This page has some tips that I've read before in books and
contains some tips that I've gained over experience.
Here are some tips about hamsters.
Be cautious to keep your hamster away from houseplants. Most are poisonous and if the hamster nibbles on them, it could be severly sick.
A great tip from Rea is if your hamster has a multi-level wire cage, you could get thick polystyrene sheets to put over
the wire floors. It's non-toxic, pretty cheep, and it can be bought at your local hardware store. It is a white hard plastic about 3mm or 1/8 inch thick and is very easy to cut with a hand saw or a ban-saw. I personally think this is a great idea because these sheets may actually encourage your hamster to use the other floors besides the bottom floor.
Picking up a hamster by the scruff of its neck is a wrong way to handle a hamster. Hamster babies were picked up this way only by their mothers. Adult hamsters usually protest being handled like that and could indeed squirt some urine. Instead, support the hamster by cupping your hands together (making sure it can't squirm its way out) or if your hands are big enough you can hold it with one hand but make sure you have the right touch and also support the bottom by the other hand.
If you decide to put your hamster in a room with the door closed, they may still be able to crawl under the door. Put an old towel down by the bottom of the door (and I emphasize the word old because your hamster might go potty on it or chew it) so they can't get out.
If your hamster is able to roam around a closed room, make sure it can't reach wires or even clothing material for gnawing on. Also watch out so it can't be squished either by your foot, or by a door. (I'd recommend a hamster ball instead.)
If a hamster bites, it is strongly urged that you place the hamster down gently as possible. You do not want a reaction (by you) that could seriously hurt the hamster. Perhaps there was a good reason why it nipped you. Either it was being held improperly, or the smell of food on your hands could of caused the bite or nip. If the bite is severe and starts to bleed, disinfect it with some iodine or some other disinfecting medication. If it still swells up, consult a doctor.
If your hamster escapes, be sure to trap it by closing all doors carefully. Than grab some sunflower seeds and place them in the center of each room (Remember to know the amount of sunflower seeds placed). Within a hour there could be some seeds missing or eaten in a room. Now you know where your target is and finding it shouldn't be as hard.
Last Updated: Tuesday, October 31/00
Do you have any tips that you'd like to share here??? Than e-mail me!!!