Although hamsters are among the most popular pets around, there are still myths that make the rounds of pet owners and those that are planning to bring home a pair or two. Here are the most common myths about hamsters:
Myth #1 - Hamsters can be housed in small cages because they are small.
No, even with their small size, hamsters won’t thrive in small cages. They need enough space to engage in natural behaviors, such as burrowing and roaming around. Also, it has been observed that hamsters living spacious cages tend to be more docile. The minimum space requirement for dwarf hamsters is 70 cm by 40 cm, while for Syrian hamsters, it’s 80 cm by 50 cm.
Myth #2 - A hamster should be housed with another hamster so they could keep each other company.
Nope! Hamsters are solitary creatures. They are very territorial and could be very aggressive and fight it out with another hamster. Housing hamsters together can be very stressful for them.
Myth #3 - Scented litter can be used as bedding for hamsters
Hamsters are very sensitive to strong scent, thus you should only use unscented bedding. Steer clear of pine or cedar bedding materials because they contain a substance that can cause adverse reactions, such as respiratory issues in hamsters.
Your veterinarian Middletown DE is a valuable source of information about your pet’s needs.