Hamsters make the coolest pets. They’re small. When you look at their faces, their cute little expressions make you smile and giggle. They’re only about four inches long, so he needs little space in his small cage and less attention than a cat or dog. That’s why my hamster rocks.
My friend gave me Pete as a housewarming gift. He came with a small aquarium with proper beddings, water bottle, feeding bowl and, of course, his wheel. I started giving him nuts and sunflower seeds. He was already so adorable, but it took a while before I understood what it meant to have a hamster for a pet.
I noticed that he has a keen sense of smell but his eyesight isn’t so good. Most probably he can smell me and only has blurry image of me.
Day One: Knowing My Pet
His first night at the apartment was a bit weird. I had no idea that hamsters were nocturnal. He was all hyper in his cage and the sounds of his movements kept me awake. I moved his cage in the hallway after that.
But I was told that it would be best for him to get acquainted with his new home. I put a light cloth on his cage and left him alone with his food and his water bottle was full.
Caring for Pete
Pete is a Syrian hamster. He is one of the most common types of hamsters and should not live with a dwarf hamster. For most cases, he likes to munch on the treats from the store but every two or three weeks, I give him sunflower seeds, corn or nuts. This is to keep his teeth healthy.
I also noticed that he hoards the excess food. Hamsters are natural hoarders and keep the food in their cheeks, and dumps it in his hoarding spot. He stores the food in the same place in the aquarium which is under his bedding by the corner. I have to make sure that I dump all his hoardings when I clean his aquarium because if I don’t, the food will rot and he will get sick.
I make sure that I purchase his supplies from the best. Petsmart seems to be the best supplier for beddings and treats.
How to Tame Your Hamster
Because hamsters are from the wild, and their fragile nature, careful handling is required. With Pete, I slowly introduced my hand to him so he will be familiarized with me.
I did this by first putting treats on my palm. I slowly put my hand inside the cage. Pete was obviously scared at first. Then, he started smelling my hand. He actually thought that my hand was food and tried to nibble on it. He refused to go on my palm.
After a few days of familiarizing, Pete eventually figured out that I was not a threat. He climbed on my palm and I carried him around the apartment. After a couple of weeks, I would let him play in a bigger box and put other toys and treats inside. I got him a woven ball and a small animal tunnel that keeps him excited.
When he is outside, I watch out for signs of anxiety in Pete. Hamsters have a tendency to play dead when they are anxious and that in itself shows that he is scared of something.
The Good Life with My Hamster
Having Pete around brings amusement and great companionship. Hamsters are so easy to keep in a small dwelling place like mine. They do not make foul odors just as long as their beddings are always changed and their droppings are properly disposed.
My pet is also cost effective. I need not buy loads of food to keep him happy. When I bring him out of his aquarium, he is happy in his play area, with his treats and toys. I don’t have to walk him around the park or bring him downstairs to do his business.
Hamsters are also good with house guests. They hardly notice that Pete is there because he doesn’t growl at strangers. My nephews and nieces love Pete because he is just so cute, and can be watched from inside the aquarium. The kids love him.
At the end of a grueling day, it’s nice to sit back and just watch Pete sleep or later on wake up and start his activities in his home. When I got Pete, I found a friend. Of course I know it wasn’t love at first sight but definitely a worthwhile house companion.
This is a nice article, I’m going to save this to read to my young daughter for when she is old enough to consider a pet. 🙂