Hamster Reading

[Angelica]

If you read my introduction thread, then you know my getting a hamster. I'm not sure when, probably in the new year, but I would like to read up on them a bit. I've read a bit about hamsters in one book, but I'm not sure it was enough. And while my Mom did have a hamster in high school, that was a while ago and from what I heard, that hamster was weird. So, if you know of any websites for hamsters or books I should look for or something, please tell me. Thanks!

[sarahhound]

Hamster Central and Mad About Hamsters forums are good Do you plan to get a Syrian hamster or a Dwarf type?

Do you have a cage already? Avoid going for something modular, like Rotastak, Habitral, Crittertail etc. All these cages are too small, even when extended for miles, and have poor ventilation. A hamster cage should be at least 80cm long, if you're in the US you're best looking at rat cages as as far as I'm aware, no cages on the US market meet a suitable size for a hamster. If you're UK, cages like the ALASKA on ZooPlus is a good size and a good price too. ZooZone 100cm cages are great for a Syrian, they are aimed at rabbits and guinea pigs, but are available in the US as well.

Anything else you want to know? I've owned them for 26 years now I've had over 30! At the moment I have 2 - a Syrian named Minstrel and a Roborovski named Harriet.

[Angelica]

Dec 18, 2013 21:24:30 GMT sarahhound said:

Hamster Central and Mad About Hamsters forums are good

Thanks, I'll take a look at those.

Dec 18, 2013 21:24:30 GMT sarahhound said:

Do you plan to get a Syrian hamster or a Dwarf type?

I'm not sure. Is there a difference?? Like one is easier to take care of than the other??

Dec 18, 2013 21:24:30 GMT sarahhound said:

Do you have a cage already? Avoid going for something modular, like Rotastak, Habitral, Crittertail etc. All these cages are too small, even when extended for miles, and have poor ventilation. A hamster cage should be at least 80cm long, if you're in the US you're best looking at rat cages as as far as I'm aware, no cages on the US market meet a suitable size for a hamster. If you're UK, cages like the ALASKA on ZooPlus is a good size and a good price too. ZooZone 100cm cages are great for a Syrian, they are aimed at rabbits and guinea pigs, but are available in the US as well.

Yeah, I just checked. It's Habitral. I thought the thing was a bit to small. :/ I'll have to mention this to my Mom. And no, I live in Ontario, Canada. I guess if there's nothing here, we can always order something online, right??

[sarahhound]

Join those forums I mentioned, or at least one. There will be some Canadian's on there who will be able to advise. Syrian's are more laid back than Dwarfs, but they also need a lot more living space and interaction (in my experience anyway). With dwarves you can keep more than one, Syrian's must be alone.

[Kimmikins]

Looking forward to seeing which you go for, Syrian or Dwarf, and their new home set-up!

So, have you decided which one you're going for yet Angelica? Do you have any name ideas?

[Angelica]

So, we have our hamster. S/he's a dwarf and right now s/he's nameless. Mom's thinking of maybe Mask because of his colour design. We also are planning on getting a new cage in the next few days since the cage we have now doesn't fit everything we have for him.

[Kimmikins]

Mask sounds like a pretty cool name Any pictures yet?