We bet you will have a hard time finding a person in your circle who adores animals and, at the first opportunity, would agree to live in the same apartment with a hyena or puma? But every second person will be happy to share living space with a hamster. But it is unlikely that anyone will begin to count before buying an animal how much money he will have to spend per year from his budget on the same hamster. The editors of Sibdepo decided to do this for you and calculate how much money our pets “eat up”. We realized with horror that if we put into the piggy bank the same amount that we have to spend on food and care for the animal, within a year we can go on vacation for at least a couple of days to Sheregesh. No, no, we love animals very much, this is just a dry fact.
Let's agree in advance - in this and subsequent articles we will describe the expenses necessary for the pet to live in optimal conditions and spend all the years of its animal life with dignity. So it will be significantly more expensive than many thought.
A hamster is an ideal pet: small, not too noisy, eats little, not at all vindictive and takes up little space in the apartment. By the way, he won’t get in the way either, he always sits in a cage. The main thing is not to forget to feed him and clean up his home, then you will become ideal neighbors. And he doesn’t require additional attention - he knows how to entertain himself very well. Running for many hours in a special wheel replaces his cute hugs with his owner. By the way, he doesn’t need an individual of the opposite sex either, unless, of course, you want to become the owner of a hamster farm. And you can buy a hamster at any pet store in Kuzbass. The minimum price for one two-week-old rodent is 150 rubles.
What can you keep a hamster in during the village? I don’t have a cage yet, I just bought a home
bruho
In an aquarium you can... but there is one thing... in the aquarium carbon dioxide accumulates at the bottom and after a while it becomes difficult for him to breathe... he will simply gnaw through a wooden one and leave.. so the cage is optimal... it can be on hay or straw, but there there may be parasites... sawdust... well, sleep on the firewood yourself... I lay out paper napkins or towels and clean them every day... I lay out new ones...
Ailani...
Place it in an aquarium, and make a lid from hard cardboard, or plastic if you have it. To get air into the aquarium, make lots and lots of holes in cardboard or plastic. To prevent the lid from falling off, attach weights to each corner. It's very easy to make holes in plastic. Heat the nail on the stove or in the microwave, and then take the heated nail with pliers and carefully make holes. Well, this is a temporary option. Or put it in a jar and do the same with the lid.
Sanitary difficulties
We especially highlighted one of the disadvantages of the aquarium. The fact is that a large glass house is extremely difficult to clean. After all, usually the terrarium consists entirely of glass, and is not installed on a glass tray. When washing, it is easy to cut yourself or break the hamster's house.
And you will have to wash it more often than a regular cage with a wire frame. In addition, the lack of free air circulation allows not only dangerous bacteria, but also mold to actively multiply. It is very difficult to remove it from joints, and sealants cannot provide a 100 percent guarantee that it will not appear. To disinfect the aquarium as much as possible, you will have to use aggressive agents, and many of them are toxic to hamsters.
A hamster can be kept in wide aquariums, but the animal will be much more comfortable in a cage. A house made of twigs is more consistent with hygienic standards for small rodents. But if you have an empty terrarium, you can easily adapt it into a room with attractions for temporarily keeping a hamster.
Alternative solution
We have already found out that a cage is much better suited for keeping a hamster at home. But if you have a spare aquarium at home, it can also be adapted to suit a hamster’s needs. For example, in a terrarium you can arrange a relaxation and entertainment room for your beloved pet.
Here are the items you can place in the aquarium:
- Running wheel on a stand.
- Various pipes and labyrinths.
- Spacious shelter.
- Toilet (if the animal is accustomed to it).
- Bath with sand for bathing.
- Various stairs and bridges.
The hamster can be moved into the terrarium to play, especially if all the attractions do not fit into the cage. You can also place the animal in the rest room while you tidy up its permanent home.
Don't forget that in addition to toys there should also be essential items. Be sure to leave a bowl of food, saucer or bottle of water for your furry friend.
Is it possible or not?
By their nature, these animals love freedom, because living in the wild, they cover very long distances in one day. Having such a cute fluffy animal in his home, a modern person acquires a cage, which can be purchased at pet stores, but this is not always the case.
Important. A hamster of any breed, regardless of its size, will not feel comfortable in glass, you can be sure of that.
Previously, these rodents were kept in jars and it was not always understood that this was detrimental to the animal. A hamster cannot be kept like this for the following reasons:
- These rodents love active movement, so they will be extremely uncomfortable in a jar; they won’t be able to place a running wheel in it.
- Even if you are transplanting an animal into a jar just to move it somewhere, it is better not to do so. If careless, the jar may break and the animal may be injured.
- Very little air flows inside this container; there is no ventilation.
If you want your pet to live as long as possible, try to provide him with comfortable living conditions, good nutrition, and constant access to drinking water. Under comfortable living conditions, hamsters will live in your home for an average of 2-3 years.
Reference. Previously, these rodents were kept in ordinary three-liter jars, and this was considered the norm.
If you want to clean your pet’s cage and you have no other options, you can put it in a glass container for a while, but be careful not to cover it and don’t forget about your pet.
