| Here's a list to help you plan the day, week, or even months with your hamster. DAILY * Choose a healty hamster food that has grains, seeds, and nuts for a well-balanced meal. Feed your hamster once a day, at the same time (preferably from 6-11 at night). Fill the bowl about half full. 2 Tbsp is a suggested amount, if you are unsure. * Adjust your feeding amount to how much your hamster usually eats. For example, if your hamster's bowl is still full the next day, don't fill it, and let them catch up. After all, they probably still have their nest full with older food. * If you are introducing your hamster to new food (including fresh fruits and vegetables), start with a mix of the old and new foods for a 7 to 10 days. This will prevent your hamster from stomach upsets, and is a good way to introduce new things to your hamster. FEEDING Make sure you wash every fresh snack or outdoor treat before giving it to your hamster. Don't overdue fresh veggies or fruits, give them every other day at the most. * Chop up a vegetable: Turnips, rutabaga, cucumber, zucchini, celery, broccoli, carrots, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, green beans, kale, squash, sweet potatoes, water chesnuts. Small amounts of lettuce (romaine, iceburg), spinach, or corn on the cob. * Or a fruit: Apples (seedless), bananas, grapes (seedless), strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and their leaves, blackberries, cherries (no pits), mango, plums (no pits), peaches (no stone). Small amounts of melon such as watermelon or cantaloupe (hamsters enjoy eating the rine, leave some on if possible). * You can also give your hamster some outdoor treats as long as they have not been sprayed, these include fresh alfalfa, dandelion leaves, and clovers. * More foods that your hamster might enjoy: plain dog biscuits (nothing with onion or garlic), unsalted pumpkin, sesame, squash, or flax seed, cheerios (sugarless cereals), unsalted nuts (no almonds). * Never give your hamster any: Almonds, apple or grape seeds, chips, chocolate, candy, raw potatoes, rubarb, or kidney beans, eggplants, avacados, garlic, onions, leeks, scallions, pickles, citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, tangerines), spices, jellies, or canned food. * Take out any leftover fruit within two hours. Fresh vegetables can be left. If your hamster doesn't eat a veggie or fruit, it could mean that they don't like it. They can be picky like humans. * Get creative with fresh food by hiding it or hanging it (your hamster will have a snack and get some extra exercise). TIDYING * Change water every few days or so and check the metal tube (it could be plugged with bedding; your hamster could get dehydrated). * Scoop out soggy bedding with a cat litter scoop, whenever needed. * If you have the time get your hamster out and play, teach them to do tricks, and reach reward them with treats. WEEKLY * Empty out the water bottle, and clean the inside and outside with warm water, then fill with cool, fresh water. * Empty the food dish, wipe it out, and fill it half full. * Change all of the bedding, scrub the cage with warm water and mild soap. Use small amounts of window cleaner or white vinegar to get off tough stains and to clean the potty area. Rinse with cool water, and dry with paper towels. * Do a health check on your hamster by checking the following: your hamster's coat for any cuts or scrapes, it's eyes for a healty shine, it's teeth, if they seem very long, take your hamster to the vet for a clipping, and your hamster's nails, if they are long, you can get them clipped, or buy special scissors to clip them yourself. * Play with your hamster at least every other day to keep it happy and healthy. Let them out for a maximum of 30 minutes. MONTHLY * Wash the bottom of your hamster's cage with mild soapy water and make sure it's clean. Rinse throughly with clean water, and dry. * Try a new treat when the old ones are finished, sunflower seeds or hazelnuts can be given as a great treat. * Rearrange the cage one piece at a time. |
| This schedule will make sure that your hamster's home is clean and free from odor! Remember to feed for your hamster a well balanced diet and a fresh snack every few days. |
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