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Hamsters need a water bottle, a dry food
dispenser and a dish for treats. For
their bed choose from plastic,
wood, or grass houses and/or a hammock or sleeping bag. They need an exercise wheel, and also enjoy
tubes, climbing toys such as ladders, ropes, and branches, and chew toys. (6)
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The exercise wheel is not a luxury item but
a NECCESITY for the hamster. Hamsters are naturally active and a lack of
exercise might result in paralysis, where an afflicted hamster will spend most
of its time hunched over, often unable to raise its head. (16)
There are many kinds of exercise wheels
available in the market today. Metal/wire wheels provide a strong base but rust
easily if the hamster chews on them. They are prone to squeaking when a hamster
runs on them but this can be easily remedied by rubbing some Vaseline or
vegetable oil on the joints of the wheel. Similarly, a plastic wheel can be
easily chewed away. Wheels with bars should be avoided as a hamster's feet
might get caught in them. Opt for a gnaw-proof plastic base wheel instead.
Electronic wheels that record the distance your hamster runs daily should be
avoided if your hamster have a tendency to urinate on the wheel. (16)
The exercise ball allows your hamster to
run all over your room without you having to worry that it might get lost or be
attacked by other animals. It is also ideal when you wash the cage, for putting
the hamster in the ball makes its wait more fun and bearable. (16)
To avoid exhaustion and dehydration, you
should not put your pet in the ball for more than 20 minutes. Urine and
droppings can penetrate the holes in the ball designed for air circulation, so
you should supervise the area that your hamster runs on. In addition, make sure
that the hamster does not roll the ball near stairways, deep holes, and other
dangerous obstacles in the house. (16)
For added value, get an exercise ball that
can be used both inside and outside the cage. (comes with a stand) (16)
Gnawing toys satisfies your hamster need to
gnaw and your pet will be less inclined to gnaw on other objects in the cage
such as the water bottle or its toys. As a hamster's incisors are always
growing, gnawing helps to keep their teeth trim and sharp. There are many kinds
of