Source
ALL HAMSTERS ARE IN THE STORES TOGETHER
Something that may get a lot of attention is that the fact that hamsters are caged together when kept as pets has been questioned, but when they show up in a store they are usually all in the same cage. In this case, it seems that coexistence is a good thing, because if it were not, the person responsible for caring for them and keeping them safe would separate them and change their place.
Very often there are people who want to collect hamsters in a cage.
However, the fact that hamsters are kept together in the same cage is because they are usually young. The mother must breastfeed them, so they do not quarrel with each other. The animals feel very close to their mother, and although there may be some argument between them, there will be no violent situations. Typically, hamsters don't stay in stores very long, so they usually don't have time for them to grow too big, so they have to be separated.
Breed Features
The animal can boast (although, do people boast in such cases?) not only with a very small tail. This is not their only feature. They are very peaceful and practically do not bite. Even if you miraculously provoke his wrath, he will not harm you. Their teeth are completely incapable of biting through human skin. Their eyebrows also stand out. Well, like eyebrows... eyebrows. They are also tiny. They are usually lighter in color and are clearly visible on the face.
Ladies and gentlemen, attention to the screen! Here they are, those same famous Roborovsky eyebrows!
In addition, hamsters are very timid. They are very difficult to tame. Perhaps that is why they are so poorly distributed and known.
Eating similar adult hamsters
Cannibalism does not always manifest itself in relation to young rodents. Adult hamsters practically do not get along in the same home. Provoking regular fights, sorting out relationships - this can end sadly.
The hamster is not bored alone. He enjoys it. Adult same-sex individuals living in the same cage, dividing the territory, are in permanent stress. As a result, the stronger hamster overcomes the weaker one. A weak hamster is usually eaten by a strong rival. But, besides this, the whole situation affects the well-being and life expectancy of your pets.
In the wild, hamsters have a clear habitat divided between them. The hamster will not allow anyone into its territory. In home cage conditions, several animals will share it, fight and be irritated and restless. Since hamsters are nocturnal creatures, it is not always possible to notice problems. From the outside it is quiet and calm during the day. But one day you will be surprised not to see a second hamster in the cage. Adult hamsters usually do not eat each other in the wild, but in their cramped living conditions, rivals have no other choice!
Having understood the main reasons for cannibalism in hamsters and following simple maintenance rules, you can avoid these shocking situations.
All about Syrian hamsters
This cute rodent differs from other breeds in having 4 toes on its front paws and 5 on its hind paws. It is larger than the rest of the family. Animals participate in international exhibitions and win prizes. The main color of the skin is golden, but there are other colors.
Below are some colors of these animals according to international standards:
- beige;
- yellow;
- smoked;
- copper;
- sable;
- black chocolate.
See beautiful photographs with descriptions on the Syrian hamster colors page.
Characteristics of hamsters by hair length
Animals differ not only in color, but also in the length of their fur. The standards highlight long-haired individuals. Moreover, females have slightly shorter fur; this is not considered a defect. There are animals with short hair and smooth-haired (satin). There are fluffy and shaggy ones - Angora. Like cats, hamsters can have a "rex" coat - a coat covered with short or long curly fur. There are completely bald species - hairless.
Where did the breed come from?
The first description of this animal is dated 1797. In 1839, this rodent was discovered in Syria, after which information about it did not appear for almost 100 years. In 1930, a family of 4 animals was brought to England, the offspring of which formed a breed known throughout the world.
Syrian hamster length and weight
According to international standards, the animal must have a length of 12 cm, a strong body, round ears, and bulging eyes. When bred at home, the animals reach 20 cm in length.
The weight of hamsters varies from 100-125 g for males and 115-140 g for females. Modern “Syrians” can weigh above normal – 200g or more. We are talking not only about overfed individuals, but also large stocky animals.
One of the breeders conducted a dangerous experiment on weighing babies of different ages.
Never repeat this experience! It can cost the lives of small hamsters.
Infant weight data:
- newborns - from 1.5 to 3.5 g;
- age 1 week – from 4 to 10 g;
- 2 weeks – from 8 to 25 g;
- 3 weeks period – from 15 to 52 g;
- 1 month – from 20 to 84 g.
Weight extremes are listed because babies grow unevenly. After 1 month, the weight of females and males differs.
Hamsters' scent glands look like moles or warts.
All animals of this breed have scent glands located symmetrically on their sides. They can be seen on young males or mature males. The fur at the location of the glands in young animals differs in color from the main coat. Underneath it is a rough growth that looks like a sore or a cluster of dots. In females, the glands are less noticeable.
This organ is used by the animal to place marks on its territory. Before this, the males carefully lick the glands.
Frightened males smell stronger, and the scent becomes more active when a rival appears.
WHAT TO DO IN THE HOUSE WITH HAMSTERS?
When you acquire one of these little rodents, many times you find yourself wondering whether to buy one or more because you are not alone. It is usually quite difficult for people to understand that animals are very happy alone and do not need other companions of the same type with them. For this reason, it is convenient to learn very well about the relationship and coexistence of one hamster with another, in order to avoid possible upsets in the future.
