Soon-To-Be Owner, Any Advice?

[tournesol]

So, I'm about to be a first time hamster owner, which is tremendously exciting. I'm happy to be on a forum with such helpful advice for valid research, but I'm also still finding out some basic facts about hamster care.

I know the basics, such as what to put in the cage, what foods are safe, how to pick a hamster and where to get one, etc. I'm wondering if there are any important tips on Syrian hamster care that are commonly overlooked? Any advice is helpful. Thanks a bunch!

[Thin Lizzy]

Hi tournesol and welcome to HC. There's plenty of threads on the forum on care which you'll find helpful.
Good to hear you're wanting to get everything organised before you bring a hammy home.

[Crystalroborovski]

Hi, welcome to HC!

I'm sure you're tremendously excited to bring home a new hammy friend Glad you are doing your research too.

Here's my two cents on other tips, you may or may not know some of them (I apologize if I'm telling you something you already know!)-
-10 to 12 inches of bedding is ideal for a Syrian, because some may not burrow if their substrate is deep enough.
-A 12 inch wheel is the ideal size for a Syrian. A really good wheel is the Silent Runner (not silent spinner) from Ecotrition. I don't have a web link but I'm sure another member does
-you can potty train your hamster to pee in a bowl or dish of chinchilla SAND (not dust!). Or, you could save a lot of money and just get a large bag of children's playsand from a hardware or DIY store. Vanillahamham on YouTube made a good video on pottytraining your hamster.
-Flying saucer wheels do not substitute for an upright wheel, mainly because they do not allow a hamster to run naturally and can cause side arching. You can use a flying saucer as a toy or extra wheel but always have an upright wheel in the cage.
-(you probably know this one) Don't handle your hamster within about a week when you get it. I know, it's really exciting when you bring your fur baby home but keep in mind they've been through a lot of stress to reach their final destination of your home!
-Don't feed too much veggies. Depending where you get your hamster, it may or may not have ever eaten veggies before, so don't go ham on the fresh foods at first. Just feed very small amounts (about the size of your little finger nail) every few days, then you may be able to start feeding them veggies every other day. Some people feed veggies everyday but it is your hamster and your choice Feeding too much veggies too often at the start will not go easy on your hammy's stomach.
-Fruit is more of a treat than a staple in your hamster's diet. Most fruits contain a lot more sugar than vegetables so they are more of a treat food than an everyday thing. I'm sure you have researched which fruits and veggies are safe for hamsters
-Vet fund! This is important with every hamster, but since Syrians are prone to getting wet tail (especially in stressful situations, like whenever you take them home from the pet store or wherever you are getting them) a vet fund is super important in case your hammy were to fall ill with the potentially fatal disease. Be sure to find a good exotic vet near you that treats hamsters.

Well, that's all the tips I can think of! I'm sure other members on here will be able to give you better advice. Good luck with your future hammy!

[BorisPasha]

Hello and welcome to HC

[Drago]

Hello and welcome to HC!

Make sure to read through all the sub-forums. They're archives of incredibly useful information If you ever have a question, please don't hesitate to ask!

[dreamtree1234]

Hi and welcome to HC, Tournesol! Syrians are great pets. I look forward to seeing you around the forum and getting to know your new hammy and seeing plenty of pics/videos whenever he/she is more settled into your loving home. I would suggest reading the sub-forums and asking plenty of questions whenever you are in doubt. We are all very pleased to help. Good luck finding your special furry friend. Eros waves a paw to you.

[cypher]

Hi & welcome to the forum