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What things should I get for my hamster and what kind should I get2007-11-24 22:18:02

Chew Stick or Block - allows chewing and keeps teeth trimmed

Treat Stick - alternate food location, must work to remove food

Collar and Lead - provides exercise and socialization

Maintenance Needs

Brush /comb- to reduce shedding, tangles and hairballs

Bedding - keeps cage and pet clean, reduces odors (Care Fresh)

Litter Deodorizer - neutralizes urine smells

Litter Pan or Hamster Potty - provides location to potty train

Book - background information and instructions for ongoing care

Environmental Needs

Cage - wire or plastic, provide a home big enough for the pet (tanks are not recommended for lack of air flow unless you have an extreme chewer)

Water Bottle & Holder - sanitary source of water

Ceramic Dish/Bowl - provides clean place for food, consider most small animals chew

Nutritional Needs

Staple Diet - provides basic nutrition (Syrians can also have fruits)

Assorted Treats - nutritional variety, foraging

Salt/Mineral Block - helps maintain hydration and provides minerals, keeps teeth trimmed

Vitamins - ensure balanced nutrition

Stress Aid - very important during environmental changes, will help prevent or treat diarrhea

Emergency money for a vet if needed is also good to have on hand too.

Cleaning the cage is easy, we use hot water and a scrub brush and for tough spots soak with hot water for 15-20 minutes and if this doesn't work use baking soda and scrub. Rinse well. I never use chemicals like bleach (only a drop) unless we had a sick animal in the cage for disinfecting reasons, but we rinse for at least 5 minutes with running water and let air dry. If the smell remains, we don't use that cage until the smell is gone (putting out in the sun can help for this sometimes).

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you should buy a wheel for him to run in. Proper bedding not cedar chips. Use superior odor control spung bedding. Buy chew toys or put a few sticks in there for him to chew on. You need a water bottle, food dish, tubes or a ladder for him to climb in. I put a glass cup in my hamster "scooter's" cage and he loves it. You can be creative. You need hamster food. They love veggies like carrots, grapes. They also like sunflower seeds and grains. Good luck! They are very fun pets!