letting your hamster run around the … well to be sure Savannah I think a big hamster is the best for you. Although we’ve already mentioned that most hamsters love to be snuggled, there are some that simply aren’t big fans of being held or touched by people. We’re going to go into more details so you can learn everything you need to know about keeping your pet content. By Jen Viegas. You should also supplement its diet with occasional treats, like a slice of apple or some greens. Is toilet paper safe for hamsters, or is too soft for their cheeks. Your cat or dog might stop at nothing to get to your little friend. Check out our post on the best hamster water bottles to see what we recommend. Read more: How to Give My Hamster a Sand Bath. They will thank you for it. If you want to keep your hamster happy, give it around 1 tablespoon of pellets or nut mix once a day. Hamsters don’t have the luxury of flushing a toilet and having all their waste instantly removed from their living area. Yes, they can have a variety of vegetables like carrots, cucumbers and greens, and fruit like raspberries and apples. Read here on how often you should clean the cage and how. Make sure your hamster wheel is the appropriate size for your hamster. Signs of a sad, bored or upset hamster. Always wash your hands before and after you handle your hamster. How likely is it that my hamster could get sick and why? With all of these, this point applies: make sure they’re safe! Hammocks are another way you can enrich your hamster’s environment to make them happier. You mention using electrical tape for plastic what tape/adhesive is hamster safe for cardboard? Try to keep the cage in a quiet area, since too much noise can make hamsters anxious. How To Tell If Your Hamster Is Happy. Make sure they play in a neutral location. For example, a pregnant hamster should be fed food high in protein, while a hamster prone to diarrhea should be fed dry food. ), How Much Does a Hamster Cost? It will be easier to tell when your hamster is not so happy rather than when they are over the moon. So, if you want them to be around and happy for as long as possible, you need to keep them healthy! Maybe your hamster would prefer to get his exercise in a hamster ball instead of a wheel. We recommend removing visible debris from the cage on a daily basis. Read it: How to Feed Hamsters: A Guide for Beginners. It can also help them feel cleaner as it removes excess oil from their skin which in turn leaves them feeling clean! Will they choke on it. (An Owner’s Checklist). He will be just fine on his own, especially if you give him lots of toys and toilet paper tubes, and play with him/talk to him often. When your hamster has a certain place to go that gets cleaned regularly, it will keep them much happier than having to deal with an overflow of waste when their designated toilet area gets too messy. The biggest mistake many pet owners make is leaving their hamster in the ball for too long. Hamsters like to pick out the tasty fattening food first out of the dish. If you keep your hamster in a good environment with good husbandry, then your hamster is much less likely to get sick. Avoid cedar or pine wood shavings, as they might be toxic to hamsters. But, how do you do that? I really want my dwarf hamster Betty to be safe, healthy and happy, so this is very helpful. Clean it and service it. You can find any style of hammock that will match you and your hamster’s preferences. From kemi. thx! Kasey. Giving your hamster different toys will stimulate them mentally which will make them happier. If they don’t grind these down by chewing, they can become overgrown which presents a number of problems, starting with your hamster not being able to eat. Make sure your hamster wheel is properly maintained. Even if you've had her for a while, she might just be reacting to the sudden movement when you walk into the room. We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. When used correctly, a hamster ball is a great enrichment tool for many hamsters. Ideally, this would be the first thing in the morning or late in the evening when your hamster is awake and active. You are the only friend your hamster needs, so if you want to get more than one, keep each one in his or her own cage. There’s a wide variety of chews to choose from that your hamster is sure to love. The first thing you want to do to keep your hamster happy is to make sure you’re feeding them a good diet. Installing a high-quality water bottle is the best way you can ensure your hamster will stay hydrated but their bedding will remain dry. Read more: How to hamster-proof a room in 10 easy steps. You can do this simply by holding your hamster gently, allowing him or her to rest in your hand, or allowing them to crawl all over you. For advice from our Veterinary reviewer on how to set up a hamster play date, read on! When they realize that you’re the one providing them with such deliciousness, they’ll love you for it! There’s nothing worse than a loose hamster! How to hamster-proof a room in 10 easy steps, how to get your hamster used to be petted (and why not all hamsters like it), how often you should clean the cage and how, How to Train Your Hamster to Use the Litter Box, You can see even more awesome hamster houses here, 37 Hamster Care Tips That Will Take You to the Next Level, What Should You Put in a Hamster’s Cage? Since that’s where they spend the majority of their time, it’s vital to your hamster’s happiness to give them the best possible home. Read more: Where Should I Put My Hamster’s Cage? How to train a hamster to run on a hamster wheel? 