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Full of advice for caring foryour pet

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Your guide to

Hamsters

Are you ready?

Hamsters make great pets, especially when space is limited. Your hamster will 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 Dwarf and the Syrian hamster. Each are different so it is important to find 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 or groups can be best.

Hamsters cannot be spayed or

neutered

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 Dwarf hamster, of 2 to 3 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 important to 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 to explore, 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 least 8 miles, so they will require a lot of space, levels, compartments and tunnels to reduce boredom and provide plenty of exercise.

Jollyes, only the best for you and your pets

Bedding - Wood shavings make the perfect flooring for your hamster, combined with shredded paper to make a cosy nesting area for them. 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 provide your 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 can recommend a good hamster mix that will provide the nutrition your hamster needs.

Did you know Hamsters are colour blind?

How often should I feed my Hamster? Once a day, at the same time daily.

What foods are bad for Hamsters? 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 of a 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 5O C (40O F) 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 32O C (90O F).

Jollyes, only the best for you and your pets

Hamsters can be taught how to

come by name

www.jollyes.co.uk

Jollyes, only the best for you and your pets

Shopping Checklist We recommend the following items for your new hamster.

Parrot, Budgerigar and Cockatiel 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 block

n 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.