Important Starter Info
IS A HAMSTER THE RIGHT PET FOR YOU?
ARE YOU READY FOR A HAMSTER?
ARE YOU CARING FOR YOUR HAMSTER CORRECTLY?
~ Picture by Jasi Ting Ting Ho
Hamsters can be incredibly rewarding pets and some even assist the human with depression and anxiety (often referred to as "Heart Hamsters"). However, they are NOT the low-maintenance or “starter” pets that they are often perceived to be.
Please make sure that you are indeed ready for the COMMITMENT required to have a hamster as a pet:
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It can be very EXPENSIVE to set them up properly with the correct equipment, but relatively inexpensive once you have the most important items.
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DO YOU HAVE THE SPACE for the correct sized setup? Correct habitats take up a fair amount of space (minimum 1m x 50cm).
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CONSIDER YOUR AVAILABLE TIME. Regular spot-cleaning and proper daily feeding will be required to keep them healthy, as well as playtime.
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MEDICAL TREATMENT by an exotics veterinarian may be necessary at some stage. Do you have immediate access to funds in case of emergency?
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Is it your child's hamster? Are you prepared to supervise care of the hamster? Are you prepared to take RESPONSIBILITY if your child loses interest?
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Can you accept the SHORT LIFE SPAN? Will you cope with the passing of a hamster that you may have bonded with?
