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Hamsters - Housing

Healthy hamsters depend on proper housing and are generally housed singly. The well-being of the pets must be a primary consideration. Enclosures made of wire, stainless steel, durable plastic or glass are all ok. The last 3 are preferred because they are resistant to corrosion. Wood etc. should not be used to construct enclosures as they cannot withstand the destructive gnawing of rodents and are difficult to clean. Many pet shops sell durable coloured plastic enclosures that include attached horizontal and vertical tubes through which the hamster can crawl for exercise. The most popular of these is the Rotastak which are suitable enclosures for hamsters.

Essentially the enclosure must be constructed so the hamsters cannot escape. This is an important consideration as hamsters are real "escape artists"! Once free they are very difficult to find and rarely return of their own free will. A hamster escapee in the house is a real liability as it will gnaw on electrical cables and attack household furnishings.

Hamsters are happiest when housed in enclosures with solid floors, deep bedding and plenty of nesting materials. The enclosure should be easy to clean, well lit and adequately ventilated. Clean bedding should be of a non-toxic, absorbent, dust-free and easy to replace. Shredded paper or wood shavings are prefect bedding materials. We do not recommend the use of filament fibres or cotton wool as bedding as these can wrap around little hamster feet and legs and cause injury.

The frequency with which the cage should be cleaned depends on the design and materials of which it is made and the number of hamsters kept. As a general rule of thumb, the cage and all equipment should be cleaned and disinfected weekly. The food and water containers should be cleaned daily. More than one set of containers should be provided, and the soiled set should be washed in very hot water or dishwasher. Cleaning of the enclosure and furniture with hot soapy water and a thorough rinse should be followed by use of a mild disinfectant.

This is a hollowed out coconut which provides a nice bedroom for up to 2 dwarf hamsters

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