0 0. ), you can pet and snuggle them as often as you like. , Wow this article was so helpful! This will prevent them from scratching you or themselves, and they’ll be a lot happier with short nails that don’t get caught on things. Watch your hamster as it runs to make sure that it stays safe. This is Wukong's first tutorial video on how young masters can tame little hamsters! Boxes are a great place for your friend to hide or play in. To keep it stimulated, provide a hamster wheel for exercise and wooden toys to chew on. If her cage is not equipped with a wheel for running, … No. Read more: How to Train Your Hamster to Use the Litter Box. Start by purchasing everything you need for your hamster, like its cage, food, water, bedding and exercise wheel, then bring your hamster home. If you bring in anything from outside, make sure it’s free of chemical pesticides and sanitized. It is possible that your hamster is suffering. If your hamster is healthy, they will be happy. If your hamster uses a litter box, you may be able to go longer in between full cleanings as long as you’re cleaning the litter box every day. Hamsters love taking sand baths, so the act itself will make them happier. This article covered a lot of things I already knew, and I learned some things too and remembered some things I had forgotten. The idea of cute baby hamsters is fun, but it’s not a good idea to breed your hamster if you want them to be happy. As there are different varieties of hamsters, you will want to make sure your hamster does not have a wheel that is too large or too small. Neglecting your hamster will hurt his or her socialization and affect his or her happiness. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Always be gentle and speak quietly to your hamster. This article has been viewed 63,940 times. To save yourself some money, you can also make your own tunnels with paper rolls or plastic bottles. Here’s an example of a hamster that’s completely content in her burrow: A post shared by Hailee the Ham (@haileetheham). The big danger here is that a small child will allow the hamster to escape. It’s also the perfect way to bond with your furry friend. (Including Care Costs), Take your hamster to the veterinarian if you’re worried about their health. Hamster balls are safe if properly used, monitored, and maintained. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Provide chew toys. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Don’t go overboard with this because you don’t want your hamster to end up gaining weight, but healthy treats are certainly a way to make your hamster happy. Although most hamsters are solitary in the wild, these pets have since become affectionate and love getting attention from their owners! While not all hamsters will take to a hammock, those that do will be happier! A too small cage can lead to boredom for your hamster. This can be as easy as providing a toilet paper tube which they can hide in, or you can buy ones like these: You can see even more awesome hamster houses here. If your hamster doesn’t seem to be enjoying the experience, skip the ball. Once you figure out how much food your hamster needs every day, just provide that much. Since hamsters have sensitive noses, make sure you clean it regularly rather than waiting until you smell it. Neither of them lived to be even a year old. To keep your hamster’s teeth the proper length, ensure they always have something safe to chew on. But there arent many products and toys available for hamsters. I know that Cho died from wet tail, but I’m not sure what caused Peanut’s death. Remove all poisons or anything that could hurt your little friend. Wood. Accustom your hamster to being handled when it's young. Pregnancy and caring for babies is hard on females. Once your hamster will start feeling that you care for him and you spend time with him, he will stop making the squeaking noise. How can I tell if my hamster likes me? Is A 20 Gallon Tank Big Enough For A Hamster? I used to have 3 hamsters 1 died and 2 lived for 2 years now and I really want to let my friendliest hamster Humphrey let him get used to me holding him I make him mazes and by one miracle he sometimes let me touch him but I have to do a slight skimmed across his fur and my other 2 hamsters buster and spiky they mad one bites my Humphery on the butt and there was no fur since. How Long Do Syrian (Teddy Bear) Hamsters Live? Consult your vet. For advice from our Veterinary reviewer on how to set up a hamster play date, read on! Thanks for the awesome article stuffed full of information and cuteness! Is your hamster happy? Hamsters can run between two to five miles every night. Take your hamster to the vet if he or she is ill. Make sure to put toys in the cage. I already knew a lot about hamsters before and when I owned my dwarfs, but I am doing more research now to make sure I really know my stuff. If you want your hamster to get the most out of their tunnels, be sure to check out our guide on tunnels. If you have a new pet hamster, they may simply need time to get used to you. Hi guys! Here are a few treats you can give hamsters: Get the complete list here: What Treats Can I Give My Hamster? Be sure the area is safe and inescapable, and keep an eye on them the whole time. Consider constructing a two story hamster house out of tissue boxes. By Emily Underwood Jul. Hamsters are actually very solitary creatures! It’s also important to trim your hamster’s nails. When they have plenty of space for burrowing, hiding, and toys, they’ll be much happier and less likely to get bored. Take it out of the cage from time to time. Another point to make about the above example is that the cage looks big for that one dwarf hamster. Last and certainly not least, the best way you can make your hamster happy is to learn everything you can about hamsters. Empty toilet paper rolls. Long-haired hamsters also need to be groomed regularly to prevent mats from forming. It is scared. You are going to be upset … Make sure to watch body language. If you have a Syrian hamster, don’t set