| Hamster General FAQ's |
 |
| Find all the RodentGuy's Page 3 - answers on hamster keeping: "How often should my hamster cage be cleaned?" RG sez - About once a week the bedding in the cage should be completely changed. About once a month the entire cage should be cleaned out, scrubbed and new bedding added "What should I use to clean my hamsters cage and toys? " RG sez - Hot water and dish soap works well, rinse completely to make sure the soap is gone. White vinegar should be used to santatize and deodorize all cage parts and equipment. Make sure it is all completely dry before returning the animal(s). "Can I train my hamster to use a litter pan?" RG sez - Most grown up hamsters will select an area of the cage to use as a toilet. Some are more tidy then others, but if you watch, you can determine that spot and clean it a few times a week to keep the cage cleaner and have less worry about odor. "My hanmster is itching alot and I think he has fleas! What to do?" RD sez - First, make sure his diet is not too rich in corn or corn products. There could be another food that is causing an alergic reaction, so you may want to look at this. But, often it is some type of blood sucking mite. Hamsters don't get fleas like dogs, but these are something like that. Very very small insects that make the animal weak and miserable. The hamsters can get sores from the biting on the mites! REMEDY- Get a flea powder that is SAFE FOR 4 week old kittens. Rub a good amount into the animals fur, working it down to the skin, avoiding the face, but overing the butt, legs and torso. Place the hamster in a small holding container while you clean the cage completely (see above). Repeat this procedure weekly for a month. Follow up monthly or more often as needed. Mites can come from a variety of sources including bedding, food and anything you bring from the pet shop. "My female hamster was running around like normal, and she stop absolutely still, staring off into space! She is doing these more and more, or I am noticing it more. She does it mostly ar night. What is she doing??! RD Sez - This is not uncommon for most hamster species. The reason they seem to do this is simple.... they are listening... Hamsters have very poor vision,,,, this is for normal black eyes, ... red or ruby eyed animals have even worse eye sight. Many times they will stop and stand stock still to listen for any noises and/or sniff the air. This maybe telling them more then their vision. Since the animal is used to your scent, then you are able to touch her fine, but she is vigilant for anything invading her territory or anyone coming to eat her! "Does my hamster need a ton of attention? I recently got my hamster and I practice is 4 hours a day and I also work a couple hours a day and when i get home i don't always feel like getting my hamster out. How much does he need held and/or petted?" RG sez - You schedule and available time should be considered when ever you are getting a pet. A small amount of attention each day is better then none at all. Doing this about the same time is also a good thing. I feel that if you do it a regular time, combined with a bit of holding AND some food it would be best. Maybe a special tidbit as a reward for being held, and fresh food and water upon being returned to his cage is nice. If you can keep that routine up at the same time each day, and work in additional time when ever you can, this should help keep your hamster tame and friendly AND looking forward to your companionship. Be careful on over feeding treats.... too many could be a bad thing. Sometimes I sort out the large striped sunflower seeds from the mix, and offer these as treats. Also whole grain cereal like Cheerios are good. ...keep it simple and healthy. "How much of those vitamins that you put in the water should my namters have each day?" RG sez - None, these are not good for your hamsters water, These are animals from arid regions, and anything in the water aftects how the body uses water. A proper diet with bits of extra protein and veggies, and ocassionally fruit, should give your pet all that he needs. If you must use the vitamins, put them on dry food. Pet wise hamster tips |
 |
|