careguide Syrian Hamsters
a bit about us... If you are reading this, then you are probably thinking of taking me home... GREAT!! If I am handled correctly I can become a friendly, happy pet. Hamsters originate from the desert areas of Syria and have made wonderful pets for many years. Before you buy me, a member of staff will health check me and guarantee what sex I am, and you will be given a birth certificate, which has my date of birth on*. You can purchase me from as young as 4 1/2 weeks old and I will be fully grown at about 12 weeks. Syrian hamsters can start to fight with each other at about 8 weeks of age so they must live on their own. The life expectancy of a syrian hamster is on average 1 to 2 years. Hamsters have cheek pouches that they store food in - they then hoard it to be eaten later. Hamsters are nocturnal mammals, which means they are asleep during the day and most active at night. a happy home Hamsters are very active, so the larger the cage the better. It should be no smaller than 46cm (18in) wide x 30cm (12in) deep x 25cm (10in) high. The bars should be no more than 12mm apart or the hamster could get its head stuck or escape. The cage should also include an exercise wheel and a house to sleep in. Situate the cage indoors where it is not in a draught, near a source of heat, in direct sunlight or where the temperature fluctuates. A bedroom, dining room or lounge is ideal. Never use aerosols near the cage and keep it away from stereos and televisions, as the high-pitched noises could irritate the hamster. Woodchips or sawdust should be used as the floor covering. Put a layer on the bottom of the cage. This will protect the hamster s feet and soak up the urine. Animal safe bedding should be used and placed in the hamster s house.
keep us clean feeding time playtime and toys proper handling Clean the cage out thoroughly at least once a week with a pet safe disinfectant and hot water. Wash the house, wheel, bottle, bowl, toys and bars. The water bottle should be filled daily to monitor the drinking and to prevent dripping. Position it low enough for the hamster to reach. Shake the bottle each time you fill it to make sure the ball bearings are moving and flush the nozzle through. Use ceramic or stainless steel bowls - they are more hygienic and cannot be chewed. Syrian hamsters are omnivores and need feeding once a day with a complete hamster mix. Do not overfeed your hamster, as it will probably store some of the food, or will pick out the bits it likes, and could get a diet imbalance. You can feed your hamster small quantities of fresh fruit and vegetables as a treat, but no more than twice a week. Do not feed LETTUCE, RHUBARB OR AVOCADO as these can be harmful. Always remove uneaten fresh food the following day. Most hamsters enjoy salt licks, and they should be available for them to use. Wood gnaws are very important to help keep the hamster s teeth trim. Offer a variety of treats but only feed them occasionally, otherwise the hamster may not eat all of its food. Toys (especially tubes) are important to keep the hamster amused, but do not overcrowd the cage. Hamsters can travel several miles in one evening so must be provided with an exercise wheel. Play balls are ideal to put the hamster in whilst cleaning out the cage, and it will provide exercise for the hamster and prevent it from getting lost. Use for only 20 minutes at a time and in a safe environment. Allow your hamster 24 hours to settle in its new environment. Always handle a hamster when it is facing you so it does not feel threatened. Cup both hands around your hamster when picking it up, but do not hold too tightly. Never hold your hamster whilst standing up, because a fall from this height could be fatal. Do not poke your fingers through the bars of the cage because you may get bitten. Handle your hamster daily.
staying healthy health problems weekly checklist It is vital you check your hamster and its food and water supply twice a day. You should health check your hamster thoroughly at least once a week. The checklist below should help you to do this properly. overgrown teeth Hamsters can suffer with overgrown teeth that may have to be clipped by a veterinary surgeon. Always make sure there is plenty of gnawing material available. wet tail Wet tail is a common problem in hamsters if they are living in overcrowded accommodation or soiled bedding. The tail and anus area become wet and inflamed, and have to be treated with antibiotics by a veterinary surgeon. hibernation If hamsters are kept where the temperature drops below 5c (40F) they can go into hibernation. They may appear to be asleep or even dead. The temperature must be raised gradually by placing the hamster on a covered heat pad or hot water bottle, at no more than 32C (90F) and the hamster should wake up. Is underneath the tail clean? Do they have all their toes and nails; are they clean and not over grown? Are all the teeth there; are they straight and not over grown? Is the nose clean with no discharge? Are the eyes bright and clear? Stroke the ears; are they smooth and clean? Is the fur clean with no bald patches or parasites? Blow in the fur. The skin should be pink not red, dry or flaky? Feel the body. Is it fat enough? It should not feel bloated or bony. Listen to the chest. Is the breathing almost silent with no wheezing? If you answered no to any of the above, your hamster may require veterinary attention.
shopping list cage (including exercise wheel and house) woodchips or sawdust bedding disinfectant water bottle food bowl complete hamster mix salt lick wood gnaws treats toys play ball book (to use for future reference) All Pets Corner animals are guaranteed for 21 days. If you have any problems please contact us and we will be happy to help C ALL US FREEPHONE 0800 1696098 or visit www.petscorner.co.uk You must be at least 16 years of age, or have a letter from a parent or guardian before you can purchase an animal from Pets Corner. If your journey home with an animal is going to be longer than 20 minutes then please tell us. Please remember that the information in this leaflet is intended as a guide only. Animals have individual requirements. All Pets Corner animals are guaranteed for 21 days. If you have any problems please contact us and we will be happy to help.