Getting a hamster? :-)

Hey guys! (:


Nibbles here. I was looking for some posts to do as we have been asking for posts more often!
Its great to here from you guys and I want to make a special shout-out to InkBlots & Hannah! 
We love both your blogs and we will link them below :) 


Today I'm going to be talking about things to take into consideration when purchasing a hamster. 

1.  Hamsters are small and require little space for their cages/vivariums - but, they need attention and time out of their cages every day. You also have to keep in mind a space where it isn't too noisy (no loud blasting music) and where the hamster won't disturb you at night when you are sleeping.

      2.  Hamsters are affordable to purchase and keep - but, this is relative. The first time purchases make up quite a bill and you must be prepared to purchase items for your pet at regular intervals (new water bottle, wheel, food...etc) for the rest of its life. However, no matter what, they are one of the most inexpensive pets to keep. Pieces of fresh vegetable that is not used for cooking can also be given and this will supplement food you buy. In a nutshell, don't make the mistake of concentrating on getting a hamster at a good price and neglecting all the other needs. This is usually what happens with new pet owners.

     3.   Hamsters are favorites with children - but they can bite and their bites can draw blood. Each hamster is different and some may never bite especially if they are tamed by you. There are some hamsters that do have a tendency to bite especially if they are not handled by the pet shop owners. Are you willing to keep a hamster that is possibly mean and unsociable if the pet store hasn't handled the hamsters regularly? This means a hamster that you cannot interact with. Others may not want to take the hamster in either.

   4.  Hamsters hardly get sick - but if they do, are you willing to take them to the vet? Most of the time, very sick hamsters have little chance of survival. The vet bill is also often much higher than the price of the hamster.

 5.  Hamsters do not turn your house upside down - but they occasionally turn their cage inside out! You may have to replace items regularly (like waterbottles if it chews on it) and perhaps sweep around its cage everyday, where they've kicked out shavings. This might not appeal to extremely tidy pple who like to see their house spick and span at all times. 

6.  Hamsters are crepuscular or nocturnal. Basically, they're awake and active in the dark. Are you willing to play with them when the sun goes down? They get grumpy if they're woken up from their afternoon beauty sleep and may be more apt to bite if disturbed. If you are usually free in the day, you might want to consider a more diurnal animal. However, if you are relatively free in the evenings, this arrangement should suit you fine.

 7. Syrian hamsters are solitary - one to a cage at all times (except when they are very young)! Although there have been cases of syrians living well together, it is not advisable to take the risk, especially if you are a new hamster owner. Obtaining another set of accessories and a new cage would be the best option. Or, if that is not possible, finding a good home for the second hamster  is in order. It is important to note that Russian Dwarf Hamsters can be kept together, but this has to be done at a young age (usually no later than 2 months). Are you willing to get ten cages, water bottles, wheels, etc. if you have ten hamsters or willing to buy another cage if the Russian Dwarfs Start fighting?

8.  Hamsters can be left alone, if necessary for long periods (holidays- I mean one or two days) and when you're not at home during the day - but they're escape artists and are hard to find if they've decided upon a cosy hiding place, but it may be a better option to have a friend or relative look after it while you are gone just so if the hamster gets out, drains the water bottle, etc., there isn't a problem. On the whole, it is much easier to find a pet sitter for a hamster than for a dog or cat and usually this doesn't cost at all, since it's usually a friend or relative who's been left with the job. However, do brief your sitter about your hamsters habits and needs. I've heard of a case where the sitter put the visiting hamster with her own and they fought to death!

9.  Hamsters can be quite hardy and generally adapt well but, - they can be hurt easily if they are dropped accidentally at standing height and you definitely can't play rough with a hamster! Neither can you play with them for long periods.

10.  You can be quite attached to your pet - but, they live at most 3 years (some live longer but they are exceptions). Do you need a pet who'll be able to spend more time with you? 

So that's it from me guys! I hope everyone is well and please comment below and tell us how your hammy's are all doing! 

Nibbles♥ xxx


Shout out to InkBlots & Hannah!
InkBlots - http://inkythehamstermommy.blogspot.com/
Hannah - http://hannah-animal-tales.blogspot.com/




Sources - http://www.angelfire.com/my/hamstertales/hamsters_you.htm