Happy Hamsters

tragic story!! how do you care for baby hamsters with out the mother?

I work at a very well known petstore. Today we found, in the trash, ready to be put in the dumpster, a tied bag with a taped up box full of hamsters. Looked like a mother and littermates, all dead except two babys about 21 days old from what we could tell.
the dead ones were very decomposted and it appeared that the two survivors were feeding on the dead ones to stay alive. it was so gross! the two survivors appear to be healthy but dehydrated. i offered to adopt them but they have to be quarentined for 72 hrs before the store will allow me to take them home. we figured that a customer abandoned them in our trash hoping they would escape and be caught and adopted out. as with what happens to alot of little unwanted animals at our store, sadly.
i just started working there three weeks ago and would feel stupid asking questions about hamsters. i dont have alot of experience w/ them and our store dosnt deal with baby’s, as they are not allowed to breed. any websites or advise?

even though the circumstances are dramatic, the two siblings will be able to live together, for the rest of their lives;
two (syrian) hamsters can be kept together under two conditions
- that they ALWAYS are kept together and keep having the same smell; they get aggressive towards another hamster when they smell the different smell; if they are still together right now (during the quarantine) you’ll be able to keep them in the same cage, which, for syrians, will however to be LARGE.
- that they have the same sex (!)

the shop owner / mgr. should be able to check later;
if they didn’t leave then together (most unlikely, anyway at this age) it maybe because they are a couple (thus male & female)

if you are willing to spend a little more money for a larger cage and they have the same sex (especially two males), you’ll end up having the cutest and happiest pets you may hope for.
instead of a house (which would be too small for two hammies to sleep together, give them a large "cavernous" housing so they always can sleep together.

with 21 days, they can feed on commercial hamster food (or small pieces of meat or vegetables and fruits)

if you started working there only three weeks ago, there is no shame in asking a couple questions about hamsters; if you never had hamsters before, it’s unlikely you’d even know what they look like, exactly; if you volunteer to take care of those two (unless the shop wants to sell them), the shop mgr. / owner might be glad that you show interest in hamsters and should be willing to help you get on speed.

best of luck!

What do you need to care a Hamster?

I am getting hamster over the weekend and I need to know everything about them, such as what they need in their cage, what they eat and how long they live for, things like that.

Hamsters are lively and clean and most are happy to live alone, although some species will live as pairs. They can take time to become tame and need to have peace and quiet during the day because they are nocturnal.To live alone (some dwarf species will live as pairs).
Daily feeding on a mixed diet of seeds, grains, nuts and washed fruit and vegetables.
A constant supply of fresh, clean drinking water in a drip-feed bottle with a metal spout.
A large home that is kept in a warm place indoors, out of direct sunlight.
A nest box inside their home. The hamster needs somewhere it can burrow out of sight to sleep and hoard food.
A clean layer of sawdust on the floor of their home with soft hay and clean white kitchen paper for bedding. Do not use newspaper or cotton wool.
Plenty of exercise. A solid exercise wheel (no open rungs) should be fixed to the wall of the hamster’s home.
Toys, like cardboard tubes and wooden cotton reels.
Their home to be tidied every day and thoroughly cleaned every week.
A hardwood gnawing block to wear down long teeth.
To be brushed every day, especially if they have long hair.
Quiet during the day.
To be taken to a vet if they are ill or injured.
To be looked after when you are away on holiday.Pick up a hamster very gently using both hands as a scoop and stay close over a flat surface. hamsters move very quickly and are likely to jump if they are frightened. The RSPCA strongly advises that you do not breed from your hamster as it is very difficult to find good homes for the young. The best way to ensure that hamsters do not breed is simply to keep the sexes apart. If your hamster develops skin sores, bathe them with warm water containing a mild antiseptic. If they persist, seek veterinary advice. Loss of fur and sore skin could also indicate parasites or the fungal disease ringworm.

Sore eyes can be caused by dusty bedding, old age or breathing problems. Ask your vet for advice.

Hamsters may suffer from overgrown teeth and claws. Both can be trimmed by a vet.

The lining of a hamster’s cheek pouches is very delicate and can be damaged by wood splinters or sharp food. If any material becomes lodged in the pouches, seek veterinary advice straight away.

If a hamster is sneezing, breathing slowly and has a sore nose, it may have an infection that could develop into pneumonia. Keep the hamster warm and improve its diet, but seek veterinary advice if symptoms continue. Wet tail is a potentially fatal disease that is highly infectious. If a hamster is tired, loses its appetite and has watery diarrhoea, seek veterinary advice straight away.

