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05-18-2020, 07:09 AM
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#1
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Newborn Pup
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Spain
Posts: 14
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Hey fellow hamster lovers
Hi, I'm Kate, I come from Spain, and im currently looking to adopt a hamster, its been a few years since I myself have owned a hamster, but I have previously had a small Russian dwarf and a winter white hybrid. I must admit that when owning my first 2 beautiful hammies, I was very ignorant to their needs and requirements, I unfortunately did not do as much research than I should of done, and realise now that I should of done so much more for them. However im here now willing to learn and do things right this time, I hope with all of your help I can finally set up the perfect place for a new hamster to live in. I look forward to meeting and speaking with you all about the steps I need to be taking before adopting a new hamster into my life.
I guess I should start by asking everyone, what do you think are the most essentials things I should have on hand and ready before getting a hamster ?
look forward to reading your answers <3
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05-19-2020, 10:00 PM
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#2
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Hamster Pup
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Maine
Posts: 109
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Re: Hey fellow hamster lovers
Hi, welcome! I think some essentials is a good sized cage (minimum 450sqin, but bigger is always better). I also think a good sized wheel you want to make sure your hanky’s back isn’t arched at all. And lots of chew toys.
I look forward to meeting your hamster when you get it
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05-19-2020, 10:15 PM
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#3
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Dwarf whisperer
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Wales UK
Posts: 24,789
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Re: Hey fellow hamster lovers
Hi & welcome to HC
Good to see you doing some careful research before getting a hamster.
The right size cage is essential, this will depend on which species you get as will the size of wheel. Looking into a really good quality food is also essential, many foods sold for hams aren't suitable.
Have a think about what type of substrate you will be using too.
If you get one of the dwarf species then you will need to look into the right kind of sand, chinchilla sand (not dust) is best but if that's not available to you then children's play sand dried in the oven is fine.
You can always add extra toys, hideouts etc later if you need more but I would be sure to have all the above ready before bringing a ham home.
Hope that helps a bit.
__________________
Slave to Zak.
Always loved, never forgotten, forever in my heart
T'ycor, Ziggy, Zephyr, Flynt, Mickle, Little Whisp, Zen, Zeki, Tinwë, Zylvan, Míriel, Calyanwë, Gusto & Meri ❤️
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05-20-2020, 04:27 AM
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#4
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Newborn Pup
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Spain
Posts: 14
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Re: Hey fellow hamster lovers
Thanks so much guys, so my hamster cage for the moment that I've chosen is the Skyline Kerry 75 x 45 x 37 cm, So it is over the minimum required for floor space I believe, but I will be looking to upgrade this eventually, but for now im going to start off with this. I have got a paper based bedding, because I couldn't find any safe wood beddings, they were all pine wood, so I went for the paper based, I am thinking of getting a little robo hamster, so I've read a lot about sand baths and things, are they 100 per cent necessary to have in the enclosure or is it more optional? I've heard a lot of contradicting opinions on it and would like to know what you guys think thanks so much for your guidance
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05-20-2020, 05:47 AM
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#5
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Hamster Pup
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: London, UK
Posts: 163
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Re: Hey fellow hamster lovers
If I recall correctly, robos are one of the species that sand is more important for. I've never had one though, so I would stand correction on that.
My experience so far of hybrids and syrians is that they appreciate a sand bath, though the dwarves are more enthusiastic.
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05-20-2020, 09:40 AM
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#6
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Hamster Overlord
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: London
Posts: 763
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Re: Hey fellow hamster lovers
Sand baths are essential for Robos because they get very greasy fur, and the sand removes the grease. You need a tub or dish of sand at minimum, though you also make 1/4 or 1/3 of the cage sand.
I have a Kerry terrarium and I think it's ok for one dwarf. I wouldn't keep a Syrian in it because their toys and houses are so much bigger. I found the top door was very noisy which with a new, timid Robo isn't ideal. If you plan on upgrading later on, you could consider the Marrakesh terrarium. It opens silently and gives access to the whole cage, unlike the Kerry which has a rather small door.
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05-20-2020, 10:10 PM
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#7
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Dwarf whisperer
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Wales UK
Posts: 24,789
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Re: Hey fellow hamster lovers
I would say the only species for which sand isn't essential is Syrians but Robos do need it even more than the other dwarf species.
I used to have the Kerry too & found the same issue with the top door, I found it to be too small once it had a decent size house, wheel & sand bath it was pretty much full with no floor space!
__________________
Slave to Zak.
Always loved, never forgotten, forever in my heart
T'ycor, Ziggy, Zephyr, Flynt, Mickle, Little Whisp, Zen, Zeki, Tinwë, Zylvan, Míriel, Calyanwë, Gusto & Meri ❤️
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05-21-2020, 01:11 AM
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#8
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Newborn Pup
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Spain
Posts: 14
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Re: Hey fellow hamster lovers
Quote:
Originally Posted by sushi_78
Sand baths are essential for Robos because they get very greasy fur, and the sand removes the grease. You need a tub or dish of sand at minimum, though you also make 1/4 or 1/3 of the cage sand.
I have a Kerry terrarium and I think it's ok for one dwarf. I wouldn't keep a Syrian in it because their toys and houses are so much bigger. I found the top door was very noisy which with a new, timid Robo isn't ideal. If you plan on upgrading later on, you could consider the Marrakesh terrarium. It opens silently and gives access to the whole cage, unlike the Kerry which has a rather small door.
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alright I will try and have a good sand bath for him or her than, I knew from the start I wouldn't be getting a Syrian because I knew the measurements of the cage would be too small for one, but maybe in the future once I've upgraded and got more space I will change and get a Syrian, thanks so much for the recommendations, they have been really useful
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05-21-2020, 10:55 AM
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#9
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Adult Hamster
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Romania
Posts: 310
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Re: Hey fellow hamster lovers
__________________
Hamsters are addictive
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05-21-2020, 11:24 AM
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#10
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Newborn Pup
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Spain
Posts: 14
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Re: Hey fellow hamster lovers
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ithuviel
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YES YES AND YES! I LOVE VICTORIA AND ERIN ! they are so great and informative with their videos, I have literally been addicted to watching them as part of my research before I get a knew hamster
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