joy hamster pet care leaflet[1]

7/29/2019 Joy Hamster Pet Care Leaflet[1]

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www.jollyes.co.uk

Full of adviceon caring for

your pet

Jollyes, only the

best for you and your pets

Your guide to

Hamsters


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Are you

ready?Hamsters make great pets,

especially when space

is limited. Your hamsterwill not require too much

space but will provide

you and your family with

a loving, fun and energetic

pet. There are two main

types of hamsters - the Dwarfand the Syrian hamster. Each are

different so it is important to nd the one that suits you best.

Although hamsters are small animals, they are still a

commitment and will require you to spend time caring for

them throughout their life. It is important to understand that,although they are small, they are not an easy option.

Once you are certain that you and your family can provide

a loving and long lasting home for your hamster, you must

consider the following issues.

Selecting your HamsterDwarf - The Dwarf hamsters are very small, approximately half

the size of Syrian hamsters. Dwarf hamsters are slightly limited in

colour compared to Syrian hamsters, but they are known to be a

more sociable pet. They are very small, gentle and very energetic.

Dwarf hamsters are nocturnal animals so they will sleep during the

day and be ready to play in the evening. Their

average life span is just one and a half to

two years. Dwarfs are sociable animals

and so should be kept in small single

sex groups or pairs to prevent them

getting lonely. Males can sometimes

fight as they get older, so female pairs orgroups can be best.

Hamsters cannotbe spayed or

neutered


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Syrian - The Syrian hamster - also known as the golden hamster - is

a very popular pet due to its gentle nature, size and inquisitiveness.

Adult hamsters will grow from 10cm to 18cm in length and will

usually have a slightly longer life span, compared to the Dwarfhamster, of 18 months to 2 years. The Syrian hamsters are actually

crepuscular animals, which mean they wake after sunset, late at

night and at dawn. They Syrian hamsters have incredible cheek

pouches that extend from their cheeks to their shoulders to store

their food. Syrian hamsters should be housed alone as they do not

mix well once they are adults.

What to look for - A healthy hamster should be bright and alert

and able to move easily around the cage with no signs of stiffness.

The coat should be glossy with no bald patches or skin sores. Look

out for signs of breathing problems and discharge from the eyes,

ears, mouth or nose.

At home with your hamsterOnce you have selected your hamster you will have to consider their

bedding. Dwarf and Syrian hamsters require different types of cages

to suit their breed.

Dwarf Hamster cage - Due to the size

of the Dwarf hamsters, it is importantto get a cage suited to their breed, as

they tend to be able to escape from

a lot of the cages. The best would be

the plastic cages with no bars. They

will want a cage with lots of levels,

compartments and tunnels for them toexplore, as they are very energetic.

Syrian Hamster cage - They will

require a large cage as they are very

energetic pets. In the wild they are

known to be able

to run at least8 miles, so they

will require a lot

of space, levels,

compartments

and tunnels to

reduce boredomand provide

plenty of exercise.


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Jollyes, only the best for you and your pets

Bedding - Wood shavings make the

perfect ooring for your hamster,

combined with shredded paper

to make a cosy nesting area forthem. Do not use cedar shavings

as these can cause allergic

reactions and do not use straw

as this can pierce their delicate

cheek pouches.

Cleaning - Ensure you provideyour hamster with a clean

living environment. They

will need a separate toilet,

nesting and eating area, so

do provide a large enough

cage for them. Clean the cage

at least once a week and the toilet

area at least twice a week with a pet

safe disinfectant spray.

Positioning of the cage - You should

position the cage in a place that avoids

direct sunlight, draughts and radiators.

Provide more bedding in the winter. At

temperatures below 5 degrees, your Syrian

hamster may hibernate, but you can warm

him up by holding him in your hands. Hamsters

have sensitive hearing so do not place them

too close to TVs or other loud noises.

Settling in time - Allow your hamster 24 hours

to settle into their new surroundings before

handling him. This will allow him time to relax

and get used to his new home without too

much stress.

DietWhat should I feed my

hamster?Hamsters are omnivores

and therefore enjoy a varied diet

of hamster mix and fresh fruit and

vegetables. Your local Jollyes canrecommend a good hamster mix

that will provide the nutrition your

hamster needs.

Did you knowHamsters arecolour blind?


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How often should I feed my

Hamster?Once a day, at the

same time daily.

What foods are bad forHamsters?Lettuce and avocado

are harmful to hamsters.

Water - Check the bottle every day and make sure

it is always filled. Empty and refil every few days.

HealthPlease ensure you are aware of the health related

problems that can occur in hamsters.

Overgrown teeth - Overgrown teeth are a

common health problem with Dwarf and Syrian

hamsters. They can be clipped by your local vet,but always provide enough gnawing material to

reduce this problem.

Dwarf hamster health problems -

Respiratory problems are known to

affect Dwarf hamsters. This can be

caused by factors such as the stress ofa change in environment. Your local vet

can usually treat this with antibiotics.

Syrian hamster health problems -

If Syrian hamsters are left in

temperatures that drop below 5OC

(40OF) they can go into hibernation.This will make them appear asleep and

very still. The temperature will need to be raised gradually and

the hamster should gradually wake up. Never warm your hamster

above 32OC (90OF).

Jollyes, only the best for you and your pets

Hamsters canbe taught how to

come by name


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www.jollyes.co.uk

Jollyes, only the

best for you and your pets

Shopping ChecklistWe recommend the following items for your new hamster.

Parrot, Budgerigar andCockatiel Checklist

For further information contact:

Jollyes Petfood Superstores

1 Lea Road, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1AS

n Suitable cage

n House/nestbox

n Gnaw-proof food dish

n Water bottle

n Hamster food

n Treats

n Gnaw blockn Salt lick

n Woodshavings

n Soft bedding

n Toys

n Exercise wheel or ball

n Pet safe disinfectant

n A book on hamster

care

Hamster Checklist

It is now time to enjoy your hamster and watch him grow into an

important member of the family.

joy hamster pet care leaflet[1]

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