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HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOURwww.rspca.org.uk/hamstershamster���ENVIRONMENT���DIET���BEHAVIOUR���COMPANY���HEALTH & WELFARE
Owning and caring for a hamster can be great fun and very rewarding, but it’s a big responsibility and a long-term commitment in terms of care and cost – typically, hamsters live for around two years. 2 WHAT YOUR HAMSTER NEEDSHOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOURhamsterKeeping yourhamster healthyand happyHamsters are often a child’s first pet because they are small animals with a great deal of character – but their needs are quite complex and they can be easily injured as a result of rough or careless handling. An adult should always be responsible for ensuring hamsters are properly handled and cared for – looking after a hamster is too much responsibility for a child. If you own or are responsible for a hamster, even on a temporary basis, you are required by law to care for him/her properly. Hamsters are nocturnal so they spend most of the day sleeping and become active in the evening and at night. This means they can make good pets for people that may be out during the day and at home during the evening, but are less suitable for young children who go to bed early.
Contents4 Environment / 6 Diet / 8 Behaviour / 10 Company / 12 Health & welfareThere is no one ‘perfect’ way to care for all hamsters because every hamster has their own personality and preferences. It is up to you how you look after your hamster, but you must take reasonable steps to ensure that you look after all their needs including a warm, safe indoor home.Under the Animal Welfare Act, pet owners are now legally obligedto care for their pets properly – as most owners already do – by providing the following five basic welfare needs.1A suitable place to live.2 A healthy diet, including fresh clean water.3 The ability to behave normally.4 Appropriate company, including any need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals.5 Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease.This bookletwill help you to find out more about what your hamster needs to stay healthyand happy. WHAT YOUR HAMSTER NEEDS 3