Hamsters

By community correspondent Lizzie Carter Hamsters are the perfect animals. They are easy to look after and very cheap. There are many different kinds of hamsters. Some have many different colours, while others may only have one. You must feed your hamster every day and make sure that it always has fresh water, and must get it a safe and secure home to live in. Get some nice bedding for your hamster with some wood shavings.

Cages

There are lots of lovely hamster palaces, but if you don’t have much time to clean things out, get a much simpler cage.

Syrians

Syrian hamsters are recommended for first time owners. They are larger and easier to keep. Never put Syrian hamsters together, as they will fight.

Escape

If your hamster escapes, try putting food upstairs and downstairs so your hamster can eat it put some grapes out for hydration. Make sure you look in every dark place possible. And don’t give up! They usually turn up.

Signs/ illnesses

Hamsters may suddenly scream, and this is when they are very frightened. If your hamster lies flat on its back, it is scared and is trying to be unnoticeable. Your hamster will grind its teeth if it is annoyed, and if handled it may bite. If your hamster makes quick, repetitive squeaks, it wants attention. Your hamster may be very unlucky and get wet tail. Hamsters can die within two days and you must go to the vet straight away.