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OPINION
I never knew how much fun hamsters could be. They are very intelligent animals who love to run in wheels or balls. I have several hamsters now, infact I have 12 hamsters and each has their own running ball. Can you image 12 balls running around your house? It’s fun to watch. Syrian hamsters are the larger of the species. They are a great pet for kids. But you have to be careful. Hamster’s goals are to always try to escape. They will look for ways to escape from their cages, or your hands. If they do escape you can always entice them with food. Just put down some of their favorite food and soon they should “Smell it out” and come running. If you decide to buy a hamster always look for one that is active. Since hamsters are primarily nocturnal it may be hard to see this during the day. Look for one that is curious and alert. Their coat should be smooth and their eyes free of discharge. Hamsters come in different colors. Most Syrian hamsters are considered a fancy or golden hamster. Pet stores may call them “honey bears, “panda bears,” or “black bears” depending on their coloration. There are also several variations including those who are long-haired. Their hair grows several centimeters long and do require special care (https://exoticpets.about.com/cs/hamsters/a/hamstercare.htm). Cages for hamsters come in three different varieties—wire cages, plastic cages, and aquariums. A wire cage works well for Syrian hamsters since they like to climb and will use the wire walls for climbing. Avoid the cages that have a grate in the bottom as this will be uncomfortable and more difficult to clean. Most owners use wood shavings for a hamsters bedding. Avoid cedar shaving—use aspen or other hardwood shavings. There are several other bedding options available that are made environmentally safe and of biodegradable material. Bedding should be changed weekly, and since they like to burrow, make sure they have a good depth of bedding of shavings to dig in. Hamsters are omnivorous. Fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds and insects such as grasshoppers make up their natural diet. Other foods that are good for hamsters “psyche” are garden peas in the pod, corn on the cob. This allows your hamsters to be entertained by dining (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamster). Hamsters are a good little pet. They are loving and are fun to watch. Have fun! Bonnie Nelson is a freelance writer living in Fountain, CO. If you have any comments or questions email her at waltbon@comcast.net.
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