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR NEW HAMSTER

how to care for fancy hamster care?

ok i got a few questions.
How much would i be spending in order to keep hamsters?
Do they make good pets?
I dont want one that bits?
Can the live in a 10 gallon tank?
What kind of bedding?
Are they easy to care for?
my shelf space is only 15in. is the tall enough?
Do you need 2 or more?
Will they breed?
Why are they called fancy hamsters?
any other advise will be helpful, ty in advance

Before I answer your questions, there is no such thing as a fancy hamster, only dwarfs (4 different kinds) and Syrians. A "fancy" hamster is a Syrian.

How much would i be spending in order to keep hamsters?
I have five dwarfs, I spend about $35 a month in upkeep, I take it you would pay less, probably more about $20.
The starting cost is much higher, probably somewhere around $60 – $100. Keep in mind, you can make your own toys our of cardboard.

Do they make good pets?
Yes, they are slow and cumbersome but like to explore and play and romp around. They may not be as friendly or as intuitive as a cat or a dog, but they are still fun.

I dont want one that bits?
This isn’t a question? Most Syrian hamsters do not bite. Dwarfs are more prone to biting.

Can the live in a 10 gallon tank?
Nope! Sorry. 30 gallons + or a 90qt bin cage, guides here:
http://www.hamsterhouse.com/forum/index.php?topic=13983.0
They get quite big (sometimes about the size of a small guinea pig, honestly!) so they need a lot more room. Some people will tell you that a 10 gallon tank is big enough, but in reality, it is not. Especially not if it once held fish or reptiles.

What kind of bedding?
NEVER pine or cedar, only aspen, kaytee, or carefresh. A good rule – if you don’t know what’s in it, don’t buy it!

Are they easy to care for?
Yes, reasonably easy. Change their water, spot check their bedding, give them a small pinch of food, and clean their wheel daily, and play with them for about half an hour a day.

my shelf space is only 15in. is the tall enough?
Nope. I keep my hamsters on top of a short bookshelf and on the floor.

Do you need 2 or more?
No, they should NEVER live with another hamster, never ever ever never. They’ll fight to the death. Only buy one!

Will they breed?
Unless you buy one of each sex, house them in different tanks, and plan a mating session, no.

Why are they called fancy hamsters?
They’re not. They’re actually Syrians, and they’re the exact same thing as Black Bears, Teddy Bears, and Golden hamsters, just different colorations and different fur lengths.

How do you take care of hamsters?

I am going to get a hamster soon and I would like to know how to take care of it. I already have a pretty good idea. This is what I have heard to do.
-replace bedding every week and half
-make sure they have a wheel for exercise
-it is best to take them out of their cage and let them rome in a ball or hold them.
-don’t use some plastic houses because they can chew through certain areas.
-the tubing that they run through in the cage can sometimes break apart where they are put together. The hamster could also chew through this.
-make sure they have food and water.
-can only have certain vegetables or fruits because some of them can cause them to be sick.
-let their body’s adjust to any kind of new food or treat.
-make sure they have something to chew on to keep their teeth trimmed because they constantly grow.
-give them a wooden hut to sleep in and chew on if they choose.
-some kind of chew toy. toilet paper rolls work well because they can crawl and chew on them.

If you have any other information for me besides what I put, that would be great! If you have any pictures of not very expensive things for it also that would be great! I am planning on going to petco for most of the stuff but may go to my local pet store for some little extra stuff. Pictures are very great! Tell me anything and everything you know.

replace bedding every week put hamster in the ball or another cage while cleaning it cause, you’ll have to soak it in scrub it down in warm water.make sure you clean the wheel,and food bowl.

let them go in the ball for like 15-30 mins. i put (honey) in the ball at least twice a day so she doesn’t feel scrunched up in her cage. she will learn how to use it. she’ll run in to things it’s okay though. umm and one thing i’ve learn today is put tape on the lid of it because, the lid can pop open. (that happened to mine today. if freaked me out i was so worried she was behind the couch) i got her.

make sure water is room temperature

the can have strawberries, bananas, and peaches. broccoli,carrot. make sure you cut the fruit/vegetables small.

they might chew on the cage. and that bad for them so if they don’t chew on the roll or chewie blocks (like mines doesn’t) go to the pet store and ask them.

i got my hammy from petco to. the teddy bear hamster is the best to get cause, they aren’t as aggressive. and probley wont bite you (my hammy hasnt yet yay lol)

im 13… i love my hammy and i have pics.