Hamster coexistence is usually not easy
Coexistence between hamsters is usually not easy, so if you have two animals, you should carefully monitor the behavior they acquire in the first days. The reason why hamsters generally do not accept the company of another member of the same species is that they are very territorial. These animals do not want any other animal like them to take away or usurp what they consider to be their territory, so they end up getting into fights that lead to displeasure if they are not attentive to the pet's situation.
Dwarf hamsters
A fairly common species among breeders. Dwarf hamsters do not require much effort to maintain, and care is minimal. They weigh no more than 50 grams, and their height rarely reaches 10 centimeters.
The dwarf breed includes:
- Taylor's hamster;
- Campbell's hamster;
- Roborovsky's hamster (the owner of the smallest volumes).
Several other breeds:
- Long-tailed - body length does not exceed 10 cm, 6 of which are tail;
- Taylor - carcass length 7-8 cm, weight about 10 grams.
- Campbell's hamster - can reach 12 cm.
- Radde - has a height of up to 28 cm. It can mainly be found in the wild, not a common species as an ornamental animal.
Weighing the fluffy: how to do it?
Hamsters are happy, active animals, and if your pet is not hand-trained, then weighing a hamster is not an easy task that requires dexterity.
To do this you will need:
- kitchen scales
- small box or container
- tasty treats
First place the container with the treat placed in it on the scales in order to subsequently subtract their weight from the total weight of the hamster. Place the fluffball in a container. This way you can easily find out your pet's weight.
Weight control is necessary: this way you can see excess weight or sudden weight loss, which may indicate health problems.
If you change the homa's diet, you also need to monitor its weight: a decrease may indicate that the food is not to its taste and the animal is starving, simply hiding it.
Before purchasing a pet, decide which breed appeals to you, based on this, choose a house and the place where it will be located.
By following simple rules - watch your weight, keep the cage clean, spend time with your fluffy, you will get a reliable friend who will delight you and love you in return for a long time.
Reduced ambient temperature
If the animal was healthy and vigorous, and suddenly you noticed that the hamster was lying down and not moving, then first of all you need to assess the temperature. When the air temperature is below 20⁰C for a long time, the rodent can hibernate.
Another reason for deep sleep is a strong reduction in the amount of food - in this case, the animal is starving. Lack of lighting also leads to longer sleep.
If this is really hibernation, then the animal’s body is soft and warm (but lower than usual). Breathing and heartbeat are slow. Therefore, you need to observe the animal for five minutes. To assess the heartbeat, place the thumb and index finger on either side of the hamster's chest under the paws. During hibernation, only four beats can be recorded in one minute.
Allow your hamster to get fat
A fat hamster may look cute, but it can be dangerous for his health. Excess weight puts a lot of stress on bones and joints. Therefore, proper nutrition and daily exercise are simply necessary for your pet.
By following these simple rules, your pet will delight your household with its cheerful appearance and disposition for a long time. The most important rule is care and attention.
- Author: Elena Romanenko
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Diet
A properly selected diet can extend the life of a hamster; you must know what can be given to your pet and what is strictly prohibited. It is better to choose imported food; they contain more vitamins than domestic brands. It is also recommended to give hamsters vegetables and fruits, but of course only those that are allowed. You definitely need to put a mineral stone in the cage; if you can’t buy it, you can use a wooden block. This is necessary so that the pet can gnaw on them and grind down the incisors that have been growing throughout his life. If this is not done, they can grow and harm the pet. This is also desirable so that the hamster does not constantly chew on the cage. As you know, he is a nocturnal animal, and accordingly he will gnaw the cage when the owners are sleeping.
Overheads
It cannot be said that a hamster is an expensive pet to keep, but it does require certain expenses: food, filler, mineral stone, treats, vitamins, sand for bathing, a drinking bowl and other accessories.
Some people think it is acceptable to keep a hamster in a glass jar and feed it scraps from the table. In this case, expenses tend to zero, as well as the health and happiness of a small pet. If you create a comfortable living environment for a rodent, the costs will be tens of times more than the cost of the animal itself, taking into account how much a dzhungarik costs on the market. A good cage for a hamster is not cheap.
What you need to know about guinea pigs
Pigs are easy to tame and do not require much care. With good care from the owner, the animal can live on average 5 years.
The period of activity in guinea pigs occurs during the day, decreasing in the evening. Unlike hamsters, they will sleep peacefully at night without disturbing the owner with their vital activities.
Character and training
Guinea pigs are distinguished by their friendliness, sociability, and calm nature. They can easily live next to cats and dogs, spending time in the same company without quarrels or discontent. They love to be pampered in the hands of their owner, to whom they feel great affection, exposing their fur coat for scratching. Noticing the presence of the owner, these animals begin to whistle loudly, expressing their good feelings and joy.
Pigs are completely devoid of aggression: they will never attack or even defend themselves, preferring to quietly retreat
If desired, the animals can be trained to perform a variety of tricks, since they train easily and successfully, which attracts the attention of children. A trained pig can follow its owner everywhere, stand on its hind legs or roll a small ball with its muzzle.
When answering the question of which rodent is smarter, the advantage remains with the pig.
