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| Hamsters are a nocturnal member of the rodent family. There are a variety of hamster breeds that are distinguished by color, markings, size and personality. |
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| Typical costs: |
- Adult Syrian hamsters are about 6-inches long and have been bred for a variety of colors and run $5 -$20 each. They are territorial and should be kept one to a cage. They live 2 to 3years.
- Full-grown Dwarf hamsters reach only 2-3 inches long and cost $4 -$13. They are often sold in pairs for around $20. They live around 1 and a half years.
- Robvorski Hamsters are small even for dwarfs at 1-2 inches and cost $13 -$30. They have an easygoing temperament, but are very fast and difficult to catch.
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| Additional costs: |
- Hamsters thrive best in open-air cages which run from $30 -$50.
- Pine or cedar litter can cause respiratory problems, so hamster owners use either Aspen shavings that run about $3.50 per bag, or Carefresh--a recycled newspaper product priced around $5, to line the cage bottom. Hamsters will pick a specific corner of the cage to use for droppings, which should be spot cleaned daily. The entire bedding material should be changed out once a week for a monthly cost of $14 -$20. The Human Society website gives tips on hamster care.
- Basic hamster food mix runs $5 -$6 per 2-pound bag, which should last about a month. Water bottles cost around $2.
- Carriers for outings run $10 -$16.
- Hamsters exercise at night and may run several miles on rotating wheels that cost $4 to $20.
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| Discounts: |
- Hamsters love to shred and hide in cardboard tubes from toilet paper or paper towel rolls.
- Toilet paper (plain white) makes a soft nesting material.
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| Shopping for a hamster: |
- Use Petfinder.com to locate hamsters available for adoption. Enter your zip code and under animal check "small and furry."
- To prevent unwanted litters, each Petsmart carries either female or male hamsters. Call ahead to find out which breeds they carry.
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Article updated September 2007 |
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