DOES MY HAMSTER ... ?

Get the scoop on the littlest member of your family

NICK KRUG/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Chinese Gold Hamster

By Heather Jones

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Hamsters are so cute and cuddly. Lots of people love to have them as pets.

Read on to find out more about them.

What is the difference between hamsters and gerbils?

"Gerbils have a long tail and are generally more active than hamsters. Hamsters have a short tail and are lazier," said Adam Blume, manager of Safari Pets, 3108 S.W. 29th.

What do hamsters eat?

"They eat a variety of grain, fruit, vegetables, sunflower seeds, carrot bits and apple bits," Blume said.

Why does my hamster sleep during the day?

"Because they are nocturnal, which means they sleep during the day and are up at night," Blume said.

What are the essential items needed when buying a pet hamster?

1. Cage

2. Floor covering

3. Nesting material

4. Water bottle

5. Food

How do I care for my hamster's cage?

Set up: Your cage should be an aquarium (at least 10 gallons), not the plastic homes sold in pet stores because they are hard to clean. Hamsters can get colds just like us, so it is important to have a clean cage. The cage should also be placed away from drafts and direct sunlight.

Clean up: To prevent bacteria and disease, floor covering and nesting material should be changed twice a week. Once a day, you should clean up your hamster's bathroom place and clean out the water bottle and food dish. This will prevent spoilage and buildup of food.

SOURCE: www.hsus.org

How well can my hamster see?

"Hamsters have poor eyesight, but they have a keen sense of smell and excellent hearing."

SOURCE: www.petwebsite.com.

When do I give my hamster a bath?

Bathing removes natural and essential oils from the hamster's coat, which can cause the hamster to catch a chill and die. Only in rare cases, like toxic or harmful substances on its coat should you give your hamster a bath.

SOURCE: www.hamsterific.com

What is the best way to give my hamster a bath if needed?

1. Get warm water, make sure it is not too hot or too cold.

2. Rub the warm water in the dirty area. If it is necessary to use shampoo, use baby shampoo. Be sure to avoid getting water on your hamster's nose, eyes, ears and mouth.

3. Rinse out any shampoo and place him on a towel.

4. Dry carefully with the towel.

5. Use a hairdryer on the lowest setting to finish drying. Be sure to hold the dryer far away from your hamster and put your hand between the two to prevent burning your hamster's skin.

6. Your hamster's fur should be fully dry before returning him to his cage.

SOURCE: www.hamsterific.com

Here are some Web sites where you can learn more about pets:

- yahooligans.yahoo.com/content/animals

- www.avma.org/care4pets

- www.newpet.com

FRIDAY

NOVEMBER 5, 2004

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