up a play date. Sand. A lethargic hamster is often a sign of an unhappy hamster. If you have concerns, don't use a hamster ball. This could be an old towel, part of an old t-shirt or something similar. If you just got the hamster, this is common. Quite a few things on this list are directly related to improving your hamster’s health, but here are a few more: Hamsters only live an average of 2 to 3 years. Try to keep the cage in a quiet area, since too much noise can make hamsters anxious. Teeth that are too long can stop them from eating and kill them. However, many vets and many animal advocacy groups are critical of hamster balls. How to Make Your Hamster a Cozy, Stimulating Home. Some hamsters are picky, and won't eat a certain type of food, so you'll have to switch foods often. Over time, you may win them over with treats and by taking things slowly, but you should always respect an animal’s space. There is a wide variety to choose from so you’re sure to find something that will make your hamster happy. Never leave your hamster unattended with a new hamster. When they don’t have the ability to do that, they can become bored and gain weight. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. but they run up and great me like play with me and dont even try to escape . To make your new hamster trust you, put it in a warm, quiet room and let it spend a few days getting used to its new environment. Either way, if your hamster doesn’t seem to want you in their space, respect that. Fortunately, with our numerous articles on hamsters, it’s easy to learn what you need to know to provide the best possible care for them. This image from television provided by Metro Fire Sacramento shows a horse stuck in an outdoor bathtub prior to being rescued by firefighters Wednesday Feb. 4, 2015. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. As you’re setting up your hamster’s cage, you’ll want to make sure they have some places to hide. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 28, 2015 , 7:15 PM. Important in making your hamster happy is seeing to his or her entertainment, exercise, and interaction with humans. A healthy hamster is a happy hamster! ^_^ Well , i think the last things is to make me happy LOLS! Your cage should be a minimum of 2 square feet. The "best" really depends on what your hamster needs and likes. Hamsters need daily exercise. Providing a wheel to run on or having a hamster ball to run around the house in is good for them. I am willing to give being a hamster owner another shot, and i want to try with a Syrian hamster this time. Like all members of the rodent family, hamsters have teeth that grow continuously throughout their lives. Other popular species, like the Chinese hamster or the dwarf family of hamsters, have also begun cropping up. My hamster is not at all happy. Pay specific attention to making sure your hamster can’t slip under a door, into a vent, or any other opening in the room. Be prepared to clean it up. Why doesn't my hamster like to use his wheel? We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. Handling your hamster often does not have to be a strenuous activity. Awesome thank you so much for this helpful article! Hamsters make great pets. Remember that just because a hamster is small doesn’t mean they want to stay in a tiny space! Don’t take up the majority of the space with a tube system. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. “If you wake up your hamster to play with them, then they will be grumpy, so you need to allow them to wake up on their own before you start to play with them,” advises Debanks. Read more: The Complete Guide to Hamster Wheels and Spinners. [Inc. Safety Tips]. One point that we’ll bring up here is to avoid over-feeding. Wood shavings or a similar substance to blanket the floor of the cage. and this website is the web I need! If you have more than one, neither will be happy and they’ll likely fight until one leaves or is killed. Make sure you secure a location in advance so your friend can’t escape. Every time i walk into the room she hides. haha, believe me, I know what you mean! Often referred to as teddy bear, short hair or … Syrian hamsters can be kept in a wire cage or 20-gallon aquarium, although if you have space for a bigger cage, your hamster will enjoy it. my hamsters are small ones and they are fast so I would recommend a bigger hamster Savannah, not a guinea pig of course! Instead, they need you to do it for them. Always monitor your hamster when he or she is in the ball. However, you still want to make sure they always have access to fresh water. Besides giving them food, you need to make sure they always have access to water. If your hamster is not a Syrian (and is a breed that is more social) consider finding another hamster to pair it with. Generally speaking, you want to leave your hamster in the ball for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Also, we want you to check out How to Feed Hamsters, included there is information about feeding hamsters. If there are days you are unable to handle your hamster, recruit a friend or family member to fill in for you. Read more on how to get your hamster used to be petted (and why not all hamsters like it). Avoid putting your hamster where small children can access the cage without supervision. A complete cage clean-up is somewhat stressful for your hamster, so shouldn’t be done too often. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Make-Your-Hamster-Happy-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Your-Hamster-Happy-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Make-Your-Hamster-Happy-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid690654-v4-728px-Make-Your-Hamster-Happy-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

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