How to care for hamsters?

Hamsters are popular as pets due to their small size, funny nature and unpretentious care. However, rodents require no less care and certain conditions of detention. The life expectancy of a hamster in a favorable environment can increase by 1-2 years. Caring for hamsters is quite simple. Syrian and Dzungarian hamsters lead a similar lifestyle and have identical food habits, so the recommendations for caring for both varieties of pets are no different. Proper nutrition, a comfortable environment and physical activity will ensure the health and longest possible life of a decorative rodent.
Arrangement of the cage
Hamsters need quite a lot of space, so the minimum size of the cage is 60x50x40 cm. It should contain:

• feeder.
• Drinking bowl (isolated, as a hamster can knock over a regular one).
• Filler (napkins, sawdust, wood pellets).
• Bathing with quartz sand (for hygiene procedures).
• A house or shelter (for arranging a hole or preparing supplies).
• A device for grinding teeth (chalk stone or a small wooden block).
• Wheel for physical exercises (it is desirable to supplement it with branches, ladders or ropes).
  It is necessary to clean the cage 1-2 times a week to prevent odor. In this case, the rodent is recommended to deposit in a glass jar.
  Nutrition
  The basis of the diet for hamsters should be specialized mixtures with a balanced composition. Food can be varied with products such as:
• Nuts, seeds, cereals.
• Apples, pears, apricots, bananas.
• Cucumbers, Chinese cabbage, green beans, corn, lettuce.
• Sprouted cereals.
• Boiled fish or chicken (maximum twice a week).
• Egg (1 time per week).
• Parsley, dill, nettle, clover.
  A hamster can try everything that is offered to him, however, many foods can lead to indigestion, illness and death of a pet. These include:
• Dairy products.
• Exotic fruits
• Potato, cabbage, onion, garlic.
• Seafood.
• Spices.
• Pickles and smoked meats.
• Mushrooms.
• Bread.
• Sweets.
  Walks
  There is a lot of debate about the need for walks for hamsters, but if the pet tries to get out of the cage, he needs to be periodically allowed freedom. Before you let your hamster out for a walk:
• Plug all cracks and check skirting boards.
• Remove wires from electrical appliances from the floor.
• Hide indoor plants.
• Remove threads, cotton wool, fluff – the hamster can suffocate.
• Fence off hard-to-reach places (the space under the sofa), where the rodent can hide and hide.
  The best option for walking is to organize a maze of branches, cardboard, rags and pieces of polystyrene on the floor, in which the hamster will be within reach. Sufficient time for a hamster to stay outside the cage is 20-30 minutes.
  Prohibitions
  When keeping hamsters it is strictly forbidden:
• Place hamsters of the same sex in a cage.
• Expose the cage to a window or direct sunlight.
• Use fluff or cotton as a filler.
• Bathe rodents in water.
• Allow the hamster to move uncontrollably around the apartment.
• Leave the animal indoors for the time of airing.
• It is also not recommended to have hamsters in families with children under 7 years old: at this age, the rodent is perceived as a toy.