Re: Help with hamster

On 8/25/08, Becca wrote:
> I just got a job as a 3rd grade teacher. Today I found
> out that the 3rd grade has a pet hamster. Do you have any
> tips on taking care of this pet?

Hi Becca, I have had many hamsters over the years. The bigger
ones are usually friendly. The little dwarf hamsters are
about the size of a mouse. They are not as friendly as the
bigger ones. Never touch them when they are sleeping. They
will get startled, and their defense reflex is to bite. I
have had many which I handled from babies and they never
bite. You should clean the cage once a week, but leave a
little bit of the litter in the cleaned cage so it
recognizes its scent. I wouldn't have the kids clean the
cage. They don't carry any diseases, but it is messy. They
need a wheel to run in. Hamsters are nocturnal, but mine
always wake up for the kids, especially if they have food
for them. You can feed them seeds, peanuts, bits of apple or
berries, as well as the hamster mix. It is fun to watch them
stuff their cheek pouches. You can also get a ball for them
to roll around the floor. Sometimes I will put them in a
little plastic cage on the students desks as a reward.