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13.04.2018
Experienced hamster owners and breeders are sure that the animal definitely needs walks in the fresh air. The issue gains relevance in the summer and spring periods. There are several options for walking your pet on the street, and the most popular is walking using a special leash.
What are there
The main models are:
- harness;
- harness-vest;
- leash with collar;
- walking ball.
A regular harness is shaped like a figure eight, fastened in the middle with a leather pad to which the leash is attached. One figure eight ring is threaded under the pet’s tummy, and the other is fixed in front of the front paws, covering the neck.
If such a harness is larger or smaller than the pet, then it will be uncomfortable for him to breathe, or the hamster will fall out of it, so the harness mount is movable so that it can be adjusted to the size of the pet.
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The size of the harness is checked with your little finger: if you can put a finger between the fastening and the back, then this is the optimal size for the hamster.
The harness-vest resembles a vest with a leash attached at the top. The model is comfortable, does not interfere with movement, and the animal will not fall out.
A leash with a collar is worn in the same way as for other animals. This leash is only suitable for large breed hamsters. This is the least convenient model. Safety measures are especially important in it: prevent it from falling out of the collar, do not make sudden jerks, etc.
A walking ball is a ball made of polymers or plastic with breathing holes and a side lid. Having placed the hamster in the ball, you just need to close the lid and let it onto the floor or onto the platform.
This way the animal will be safe from contact with cats or dogs, and nothing will interfere with its movements. A ball is a better option for training muscles and providing physical activity than a wheel in a cage.
Accessories for walking
Walking balls have long gained popularity among hamster owners, but there are other devices that can be used for walking your pet. However, more often these things are bought for decorative purposes to dress up your pet.
In addition to the special ball, there are the following accessories for walking:
- Leashes for hamsters. They are a tiny collar to which a long bright cord is attached. Naturally, you cannot walk a homa by squeezing its throat. After all, there is a risk of breaking the animal’s spine if the animal suddenly twitches. Also, compression of the neck leads to attacks of suffocation. Therefore, a collar with a ribbon is a purely decorative accessory.
- Harnesses for hamsters. A simple design, similar to a lace tied with a butterfly. The animal's paws are threaded through the loops; they also support its tummy. A small carabiner with a leash is attached to the upper crosspiece of the harness. Sometimes harnesses are sold as a vest. This accessory does not put pressure on the animal's neck, so it is great for walking.
These accessories are made from genuine leather, substitute or soft fabric. Leashes are decorated with beads, beads and rhinestones. Carbines come in plastic and metal.
How to make a leash for a hamster with your own hands
If you don’t like the models offered by the store, you can always make a harness for walking with your own hands or buy a ball. The hamster can walk both in the apartment and on the street.
Tools and materials
To make a leash, you will need:
- pencil, ruler and sheet of paper for drawing;
- main fabric for the vest;
- synthetic winterizer - for the insulated version;
- cardboard - for an orthopedic vest;
- elastic material for harness;
- leash fastening ring;
- scissors, thread and needle.
Step-by-step instruction
Instructions for making a harness-vest:
- take a sheet of paper and cut out a rectangle approximately the size of the animal;
- place a paper rectangle on your pet’s back;
- carefully draw a smooth curve in the place where the hamster's front legs are - the upper part of the vest should be attached around the neck, and the lower part on the abdomen, leaving the front legs free. The vest should not restrict the movement of the pet’s hind legs;
- correct the sketch if necessary;
- cut the vest according to the sketched dimensions and try it on;
- attach the pattern and transfer it to the fabric;
- if padding polyester is added inside to insulate the hamster in the autumn-spring period, then cut out 2 identical parts of the pattern from the fabric, taking into account the seams;
- sew the fabric part and insert padding polyester into it;
- if you are making an orthopedic version of the vest, then add cardboard under the padding polyester with a size 1 cm smaller than the fabric pattern;
- Attach a leash ring to the top of the vest;
- if you have a long elastic belt, then it can be used as a leash;
- a long harness can also be sewn from elastic fabrics;
- install buttons or latches on the vest to secure it on the neck and abdomen;
- insert the leash into the mount.
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Fighting a hamster in a summer cottage
Flooding of holes. If you need to smoke out an animal so that it changes its place of residence, simply fill the hole with water. Be prepared that you will have to fill it a lot, since the hole is deep, has several exits, and some of the water will be absorbed by the ground. But in order to catch the hamster, you need to block all the exits except the one into which we will pour water. Thus, the rodent will have no other choice but near you, and here you will catch it. This should be done during the day, when the animal is at home.
Poison baits also work well. But you need to select them well and give a good dose. These pests are resistant to poison in small doses. Therefore, try to add a serious dose of poison and place the bait around the area. Be careful that the bait is not eaten by pets.
There are other ways to deal with hamsters in the country, but they are not very effective. In any case, beware of them. These are dangerous rodents that can harm not only the garden, but also humans. Even if caught in a trap, he is still dangerous and will jump on you.
Hamster trap:
Pest trapping process:
1. And in the city, dozens of hungry cats, trained on rats and dogs, are looking in vain for food. (cats don’t eat carrots and cabbage)
2. If it is known that this is a hamster, then it has been seen. Like in the song, “I’ll go out into the field at night with a gun. »
