Hamsters are some of the easiest pets to care for and can be delightful companions. The key to a loving hamster is regular, gentle handling. They can be trained to do simple tricks such as sitting up, climbing parakeet ladders, hanging by hind feet from fingers and turning in circles. Watching them store food in their distinctive jaw pouches is fun for all the family.
           

If you decided on a hamster pet, selection is easy. Look for a young animal, one to three months old. A thick coat, bright eyes and a solid body indicate good health. Hamsters are solitary creatures, so one will be fine by itself. Two males or two females can also live happily together. Since hamsters reproduce at astonishing rates, breeding pairs are not recommended. You’ll find a nice selection of hamsters at nearly every Feeders Supply store.

Housing

There are several options for housing your pet. A wire hamster cage, which comes with food dishes, watering bottle, exercise wheel and removable tray for cleaning, makes a basic home. A hamster can also be kept in an aquarium with a ventilated lid. Cage accessories, like wooden huts and playgrounds specially designed for these small mammals, give hamsters places to explore and hide. The added advantage to items made of wood is that they are safe for the animals to gnaw. There are also plastic hamster cages that provide your pet with the ideal living quarters. These home “systems” come with clear tunnels that expand your pet’s room to roam. Whichever housing you choose, paper litter or pine shavings should be spread over the cage floor and changed weekly.
           

Your pet will spend most of his time in his cage. For outings, your pet may enjoy the run of the house when placed in a hamster ball. Your pet will get lots of exercise and still stay safe. If you have a cat or dog, it is important that the hamster not be allowed outside the cage unsupervised. Cats in particular view hamsters as prey.

Feeding

A hard-pellet and seed mixed feed is your pet's basic diet. Pet nutrition research now extends to even these small, companion animals, and today's foods are formulated to provide all the nutrients your pet needs in just the right quantities. Premium food fed daily according to package directions will provide the right nutrition to insure optimal health. Hard pellets in the mixes help keep hamsters' teeth in good condition. Hamsters do not overeat. They put excess food in their pouches and store it in a "hoard" area in their cage. If you wish, you might periodically offer your pet leafy greens, fruit, unsalted nuts, grains or sunflower seeds.
          

Your hamster should be fed once each day, preferably in early evening since they are most active then. Be consistent in your feeding and handling habits, and your hamster will reward you by anxiously awaiting your arrival each day.

Training

 Training your hamster will be a rewarding experience if you go about it gradually. Accustom your pet to handling by beginning with gentle touches and working up to where you can touch, handle and hold him. Once this is accomplished, your pet can be further trained with treat rewards to play on wheels, balls and tube playgrounds specifically designed for your pet's exercise and your enjoyment.