Livestock Guarantee |
           |
| Suitability Rats, hamsters and gerbils all have a naturally friendly disposition and if handled correctly can become very tame. Rats are highly intelligent creatures and are increasing in popularity. They may be housed singly if you can give them plenty of attention, alternatively, a pair of females can be housed together provided they are purchased at the same time. The life expectancy of a rat is approximately 2 to 4 years. Hamsters are nocturnal animals – ideal if you are out most of the day. They are relatively easy to look after and make great pets for children. Syrian hamsters can start to fight with each other at about 8 weeks of age so they must live on their own. The life expectancy of a Syrian hamster is approximately 1 to 2 years. Gerbils are lively, curious animals that rarely bite. They are social creatures and are best kept in pairs or groups, although mixed pairs will almost certainly breed. Do not attempt to introduce a young gerbil to a mature adult. The life expectancy of a gerbil is approximately 2 to 4 years. Housing Rats can be housed in a wire cage with a plastic base, a plastic rat home or a large aquarium with a well ventilated cover. The important thing to remember is that a rat home can never be too big as they love to explore and exercise. Multi-level cages are a good idea as they add interest for your pet. All small mammal cages should be kept indoors and sited away from draughts, sources of heat, direct sunlight and areas where the temperature fluctuates. Never use aerosols near the cage and keep it away from stereos and televisions as the high pitched noises could irritate your pet. A thick layer of woodflakes should be placed across the bottom of the cage to absorb your pet’s waste – never use newspaper as the print can be toxic. Hamsters can be housed in a wire cage with a plastic base or a stacking system. As with rat cages a hamster home can never be too big, they love to explore and exercise. Within the hamster home should be a place for your pet to rest and hide and another area for play, exercise and feeding. Gerbils also need good secure roomy housing for eating, sleeping and running around. They can be kept in a wire cage with a plastic base, but this can be messy when they burrow as the sawdust will go everywhere! The best gerbil home is an aquarium with a well ventilated cover and plenty of sawdust for burrowing, their favourite activity. Feeding Hamsters, gerbils and rats need feeding every day. As hamsters are nocturnal, an evening feed is better for them. They will normally wake at feeding time and will be happy to play with you once they have been fed. A good quality, heavy, earthenware food bowl is essential to keep the food dry and clean. It will not be chewed and your pet will be unable to tip out the food onto the cage floor. Feeding bowls should always be kept clean. Fresh drinking water should be supplied daily preferably in a drip feed bottle. that should be cleaned and refilled on a daily basis. A variety of small animal treats are available however these should only be fed occasionally. Handling Allow your new hamster, gerbil or rat 24 hours to settle into their new home and surroundings. Always handle a hamster when it is facing you so it does not feel threatened. Cup both hands around your hamster when picking it up, but do not hold too tightly. Never hold your hamster whilst standing up, because a fall from this height could be fatal. Gerbils should be handled in the same way as hamsters. Never pick up a gerbil by its tail as the end can fall off. Rats should be approached calmly and gently, place a closed fist in front of your pet and allow him to approach. If he is confident and appears interested, slowly unclench your fist and open your hand to allow him to crawl on to your palm. If he does not approach you, gently scoop him up and cup him in the palms of your two hands to ensure he is safe and won’t be dropped. Never pick a rat up by his tail. |
Health & Hygiene Soiled bedding and stale food should be removed daily. Hamsters, in particular, store their food so their nesting area should be checked. Rats and hamster cages should be scrubbed out weekly with a solution of warm water and mild disinfectant. Gerbils only produce a few drops of urine a day therefore they require less regular cleaning. Hamsters, rats and gerbils have teeth that grow continuously. If the teeth are not worn down naturally they become overgrown and will need to be clipped by a vet. Providing mineral blocks and wood gnaws will help to wear them down. When handling your pet it is a good idea to give him a quick health check. Ensure eyes and ears are clean and nails are not too long. If your pet develops sniffles, sore or runny eyes, diarrhoea or generally appears off colour consult your vet. Hamsters are very sensitive to fluctuations in temperature. A rise to 30ºc will cause your hamster to become stiff and apparently lifeless. A fall to 5ºc will cause your hamster to enter a state of hibernation. In both cases a gradual return to normal temperature should effect a revival. Shopping List
Now it’s your ... Duty to Care
 |
