10 things you should have to keep your rodent happy

The basic thing is enough space

The best option for living of a small rodent are big aquariums, plastic boxes or cages. And I don’t mean big as high but rather with as big area as possible. Hamsters are naturally running creatures and need enough space. Max has a space of the dimensions of 100 x 50 x 50 cm and he’s very happy there.

Hamster on the run

A hamster is happy only in the safety of his own home. If it runs away, there are many dangers waiting for it which can cost it its life in the end. Hamsters are quite intelligent animals, therefore make sure your rodent cannot run away from its cage.

Silence, please!

Also remember that rodents are living creatures and they need their rest and comfort. The planned spot for Max was in the hallway. But I recommended my uncle to pick a calmer part of the house for him, with no draught or excess noise. Also remember that hamsters do not like heat so put your rodent’s cage out of the reach of sun beams.

Change the bedding, please

One of the most frequent parts of taking care of a rodent includes changing its bedding. You wouldn’t like to live in your own dirt as well. There should be at least 7.5 cm of the bedding on the floor of its home. Perfect material for that are shavings from poplars that do not contain any oils as shavings from pines or cedars. In general, avoid aromatic materials and cotton which is not digestible and very dangerous. Use normal toilet paper for nesting.  

Getting thirsty

Even though a rodent doesn’t drink much, fresh water is very important to it. We got Max a drinking fountain which is better than a cup with water as it doesn’t get easily overturned.

I also eat

As well as fresh water, your hamster needs fresh food. Get metal or stone bowls for your hamster. Give it as much food every day as it can stuff into its cheek pouches. Hamsters like to store food so don’t be surprised if the food quickly disappears from a bowl. Don’t forget to weigh your rodent. Hamsters tend to get overweight. If you find it too chubby, change its food.

Plastics is not friendly for the environment

When choosing things for Max’s home, we paid attention to get everything made from natural materials. Please avoid plastics, too. Rodents would definitely chew it. And they can also get hurt by it and there’s a risk of swallowing its part.

A circle or a merry-go-round

As I have already mentioned, hamsters tend to put on weight. That’s why a hamster needs equipment for exercising. For example, a merry-go-round is very popular for rodents. Max got a beautiful wooden merry-go-round. Rather get a larger merry-go-round so your hamster’s back doesn’t get hurt.

Let’s go to the pool

Hamsters are “bath” lovers. But instead of a bubble bath and champagne, get special chinchilla bath sand for it. It will have shining fur.

My house, my castle

When choosing your rodent’s home, focus on a house with more holes. The more holes and various chambers it will have, the happier your pet will be.