CHENNAI: In the superdog film, Bolt, there is the hamster Rhino. In the movie, Rhino loves Bolt and hangs around him, almost always. But, in real life, hamsters like their alone time. If you are planning to get a hamster, then don’t get him or her company, according to a manual by Bengaluru Opts to Adopt.
At a recent event, they helped animals of various kinds find their homes. Here are some things you need to keep in mind, when you get your very own solitary creature. The accent is on ‘solitary’ they do not like many people touching them.
They make perfect pets for small children, says the Opts to Adopt manual, they are low maintenance and are nocturnal. They love their playtime too.
They live for two to years only though.The common health problems you have to look out for are abcesses and pus formation in them, skin diseases and digestive troubles. If you notice lack of appetite, huddling into the corner, bad coat and sneezing, get to the vet immediately. Hamsters need to maintain a proper diet and exercise — they have to use the hamster ball, not turn into one. You can get a hamster wheel and exercise balls, their favourites.
You must clean their cage and bedding regularly.
The costs involved are reasonable. One time cost, for the cage, wheel and so on, will come to around Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 and keep aside the same amount every month for its food and other needs.
You can feed packaged foods, seeds, nuts, milk, shredded meat, muesli, fruits and vegetables. A boiled egg once a week is a good source of protein.