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Hamsters In The House - By: Jim Brown, Posted on: 2007-05-31

Hamsters are rodents which have been domesticated and which are common to the Middle East and the western parts of Europe. These types of animals are easy to have in captivity and are usually treated as household pets or as laboratory specimens.

Hamsters as pets can be kept in commercial cages or terrariums. Homemade dwellings are also options for keeping hamsters. If commercial cages are considered as an option the advantages would be that cages are portable enough to be transferred from place to place. Its bars can be used by the hamsters for exercise purposes since these mammals are fond of climbing obstacles and so. An ideal floor space for these active rodents would be at least two square feet and high tops to encourage climbing activities.

The terrariums also have their advantages in a way that the hamsters are prevented to throw their litter out of the cage and it brings them a quieter scenario due to the glass' capacity to buffer sound.

In the case of homemade dwellings, some important aspects are to be considered in terms of choosing the materials of the house. Plywood and products are highly discouraged because these materials would promote the use of glue and/or resin. Glue and/or resin are dangerous for the hamsters if they are exposed to these materials for a long time. A safer alternative to connect dwellings would be by the use of birch or breech with white water soluble wood glue. However, wood is something that hamsters can chew off in a period of time, so the location of the connectors should be placed away as much as possible.

The hamster's cages should be filled with litter consisting of old newspapers or wood chips without dangerous chemicals. Cat litter is a not an option for it may kill the hamster. Softwood based litters containing phenols may damage the hamster's internal organs and may clog respiratory tracts.

The area where the cage will be placed inside the house should not be under direct sunlight because it may harm the pets. An area with temperatures ranging from 16 to 26 degrees Celsius is a proper environment for the hamsters.

Exercise and entertainment is important to any type of pet and this does not exclude the hamsters. Exercise wheels are the most common exercisers for a pet hamster. Other play toys like plastic fixtures and mobiles like balls and figures may be an added feature to the play toys that an owner should consider for the pet. One natural habit of the hamster as a rodent would be to build their own nests in their own areas in their cages. This habit should be taken into consideration. Tissue paper or newspaper layers may be supplied for their nesting activities, grass and hay may also be used considering the fact though that they don't contain pesticides.

It is a major responsibility for every pet owner to know and understand the proper care of the pet that they have chosen. Utmost care and attention should be rendered.

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James Brown writes about DogToys.com discount codes, 1-800-PetMeds coupons and Only Natural Pet Store discounts