Where to Keep a Hamster

Hamsters are one of the most common pets you can find in homes worldwide. They are very tiny and cute, giving them the ability to give you comfort and keep you company on your time spent home. Also, most hamsters are really friendly. They love to climb on objects and people, that’s why they are a great match for children. But just going to the pet store and buying a hamster is not enough. What do you do with them once you’re home? Some people will tell you to place the cage anywhere but you should consider all the following factors when deciding the perfect spot for your new companion:

1. Lighting and Temperature

Hamsters tend to sleep a lot during the day, so they won’t want to be placed on a direct source of sunlight. The living room might be a bad idea from this point of view unless you don’t use the room much so you keep your blinds closed during the day. You can consider a darker place such as space under the stairs or some shelves that can provide shading for the cage.

Temperature is a really important aspect because hamsters are really sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. From warm to hot, it might cause them health problems. Make sure you have your cage where fresh air can easily flow through because the temperature inside the cage will be a bit higher than the surrounding air temperature.

You can have your cage placed on large tables. Located in the kids’ room or the living room, find a solid, even surface, above the ground, since floors tend to get too cold for them. If there is none available, you can try to raise the cage on some kind of platform, providing plenty material for bedding.

Another idea would be on a shelf or your bookcase. This might be the best place for a hamster cage. Away from any window that gives too much of air and sun, away from the pet-unfriendly air conditioner or the risky fireplace. Having your cage between the shelves would provide enough ventilation and good visibility for the family to notice your hamster and take care of him.

2. Noise

Just like cats, hamsters are what you call nocturnal animals. Even though they seem to look lazy and sleep a lot during the day, they are very active at night. When trying to fight with noise, you must think of everybody. On one hand, the cage must be somewhere quiet during the day so hamsters get their sleep since nobody is there. When you choose to place your hamster’s cage inside your bedroom, you have to realize that you will be kept awake if you don’t have a silent wheel. Hamsters get really noisy when they play. It’s going to be chewing cage wires, running on the wheel or digging in the sawdust, there will be a lot of noise going on.

The best thing that works in this situation is a compromise. You could keep your hamster in the bedroom during the day where nobody disturbs him then move the cage at night right in the living room where it’s dark and nobody to be bothered by the noisy hamster activities.

3. Safety

When thinking about your hamster’s safety, you might think of ways to stop him from escaping. The real issue is the presence of other pets. Hamsters get really stressed and frightened when they sense other animals nearby since most of them will want to hurt your little buddy. It is very important to place your hamster’s cage in a room where other pets are not allowed to enter. Providing a safe environment for your little pet that will ensure a happy life.

4. Think Outside the Cage

You could try to think of ways of setting a playground for your little pet outside of those unfriendly wired walls. Being outside will make your hamster trust you more and feel less stressed. Secure areas of the house wherein you clean and clear the floor from dangerous objects and make sure there are some toys and treats around. Your pocket-sized friend will have fun exploring but you should always keep an eye on him to prevent accidents. Once your hamster adapts to the place and your presence, you can start playing with your pet.

Remember, your little buddy might not really want to be out of the cage all the time. The hamster can be afraid of what happens outside, but you can earn its trust with a few tricks like feeding them treats through the cage bar, teaching your hamster that you are not there to hurt him. Carefully put your hands near him once you open the cage doors and never grab him, but rather let him come to you. In a few days, you can move his little home out in the open where he will have freedom.

Wherever you decide to place your small cage, remember the safety advice listed above. Having those in mind and being a little creative, you can’t go wrong in choosing the best place for both of you.

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