Care
A 6-year-old child can take care of the animal every day, but if you get an animal for a preschooler, an adult will need to take care of the creature. You will also have to monitor the baby so that, out of ignorance, he does not harm the pet, otherwise the injured pig may lose confidence in the owner.
Cell
A guinea pig needs a spacious cage in which it can lead an active lifestyle, moving freely inside the apartment. The condition is mandatory, since inactivity will lead to obesity and will not allow the animal’s legs to become strong.
The cage is located in a quiet place, protected from drafts and coolness, so that the pig does not catch a cold. There should be no wires nearby, since the nature of the rodent will certainly manifest itself in the ability to chew through solid objects
It is important to provide the cage with a special house where the pig can sleep or hide
Essential plaid accessories
It is better to use regular sawdust as bedding, because pigs are big fans of burrowing, and the material should be harmless. You need to clean the cage periodically, as the sawdust will smell unpleasant. It is necessary that the cage has a drinking bowl with clean water and a feeder filled with food, fresh grass or hay. To help your pig grind down its teeth and claws, offer it a mineral stone or a hard piece of tree bark.
A running wheel should become a mandatory attribute of the cage, giving way to a mirror and ladders. Every day, the guinea pig must be let out for walks around the house, remembering to keep an eye on the animal, as it can end up in a hard-to-reach place and get stuck.
Nutrition
Guinea pigs are not picky eaters. They enjoy eating a variety of grains, herbs, vegetables and fruits. For herbs, they prefer lettuce leaves, parsley and dill, fresh dandelion leaves and spinach. Among fruits and vegetables, they can be fed fresh cucumbers, sweet peppers and carrots, apples, peaches and strawberries. Unlike hamsters, pigs cannot be fed meat, potatoes and cheese.
A distinctive feature of a pig is that it eats its own feces, which contains a vitamin that is beneficial for its body. If an animal begins to eat uncleaned excrement in a timely manner, a very young child can follow the animal’s lead, planning to independently evaluate the pig’s “delicacy.”
Pros of a guinea pig
About the benefits of a guinea pig:
- they are easy to care for;
- you can do training;
- complete absence of aggression;
- they love to be held;
- get along with other pets.
Another compelling argument for getting pigs is the opportunity to buy a hairless animal of the “Skinny” breed if the child is allergic to wool. When choosing a guinea pig as a pet, you need to remember to regularly clean the cage to avoid unpleasant odors in the house.
How to solve a hamster's housing problem?
You need to choose a cage for a hamster, guided, first of all, by considerations of practicality and convenience for you and for the animal itself.
Let's start with size. Multi-story cages save space in your apartment without cramping your hamster's space. But running in them is inconvenient, and the hamster is a resident of the steppes, he loves long distances. In addition, a particularly nimble or young animal can fall from the top shelf to the bottom and hurt itself. A hamster is not a cat; it does not land on its feet. Any fall could be fatal for him. Of course, over time, the homa will get used to the floors, but whether he will fall in love with a house that is inconvenient for his nature is another question.
During the day, hamsters sleep, but can crawl out of the house to eat, drink or go to the toilet. Moreover, all these processes take place in a half-asleep state. Do you enjoy walking across the entire apartment at night to go to the toilet? So do they too.
If you do buy a multi-story cage, remove the bottom grate from the tray so that if the hamster falls, it lands on the soft filler and not on the iron bars. It’s also better to cover the lattice shelves with plastic so that the hamster’s paws don’t fall through. Thin sheets of hot holders are very convenient; they can be cut to the shape of a shelf and woven into rods. It is best to secure the stairs between floors with wire, only making sure to bend its sharp ends. During the night vigil, hamsters often drop ladders and then cannot return home or get off the shelf.
You should pay attention to the quality of the metal from which the rods are made. If it is too soft, then there is a chance that the hamster will chew it and go for a walk. Or squeeze between the bars. The frequency of weaving also matters. Don't accidentally buy a guinea pig cage. They are generally comfortable in shape and made of good metal. But the gap between the bars is too large, the hamster will fit through them like a door.
Speaking of doors. If the cage is multi-story, there must be at least two of them. It is ideal if both your hands enter the open door. You only need to reach the hamster with two hands: you put one up and wait for them to climb on it, with the other you cover the animal from above. If the door opens upward, it should have a hook. A hamster is quite capable of simply lifting the grate.
Next we look at the bottom. You may find the pull-out tray very convenient. Nothing like this. Pulling it out and washing it only is not an option; all the trays are too small to pour filler only into the pull-out part. You still have to unfasten the bottom completely. So it’s better to immediately look for a whole one. It is also easier to clean - the fewer corners, the less dirt collects on them. And pull-out trays often leak.
The color of the cell is not important. Of course, the ideal option is unpainted stainless steel rods. Many hamsters chew on the bars, and there is no point in feeding them paint. But if you still want it painted, white looks the most elegant. Pay attention to how the bottom is attached to the grill. It should be secure enough so that you can lift the cage by the handle.
And finally, let's talk about the bells and whistles. Why is it that most often the reason we choose a cage turns out to be our own headache?
Poor nutrition
Before you get yourself a furry pet, you should definitely familiarize yourself with its diet. Some products are strictly prohibited for him. For example:
- cabbage - any variety;
- milk - in its raw form causes severe distress;
- garlic;
- onion;
- some fruits, especially those that are too sweet.