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm22/aleyahfine1/honeyD011.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm22/aleyahfine1/honeyD010.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm22/aleyahfine1/honeyD003.jpg

oh and she used that yellow puff thing and moved it by the watter and slept on it lol how cute

How do you care for hamsters and guinea pigs?

My pomeranian just died a couple months ago, and she didn’t live with me because there aren’t pets allowed in my apartment building. She lived a couple blocks away at my parents’ house.

But anyway, I’ve been missing my dog nonetheless, even though I didn’t see her every single day.

I’ve been thinking about getting either a couple of hamsters or a guinea pig or two… that’ll be allowed in my apartment. I don’t know much about caring for either one.

Are they high-maintenance? Any tips of how to care for them?
Your message is very confusing and annoying. Thanks for finally telling me, at the END of the message, that a "cavy" is a guinea pig. I didn’t know what the hell you were talking about. The main thing I take from your message — guinea pigs are a pain.
Okay thanks, I’ll only consider hamsters now. So thanks… (heheh)

**Pneumonia will kill a cavy fast.. Most people are not aware to place tang in the water bottle and then it will need changed each day. Invest in a bottle brush and some pipe cleaners. Have an extra bottle. Place one tablespoon of tang in the water bottle. Next day change out bottles and place tang in the clean water bottle. Take old water bottle soak it in very hot water and run the pipe cleaners threw the metal stem in the bottle cat. Vitamin C goes inert (stops working) after 24 hours. Orange slices is not enough c.

Were they all the same sex in the cage. Here is another thing. All females must be pregnant before they are one year old. If not there pelvic bones fuse together and they are unable to deliver the babies and die a horrible and painful death. Keep these two factors in mind when dealing with cavies (guinea pigs).
Source(s):
Vet, guinea pig owner and shower. Visit our website at www.acba.com

How do you take care of black bear hamsters?

Recently I’ve been trying to get a black bear hamster and almost every store tells me that they currently have wet-tail and that they are treating it. Are black bear hamsters or any other syrian hamsters that hard to take care of? How do you prevent or cure wet-tail and does wet-tail happen commonly?

Please tell me how to take care of hamsters so they live for a long happy life maybe 1-2 years.

By the way my first hamster was a golden hamster and it ended up living for about 15 months before it passed away.Poor thing =(, back then I didn’t have much knowledge about hamsters so I just fed it junk and put it in a glass tank with newspaper scraps and didn’t provide it with everything it needed but it still lived quite long. Well bottomline is , is it really that hard to take care of hamsters?

Look it up on the internet. Here are some sites.

http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/hamsters/a/hamstercare.htm

http://www.petwebsite.com/hamsters/hamster_care.htm

Hamster cage and care questions?

I am currently thinking of purchasing a hamster right now. Below are my following questions about hamsters and hamster care (try to answer as much as possible):

1) What cage should I get a hamster: the metal bar ones or the plastic ones?
2) What type/species of hamster is the best and easiest to care for?
3) Where can I find pet stores in Calgary?
4) How frequent should you change the bedding?
5) Is using regular paper (ie. office paper) ok for hamsters as a bedding?
6) Does the hamster cage stink if you change it regularily?
7) How much do hamsters cost?

1. There are many different type of cages that you can get for hamsters, in Canada I find that the most popular ones are the ones with a plastic base and metal bars. These are the best cages as the hamster can climb the bars for excercise as well as they do not chew out of the cage. I have found that my favorite type of cage for my hamsters is the Habitrail Safari Cage (it comes with a second level and a wheel), also the Habitrail Playground cage (but you need to buy a wheel for that one). If you dont have habitrail cages, Crittertrail works well as well as a basic Living world cage as long as you get a wheel for the inside.

2. The most common first hamster is a teddybear hamster, they come in both long and short hair varieties, as well as they are a bit larger than the common syrian hamster. They are also often known to have a bit of a better temperment than other hamsters (although this is not proven). Also, teddybear/syrian hamsters can fit in a normal hamster cage whereas a dwarf hamster (grow to about 2-3 inches in size) need a specialized cage. All hamsters are basicly the same to care for, they are all noctornal, just some require certian smaller items than others (syrian vs dwarf).

