| Hamsters were discovered 70 years ago in the Syrian | | | | most likely try to ingest their home, do not place any |
| Desert. They have quickly become popular household | | | | soft plastics in the environment. PVC plastic is |
| pets due to their friendly nature and adaptability. | | | | generally safe as it is tough enough to withstand |
| When setting up a habitat, note that there is not such | | | | chewing. Unscented toilet paper can be used as |
| thing as too big of an environment. The cage should be | | | | nesting material. Be wary of the commercial "fluff" as it |
| as big as possible considering it is where the pet will be | | | | has the potential to block intestines if swallowed. |
| spending most of its time. Make it interesting and | | | | Hamsters should have a constant supply of water and |
| comfortable. The cage should be at least 2 square | | | | food. The food should contain a minimum of 16 percent |
| feet, and the spacing between bars should be a | | | | protein and not have molasses. Avoid mixes which |
| minimum of ½ an inch as any larger, and the | | | | include ethoxyquin. A hamster's diet should have a |
| hamster fall through. Aquariums can also be used for | | | | mixture of vegetables, fruits, protein, and whole grains. |
| habitats. They should be well ventilated and have | | | | They will eat a variety of vegetables including squash, |
| screen lid. The commercialized colorful plastic cages | | | | spinach, red and green peppers, peas, parsley, |
| do not make good habitats due to their poor ventilation | | | | cucumber, celery, cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, basis, |
| and difficulty to clean. | | | | avocado, and asparagus. Fruits can be given |
| Bedding can be made from recycled paper materials | | | | occasionally, but only to Syrian hamsters. Because of |
| or woods which do not contain scents. Aspen is also | | | | the high rate of diabetes in dwarf hamsters, fruit should |
| suitable. Cedar and pine shavings are toxic to animals | | | | be avoided. Hamsters may also have in small |
| and thus should never bee used. In addition, sawdust, | | | | quantities whole wheats, pumpkin seeds, tofu, and |
| corn cob, chlorophyll, and cat litter make poor beddings | | | | hard-boiled eggs. Avoid garlic, raw beans, dried corn, |
| as well. | | | | iceberg lettuce, chocolate, processed food, anything |
| Hamsters need private places within their cage where | | | | with a high sugar or salt content. Mineral or salt wheels |
| they can feel secure. Empty oatmeal cans or tissue | | | | are not healthy. |
| boxes perform this function, and the hamster will have | | | | For more information caring for hamsters, consult |
| something to nibble at as well. Since the hamster will | | | | Houston Veterinarian Clinics today. |