Incorrectly selected products can not only cause disruption to the hamster’s gastrointestinal tract, but also injure its delicate body.
Solid foods must be present - for example, carrots. The rodent will sharpen its sharp teeth on it. Otherwise, they can grow greatly and become a real problem for him.
Failure to study the main signs and symptoms of diseases
It is imperative to know the symptoms of certain diseases. After all, prevention is the best treatment. A timely visit to the veterinarian can save your pet and help avoid many problems.
It is worth paying attention to changes in the behavior of your furry pet. Reasons for concern may include:
- excessive activity and lack of sleep;
- lethargy;
- lack of appetite;
- sadness.
If you find this, be sure to contact a specialist.
What reduces life expectancy
Bathing
Bathing is contraindicated for rodents, since the animal independently removes dead particles and large contaminants. You should only bathe your hamster in water if the dirt from its fur cannot be cleaned even with a special brush.
Bathing too often can cause extreme stress in your pet. This will lead to a reduction in life expectancy.
Stress
Stress is dangerous for hamsters because constant physical and mental stress can lead to exhaustion of the body. Under the influence of stress, the hamster will become lethargic and inactive, and its appetite will worsen. Stressful situations for hamsters are:
- The proximity of a single hamster to hamsters of another species;
- the solitary existence of a hamster that gets along well only in a group;
- frequent stay in the arms of the owner;
- too rare stay in the arms of the owner;
- bathing;
- loud noise and too bright light in the room.
Diseases
Infectious diseases in hamsters can occur after contact with an infected animal and its waste products or food (water). The symptoms of infectious diseases are similar to each other, so only a veterinarian can make a final diagnosis. You should contact the clinic if your hamster exhibits the following symptoms:
- The affectionate and calm animal begins to show aggression and rush around the cage.
- The animal begins to tremble.
- Often lies with eyes closed even while awake.
- Dry or loose stools.
- Breathing becomes frequent, labored or difficult.
- The fur becomes damp and falls out more than usual.
- Discharge from the nose or eyes.
Disease | Symptoms |
Tuberculosis | · Lethargy; · inactivity; · lack of appetite; · cough, shortness of breath; increased body temperature; · loose stools; · hair loss. |
Tularemia | The disease is asymptomatic, sometimes the animal can become more aggressive. |
Listeriosis | The main signs are loss of balance and disorientation in space. When an animal moves quickly across a surface, it may suddenly lose its balance and become unconscious for a few seconds. |
Infectious pneumonia | · Loss of appetite; increased body temperature; · cloudiness or blue tint of the mucous membranes; · rapid breathing; · nasal discharge; · conjunctivitis; · attacks of acute cough. |
Paralysis | · Minor trembling; · refusal to eat; · inability to stand on your paws for a long time; · urinary incontinence. |
Salmonellosis | · Immobility; · loss of appetite; · apathy; · enlargement of the abdominal cavity; · loose stools; · sudden change in body temperature. |
Plague | · Apathetic state; · loss of appetite; · wool standing on end; · blue tint of mucous membranes. |
Is it possible to bathe Syrian hamsters?
Let’s be honest, if you don’t wash for a long time, none of us will smell like roses. It's the same story with Syrian hamsters. An unpleasant smell will spread throughout the apartment. Therefore, the question is: “is it possible to bathe Syrian hamsters in water?” - quite relevant
In theory it is possible, but very carefully. They swim well, but they don't like water.
Where their wild ancestors lived, there was not much water... mostly sand. There is a separate large article on the website about how to properly bathe a hamster in water. There are preparatory procedures described, how and how to properly wash the animal, and there is even a video of bathing. Just keep in mind that every swim in water is another stress for your pet and an extra chance of catching a cold.
To keep the animal clean and healthy, place a small bowl with clean, fine river sand in its cage. Sooner or later he will find it himself, and then nature will take its course. Have you ever seen how sparrows bathe in dust? Yours will be about the same.
The photo shows a jungarik, but I couldn’t help but show you these 10 grams of joy and positivity.
Syrians are very clean hamsters, so the animal will often visit the sand bowl. All you need to do is not disturb him in this and sometimes comb out the remaining sand from his fur.
Actually, that's all you need to know about bathing your hamster.
Why does a rodent drink a lot of liquid?
If your pet's need for water has sharply increased, and the hamster begins to drink a lot of liquid, then you need to think about a change in behavior.
- Changes in temperature and humidity in the room. The ideal temperature is considered to be up to +22 degrees. For favorable wakefulness, it is better to move the cage with the animal to a cool place.
- Damage to the drinking bowl. It is necessary to check the connections for integrity and replace them in case of leaks.
- Changing the diet or quickly introducing a new food. It is advisable to switch to a new type of food gradually. Adding salty foods can also be a source of thirst.
If there are no changes in the activity of the rodent, then the appearance of kidney disease and the development of diabetes are possible. The main signs are:
- Eating more food.
- Rapid weight loss or obesity.
- The ruffled pose of the animal.
- Irritability and increased activity.
- Increased sleep duration.
