To keep a hamster, you need to prepare the following items:
Hamster Cage and Its Accessories: Choose a hamster cage that is spacious, well-ventilated, and easy to clean. Accessories include a food bowl, a water dispenser, an exercise wheel, items for chewing, and a small nest, etc.
Bedding: Line the hamster cage with a thick layer of bedding, such as wood shavings or shredded paper. Replace it regularly to keep it dry and clean.
Food: A hamster's diet should consist of professional hamster food, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Select hamster food products with a balanced nutrition. Wash and dry the fruits and vegetables thoroughly before feeding them to the hamster.
Water Dispenser: Make sure the hamster always has access to fresh and clean water.
Toys and Exercise Equipment: Hamsters need enough exercise to stay healthy. You can install small running wheels, climbing frames, small wooden bridges, and other facilities.
Bathing Supplies: Prepare special hamster bath sand and a bathing area for the hamster to roll around in the sand to clean its body.
Health Supplies and Medications: Stock up on some medications to prevent parasites, nutritional supplements for calcium and vitamins, as well as medications for treating the hamster when it gets sick.
Care Manual and Record Book: Get a hamster care manual to record the feeding methods, precautions, etc., and prepare a record book to document the hamster's weight, diet, exercise, and other conditions.
Hamster's Living Habits and Care Tips:
Environmental Requirements: Hamsters are suitable to live in an environment with a temperature of 20 - 28°C. Avoid direct sunlight or strong winds. Keep the area well-ventilated, but don't place the cage near a ventilation opening. In summer, ensure good ventilation in the environment, and in winter, keep it warm.
Diet Management: Hamsters are nocturnal animals. They prefer dark and cool environments and should not be exposed to direct sunlight or strong winds. They are omnivores and like to eat various grains, nuts, vegetables, and fruits. However, pay attention to controlling the intake of high-fat foods.