3. http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&q=category:+Pet+Shops&near=Calgary,+AB&fb=1&view=text&cd=1&f=l&ei=KWXsRuHHOZGCrAKasamDDA&sa=N&start=0
That shows some pet stores around Calgary, also, if you are willing to travel to Edmonton, there is a store called PJs Pet Centres which carry tons of different types of hamsters as well as cages and all accessories you will need.
http://www.pjspet.com/alberta.html
Also, try to adopt a hamster if possible, they are often tame and cost little to no money at all, plus they are always looking for loving homes. Try this website if you wish to adopt:
http://www.petfinder.com/

4. You should change your hamsters bedding at least once a week, this keeps the cage clean as well as keeps odor down.

5. For bedding I would recommend that you use ASPEN wood shavings. They are the most commonly used shaving and are very cheap. You can often buy a 10L bag for around $5-10 which is very cheap and will last you about 4-5 changings of the cage. Other than that there is a bedding called carefresh which is a bit more expensive but it absorbs a bit more odor and it also comes in colors which many pet owners enjoy.

6. If you change the cage weekly there is virtually no odor, other than a slight smell from the shavings. I would recommend that you invest in a small animal toilet and small animal litter. Hamsters are naturally very clean and will often go to the washroom in one spot. If provided the option they will use a litter box in order to help keep their cage clean (it also helps to keep the cage from smelling!)

7. As for the cost of a hamster, for the hamster alone I find that these are the most common costs:
Syrian Hamster (golden hamster) – $5-10
Teddybear Hamster – $5-10
Blackbear Hamster – $15-20
Pandabear Hamster – $20-30
Dwarf Hamster – $10-15

How do you take care of Hamster babies?

I thought my hamster was a male and yesterday I found 12 babies in her cage. I had three hamsters in one cage for two days about a month ago. Big mistake, but what do I do to take care of them?

Do not touch the babies or the nest. If you do the mom will eat them, Thats her way of protecting them. You cannot clean the cage for at least 2 weeks. (stinky mess, i know) Make sure you feed the mom some healthy snacks like boiled egg, cheese, apples, bananas, etc. Also, put her cage in a quiet room and cover the top with a cover(like a blanket, sheet, towel) and dont disturb her. The babies will be weaned in 2 1/2-3 weeks. You will start to see them eating and drinking from the water bottle. Also, out a piece of unscented toilet paper so she can make her a soft nest. They keep the babies covered in the paper. She will love it.Good luck!!

Can hamsters have fleas and other hamster care things?

I just got a hamster and I don’t know anything about them. I inherited a cage and so I got a hamster last night. I have 6 indoor cats and they have been all been treated with Frontline for fleas.I know fleas come inside on our shoes so I’m wondering if Cujo might be able to get them and how to keep him from it. Cujo is very safe inside his cage which is secure and has no chance of being opened by my cats who seem to adore him. He has been sticking his nose between the bars sniffing my kitties. What do I need to know about caring for Cujo? He has a wheel, a wooden carrot to chew on, a big strawberry house to sleep in, water tube, gourmet tropical hamster food,and aspen shavings. What can I do to make him have a happy life here with us? He’s a dwarf teddy bear hamster.

LMAO at the name Cujo! Yes, hamsters can have fleas, but it is safe to use cat flea powder on them if they do. I have worked in a pet store though, and I have yet to see a hamster that has them. that’s just in my own personal experience.

It sounds like you hav a lot of good stuff for him. We used to put a drop (just one) of baby vitamins (human) in their water bottles whenever we would refill them. don’t give him any more than that though.

Hamster balls are great, but I would only leave him in it for about 15 minutes or so. The more that hamsters are handled, the better. Don’t try to pick him up after he first wakes up though. It will be his instinct to bite you. If you want to pick him up and he is asleep, find something to sort of poke at him with to nudge him awake first so that you don’t get bitten (their bites HURT!). You can pick him up by the scruff of the neck and it won’t hurt him. They like to be scratched (gently) on the back and behind the ears.

I know you said the cage is really secure, but be careful! They can be really good escape artists, and it is hard to find them if they are lost in the house! You may want to secure the top of the cage with a twisty-tie or something like that. If it’s a solid top, you may want to lay something on top of it to add a little weight.

Teddy bear hamsters are so cute! Good luck with your new pet, and post a pic of him or something! : )

How to care for Hamsters!!!!Please read Please!!?

ok well ima get little by little i dont know what kind ima get but like please give me alot of details on how to care for 1 and like what kind of bedding how big is a bag of food and what they like plaing with and doing please give me alot of things about them are a site to care for emm//thanks!!!!

Hey, I’ve a Roborovskii hamster for almost a year and he is timid, fast, and panics easily! Here are some websites that helped me alot!

http://exoticpets.about.com/od/hamsters/tp/hamsterguide.htm

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/rabbit_horse_and_other_pet_care/how_to_care_for_hamsters.html

http://www.hamsterific.com/