- Frequent urine discharge, possibly with the smell of nail polish.
When your hamster drinks the weekly amount of water, you must show the animal to a doctor and begin a course of treatment.
Psychology of the Hamster from Pulse, which prevents you from making money.
The main feature of Pulse is that you can see what and who bought it. What promotions and at what prices. This is a trap for the novice investor. If the author publishes useful investment advice and analyzes companies, you begin to trust him. If you trust anyone's advice, you risk losing your money.
Let's consider the situation. One of the pulse authors did a detailed fundamental analysis of company X and advised buying. You go to his profile and look - yeah, he bought it. The author is smarter than me, since he bought it, it means it’s a profitable investment and you can make money. I need to buy it too. This is how a typical Hamster acts. And at the same time he makes several mistakes at once, which often lead to losses. And that's why:
- You believe someone you don’t know and for reasons you don’t understand. You don’t know him personally and you can only guess about his knowledge
- You are buying at a higher price. The author of the recommendation himself bought it first. Those who listened to him are already working for him. Each purchase of the desired stock moves the stock price up. Thousands more people bought this stock before you bought it. It's unlikely that you were the first. This means your income, under equal conditions, will be lower, because... the purchase price is higher.
- Once you buy a stock based on advice or information, you become dependent on the author of that advice. So you bought, and when to sell? At what price and under what events, what stop loss to set. You do not know. As a result, you may end up with a big loss if the stock goes down and you don’t sell it on time
- You don't know about the volume. How many people bought - one share to try or a thousand? You don't know how much to buy or when to average.
Is it possible to keep a hamster in a box?
You should not keep your baby in a cardboard box, except for a few minutes while you wash the cage. A hamster is a rodent; it can quickly gnaw through thin “walls” and escape. Finding a fugitive is difficult, because there are so many hiding places in the apartment!
Another argument against the box is that it gets wet quickly. In a box, like in a jar, it is difficult to install a drinking bowl, a running wheel and other accessories for nimble babies.
Now you know the answer to the question: can a hamster live in a jar? If you have not yet purchased a pet, but are just planning to do so, think carefully about whether you can buy a cage for it and equip it properly. The jar is stuffy, there is little air, even lazy and calm Syrian hamsters live less in it than in a spacious cage or terrarium.
What should you keep your baby in? Definitely in a cage. Cans, boxes and other “shelters” can only be used when cleaning a “permanent home.”
2 Comments
Thank you for writing about the jar like that, but is it possible to support it temporarily? 1-2 weeks? if the hamster lives in a 3 liter jar, he is no longer small in age, the top is covered with a net
Good evening! As a temporary measure, you can place your hamster in a jar for a short period of time. But there is too little room for movement in the jar and it is difficult to provide access to water. It would be better to place it in a basin, bucket or container, in a container with a larger base area than a jar. It is imperative to cover the top only with a cloth, as the hamster can jump to the cloth, cling to it with its claws and escape. While the hamster is living in a temporary home, let him go for walks
I would like to draw your attention to such an important point that if you put water in a bowl at the bottom, it will quickly become dirty, the hamster can often turn it over and, as a result, the bedding will get wet, which is harmful to the rodents’ paws and health in general. Run water for a few minutes once a day when your hamster is active, and throughout the day give him juicy fruits and vegetables.
I want a hamster! First of all, you need to weigh the pros and cons. Make sure that no family members are allergic to hamsters, sawdust or other bedding materials.
Consider the location of the cage in the apartment. The cage should not be in a draft or in a room where people smoke. In direct sunlight, in damp conditions. It is not recommended to place it under an air conditioner, on the floor, on a windowsill, or near a heating radiator.
Many teachers advise that children and teenagers grow up surrounded by pets. Caring for a pet develops and strengthens children's sense of responsibility. Children aged 1 to 8 years will need the help of an adult to care for a hamster.
The decision to have a hamster or other pet in your home should be carefully considered. You should not give people pets without consent. In some cases, condemning animals to death or harsh treatment towards them.
Hamsters are not expensive. They live from 1.5 to 3.5 years, depending on the conditions of keeping and feeding. On average - 2 years.
It is better to purchase a hamster at the age of 1.5 - 2 months.
Hamsters, unlike many larger pets, have a number of advantages: – they are perfect for the novice pet lover; – the cost of acquisition is available to everyone; – do not take up much space; – eat little; – learn to go to the toilet in a tray (special toilet for small rodents).
It is better to think in advance about whether someone can look after the hamster while you are away. Feed, change the cage, pour fresh water into the drinking bowl.
In theory, it is not difficult to take a small pet with you on vacation if you are traveling by car. However, the animal can be harmed by stress from heat or cold, noise or draft. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to place your hamster in safe hands during your vacation, it is better to take advantage of this opportunity.
Care
The most important thing here is the cage filler, which needs to be changed once a week. With disgust we throw aside the torn paper and cotton wool. The first is the dirt and stench in the cage, and the second is generally slow and painful torture. Thin, almost imperceptible fibers wrap around the animal’s paws, disrupting blood circulation. And it is impossible to notice and remove them. And the same thing happens with the internal organs, we remember: this pet strives to eat everything it sees.
