For ages: 8 & up, with adult supervision
Pet lifespan: up to 3 years
Pet size: approximately 5"-7" (13-18 cm) long
Nutrition
Choose a fortified diet appropriate for hamsters. Fill the bowl approximately 3/4 full.
Vegetables
One teaspoon of chopped carrots and dark green veggies like mustard greens, collard greens or
kale may be given daily. Take care not to overfeed these fresh foods. They have a high moisture
content and too much can cause an upset stomach.
Fruits
Treat your hamster to one teaspoon of finely chopped apple or banana twice a week.
Oatmeal
A pinch of plain, uncooked oatmeal added to your pet's food dish every day helps provide the
fiber needed in her diet.
These hard and crunchy treats are yummy and keep your pet's teeth trimmed. Always keep one in the
habitat.
Water
Change and fill your hamster's water bottle with clean water every day.
Health
Signs of a healthy hamster:
* Clean, bright eyes
* Soft fur
* Full, slightly-rounded body
* Curious, active behavior
* Eats and drinks normally
* Well-formed droppings with no diarrhea
Things to watch for:
* Blood in the urine
* Overgrown front teeth
* Bare patches in the fur
* Diarrhea or wetness around the tail area (called "wet tail")
* Lethargic behavior
* Weight loss; not eating or drinking normally
* Sneezing; discharge from the eyes, nose or mouth
