Are you planning to get a dwarf hamster as a pet? If you are, there are a few things you need to know. First, you should know when is the right time you can adopt one and that is, when it is already at least a month old.

At this age, the little hamster is already weaned from the mother. However, if you want to adopt one at the ideal age, you can do so when it is about two months old because at this age, a female hamster is already capable of getting pregnant. You might be wondering why it is always preferable to adopt a dwarf hamster at a young age. The answer is that when taken young, they are a lot easier to train and discipline.

Choosing a hamster

The best time to go to a pet shop and pick your hamster is during the afternoon. They are grumpy and not at their best in the morning since these little creatures are nocturnal. They simply do not want to scurry about and be friendly in the morning, so if you want to see their best side, it is recommended to visit them late in the afternoon or in the evening.

Factors to Look Into

Here are a few tips you can use in choosing your hamster.

• It should have clear eyes because it is a good indication that the hamster is healthy.

• The fur should be shiny and beautiful, and not dull.

• There should be no lumps in any part of the body.

• It should be energetic and vibrant. A hamster that looks tired could be sick or unhealthy.

You can always opt to adopt a not-so-healthy hamster but you need to understand the responsibility it entails. This means you should get a hold of a veterinarian who will give you advice on how to nurse your hamster back to health. Additionally, you will need to put in extra effort in the care of your sickly pet.

Should you buy two hamsters?

One of the things that a hamster needs is a companion. You might want to consider getting a male and a female hamster but expect to get a large hamster family in no time because these little creatures multiply quite fast. If you do not want this, you can buy same-sex hamsters- they can be either males or females. Take note though that determining the sex of hamsters is not always accurate.

Feeding your hamster

You should know that hamsters only need to eat once a day. You can purchase their food at any pet store but it is important that you buy healthy meals. The quantity of food would range from 1 to 2 tablespoons, and they are best fed in the evening. You can give them leafy greens and vegetables to ensure good health.

Caring for your hamster

Hamster care is not rocket science but it does require you to be extra patient with them. It may not be so easy at the onset but later on, you will find that taking care of your pet hamster is a whole lot of fun. Feed them right, love them and know the signs and symptoms of a sick hamster and you will do just fine.