Fortunately, modern pet stores offer two excellent options: corn husk litter (from 700 rubles, a package is enough for 3-4 shifts) and hay (from 100 rubles, a package is enough for 3-4 shifts). Both options are generally good. But corn is “noisy”; when your pet goes out for a walk at night, even the neighbors will hear it. But you don’t need to change it more often and you can burrow into it just fine. Hay needs to be changed at least once a week. But it is much cheaper and, what is important, you can build a cozy nest in it.
As for care, you should not wash your rodent with water. Hamsters wash themselves in the sand. In a special, very small one. Just install a bath in the cage and get aesthetic pleasure - they have a lot of fun bathing. The sand needs to be changed every time the cages are cleaned. And ideally – once every two days. A bottle of high-quality sand costs at least 280 rubles.
see also
DIY hamster carrier
Many people have a question: is it possible to transport a hamster in a container made by yourself? Of course, making a carrier for a hamster with your own hands is not difficult if all the parameters are met. For example, you can take a plastic food container, line the bottom with filler, add some goodies and make holes in the body for ventilation. True, in the hot season, the hamster will be too warm in such an improvised dwelling.
In stores, you have often come across food containers. They can also be adapted into a house for an animal. It is necessary to ensure air access through holes, and cover the bottom with napkins. You can also make handles for convenience; to do this, take a thread and make four holes in the lid. We thread threads through them and tie them together. This type of carrying is not very reliable, but it is suitable for short trips.
If you are often on the road and on business trips, it is better to avoid regularly transporting your hamster so as not to injure him. The locality probably has a foster care service (a hotel for animals), or it’s worth going to friends and relatives asking for help.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=DP0bwt4%2520%E2%80%B3%26gt%3B
rodent carrier
cages with bars - for summer. And for winter, durable plastic containers with a lid are intended; they can be purchased at any pet store. A plastic food container will also work, you just need to make a few holes for air in it. Cardboard boxes are only suitable for short trips - if a rodent gets bored in it, they may try to chew through it.
Any filler should be placed inside the carrier, for example, sawdust, preferably taken from its “native” cage, so that the container has a familiar smell to the rodent. You can also add a small pillow and a rolled-up towel or fur mitten for your pet to crawl into and stay warm. The container should then be wrapped in a towel or scarf and placed in a large closed bag or backpack. Be sure to leave room for air circulation. In severe frosts, you can put a heating pad or just a plastic bottle with warm water nearby. Remember: a heating pad cannot be placed in a bag with a chinchilla! Overheating is very dangerous for chinchillas. You should not place a bowl or other hard, heavy objects in the carrier - the pet may be injured during shaking. There is also no need to put a drinking bowl with water. Dripping or spilled water will saturate the filler, which will greatly increase your pet's chances of freezing. A hamster or pig can go without drinking for 2-3 hours. You can add a piece of your favorite juicy food - a slice of carrot, pumpkin or cucumber. If you are going to travel with your pet in a car, please prepare the car first (clear the windows and locks of snow and ice), and only then take the baby out of the house.
And finally, the most important thing: if your pet is sick, then even very severe frost is not a reason to postpone a visit to the veterinary clinic!
The Health Veterinary Medicine Center is open without breaks or weekends in any weather!
Advantages and disadvantages of aquariums
Compared to a cramped jar, an aquarium for a hamster is a winning option. But if you compare it with a cage, you can identify a number of pros and cons. Let's look at them in more detail.
- air circulation in glass terrariums is poorer;
- the hamster is constantly surrounded by the smell of its own feces;
- in conditions of reduced air circulation, bacteria multiply faster;
- the terrarium will have to be cleaned 2 times more often than the cage so that the animal does not get sick;
- It will be more difficult to install a hanging drinking bowl for an animal in an aquarium;
- glass and fiberglass are quite cold materials: a very thick layer of filler is required so that the animal’s paws and tummy do not freeze.
Of course, these disadvantages are quite serious, but glass houses also have their advantages.
- Khoma will not be able to chew through the glass and escape;
- Fluffy will not be affected by drafts, even if the window is open in the room with the terrarium;
- the unpleasant smell will not spread throughout the room;
- there will be much less noise, which will give you the opportunity to sleep peacefully at night without taking the hamster palace out of the room;
- the filler will not spill out, and the fluffy himself will not be able to throw pieces of food and poop through the walls, as a result - cleanliness and order around the cage;
- Through the transparent glass it is very convenient to observe the animal and arrange photo sessions (of course, without flash), the rods will not fit into the frame.
That is, the aquarium also has many advantages. But what will tip the scales? Think about it: all the shortcomings only harm the hamster; they do not affect the owners in any way. Now analyze the advantages. A person benefits a lot from them, but what about a hamster?
In fact, it doesn’t matter to a home whether the room smells delicious or whether there is bedding lying around his cage. Only the owners worry about this. That is, those who choose a glass terrarium as a place to live for a hamster think first of all about themselves, and not about the comfort of the pet. Remember: it is much better to keep your furry friend in a wire cage or mesh cage!
