Nandini Balial is a writer and fact checker specializing in a variety of way of life topics, including film/Television, literature, and feminism, with work showing in Slate, Wired, Pacific Customary, and more prestigious outlets. In case you are fascinated by getting a pet hamster Can Hamsters Eat Pecans for you or a child, it's important that you understand how to decide on one, what supplies you want, and the right way to feed and care to your new pet. Hamsters are sometimes low-upkeep pets however proper care is crucial to retaining them blissful and wholesome. They are small rodents that usually live about two years, and are normally finest housed alone. Hamsters are common pets for youngsters and adults alike. Hamsters are available in quite a lot of colors and breeds, and completely different breeds are known for distinctive traits. Chinese Hamsters: These small hamsters are not as widespread as other sorts of hamsters. Many people typically mistake them for dwarf hamsters however they aren't true dwarfs. They solely grow to be 4 inches long. Syrian Hamsters: Syrian hamsters are available a number of color variations and go by different names, such as goldens, panda, and teddy bears. Dwarf Hamsters: There are a number of varieties of dwarf hamsters, reminiscent of Roborovskis and Russians, and they're just like Chinese language hamsters, but far more commonly found in pet stores. Not every hamster in the pet retailer is in optimal well being. They are much larger than dwarf and Chinese hamsters and are the most commonly seen sort of hamster. Moving from a breeder or provider to a store can be a demanding interval for child hamsters, and they will usually get sick from it. Both eyes needs to be open and, ideally, the hamster will likely be consuming or operating around the cage. Select an energetic hamster that does not look like it has a wet rear end or watery eyes. Young hamsters might be easier to prepare and hand-tame than older hamsters, who could have had unhealthy experiences or have never interacted with humans. There are numerous hamster cage options accessible each on-line and at pet stores however some cages are positively better than others. Selecting a hamster that is easy to tame is another factor to consider. Several cages could look cool, but aren't very practical and are extremely tough to wash (cages with colorful tubes are a good instance of this). Fish tanks aren't good choices for hamsters either, since they lack proper ventilation. Select a cage that has good ventilation, is straightforward to clean, has area for a hamster to run and discover, and will not enable your hamster to flee. It's possible you'll even have to think about that smaller hamster breeds have totally different cage wants than the larger Syrian varieties, since cage wire spacing can decide whether or not or not a hamster is able to escape. Inside the hamster cage you will want to supply comfortable and absorbent bedding, a water bottle, an train wheel, chew toys, a house, and meals dish. Needless to say hamsters like and must chew on gadgets so wooden, cardboard, plastic, and other objects which might be capable of be chewed might not final very long contained in the enclosure. Most people assume that a retailer-purchased bag of hamster seed is what is greatest for a hamster however they really want a wide range of proteins, fruits, and vegetables to keep them wholesome and joyful. However in case you offer a pelleted eating regimen instead of a seed mixture and complement it with a wide range of other safe foods, you'll be providing your hamster with every part it needs to thrive. Hamsters might choose and choose what they want to eat from seed mixtures and due to this fact will not receive a balanced weight loss plan. Greens are a great option to supply daily; parsley, kale, romaine, peas, and squash are all good choices. Your hamster's diet needs to be made of seventy five % fortified pellets, 20% veggies, greens, and fruits, and 5 % treats. Most hamsters may also eat the immature seeds within the hay. Hamsters can be tamed to be very candy little pets however for anybody who has ever been bitten by one, they know hamster bites positively aren't enjoyable. It's also a good idea to provide hay in your hamster's surroundings to assist with nesting and foraging. Attempt not to wake it up, and instead entice it to climb onto your hand on its own utilizing a tasty treat. It will enable you to realize your hamster's trust over time, and help you pet and hold your hamster while avoiding being bitten. Hamsters usually are not aggressive pets but if they are scared or startled they might chunk. Hamsters must be lively and have enrichment in order that they don't get bored and overweight. Young hamsters are typically easier at hand-tame, but you can begin instructing your hamster not to chew by making sure you don't startle it. In addition they want chew toys to maintain their teeth neat and trim. There are a wide range of hamster toys that are designed to be chewed so your hamster's teeth may be properly cared for, and an train wheel will enable a hamster to run as much as they need. Hamster breeding will not be one thing the informal hamster proprietor ought to do. It is best left to hamster breeders who're breeding for specific qualities and temperaments but accidents do happen. Particular balls may also be purchased to allow a hamster to run round safely exterior its cage; cute homes and different climbable choices are available to offer your hamster with ample train. Additional food and a quiet nesting area inside the cage must be supplied to a pregnant hamster. Many unsuspecting new hamster homeowners find themselves with a pregnant hamster after purchasing it from a pet retailer. Choosing a Hamster. Merck Veterinary Guide.