Hamsters

• Do not provide hard, plastic toys. When your ham-

ster chews them they can splinter and leave sharp

edges. Also, if a hamster swallows a fragment it

may become extremely ill.

• Make hiding places from cardboard boxes or the

cardboard centers of toilet rolls. These can be

empty or you can put bedding and some food in

them, giving your pet the chance to rummage

among the bedding for some tasty treats and chew

up the cardboard box, real hamster heaven.

• Pet shops also sell wooden bridges and rodent

playgrounds which you can use to help keep your

hamster fit either in the cage or when you take it

out.

• Provide your hamster with a wheel. This should

have a solid back and sides, but not an exposed

spindle. It should fit to the side of the cage. An

alternative is the “flying saucer” wheels that are

free standing, slightly dish-shaped, and tilted at a

45-degree angle. Do not get one that is too small.

If your hamster has to curve its spine when stand-

ing in it, he will do long term-damage to hips,

shoulders, and back.

Hamsters