User opinions
No matter what breed your pet is, Syrian and Djunga hamsters have similar habits. First you need to start listening - in the silence you can hear rustling sounds. Judging by the reviews, most often jungarians escape; they can crawl through the bars of the cage
Catching them is more difficult because they are very nimble and agile. If you have discovered your pet's location, but cannot reach it, place an open cage with food near it. It is highly likely that he will return to his home. You can put several cardboard tubes and labyrinths on the floor to make it more interesting for your pet to return home
Judging by the reviews, most often jungarians escape; they can crawl through the bars of the cage. Catching them is more difficult because they are very nimble and agile. If you have discovered your pet's location, but cannot reach it, place an open cage with food near it. It is highly likely that he will return to his home. You can put several cardboard tubes and labyrinths on the floor to make it more interesting for your pet to return home.
How to catch an escaped Syrian hamster in an apartment? Just like the Djungarian - you can set traps and bait.
There are cases where rodents managed to escape to the lower floors of an apartment, but were successfully returned to their owners.
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Prevention of escapes
If your hamster often runs away, you need to think about the reasons for this phenomenon. To stop the escapes, follow these recommendations:
- Strengthen the cage. You should patch holes that animals have gnawed and check the reliability of the door. By the way, the door can be kept closed using a clothespin.
- Create a calm environment for your pet. If there is a stereo system, TV and other noisy devices next to the cage, then the Homa runs away from the house precisely because of them. Move the rodent's house to a place where it cannot be reached by loud noises or other pets.
- Don't break your daily routine. If you see that the fluffy is not in the mood for communication and wants to sleep, do not force him to play, otherwise he will try to run away.
- Do not leave the animal alone outside the cage. Follow every step so you don’t have to search and catch later.
These basic tips will help prevent your hamster from escaping and will make his and your life calm and comfortable.
Remember: small rodents rarely escape from a good life. If the hamster runs away, your task is to double your vigilance, quickly catch your pet, check the health of the cage and make sure that the animal lives in peace.
Purchasing a cage
As previously mentioned, it is extremely important to create comfortable living conditions for your pet. Therefore, in addition to answering the question of how much a hamster costs, you need to think about where the hamster will live, that is, buy a cage for it
Of course, a cage or enclosure is the most comfortable housing that you can provide for your pet. Firstly, its open walls do not prevent the penetration of air, and secondly, the wire on the sides makes it convenient to attach various devices, from drinking bowls and feeders to mirrors and toys.
When choosing, you should start from the fact that the animal needs a cage measuring at least 50 cm by 30 cm. It is also better to give preference to a house with rods located transversely, preferably so that the tray does not extend. As for the price of the cage, the average cost is about 700 rubles. If you want a larger home, equipped with a variety of fixtures, the purchase may cost several thousand rubles. In addition, the price will vary depending on the region, for example, in Moscow the cages are the most expensive, in Vladivostok - the cheapest.
Prevention
To avoid escaping, both new and repeated, you need to:
- Upgrade the cage - if there are broken or loose mechanisms or bars, they need to be repaired; inspect the cage for “weak” places - too wide rods or holes in the plastic tray; if there are any, they need to be replaced. The cage must be inspected from all sides; holes may not be noticeable at first glance.
- If the rodent has learned to open doors, add an iron lock or a paper clip for security.
- Perhaps your pet's escape is a necessary measure. It is necessary to remove possible sources of stress: nearby music speakers; accessibility of the cage for other pets; heating appliances, etc.
- Perhaps the animal is simply bored: diversify its leisure time with new toys.
- Cardboard and plastic boxes are not suitable for keeping rodents - they easily chew them off;
- For walking, it is advisable to purchase a special walking ball - this way the animal will not only not get lost, but also not get hurt.
It’s easier to take care of possible risks than to search for and catch the fugitive later. Keep an eye on your pets!
Terrarium
Despite the fact that the cage design with metal rods for hamsters is very popular and in demand, it also has some disadvantages:
- there is a high risk of the hamster getting outside the home;
- a hamster living in such a cage will constantly scatter bedding outside the cage, etc.
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In this case, pet store sellers offer livestock breeders terrariums, the choice of which is very large.
When buying such housing for your hamster, choose a model made of inorganic glass. Plexiglas wears out and fades very quickly. Also, if you plan to keep multiple pets in it, you will need a larger model. This must be taken into account, since rodents staying in close quarters will lead to disastrous consequences.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantage of such designs is as follows:
- Accurate calculation of dimensions. When purchasing such a structure, you will not need to take measurements, since in structures of this type all the proportions of the bottom and walls are maintained.
- Almost all models have a ventilation system installed.
- As a rule, all terrariums consist of two parts - a transparent base and a plastic tray.
- In such housing, your hamster will always be visible, and it is very convenient to watch him from all sides.
- The terrarium is very easy to clean.
- This design is ideal for those owners who do not like noise.
This design also has disadvantages, although they are not significant. When installing such a home, the owner needs to think about how to attach the drinking bowl. Although many people use suction cups or place heavy containers on the floor. Then the hamster simply will not be able to turn it over.
Another negative point is that in a terrarium that is made of glass, you will not have the opportunity to pet your furry. But you can easily get it out by opening the lid of the structure.