Printable Shopping List

What is the basic shopping list for getting a new Hamster?

- Links would help A LOT!!! - Just a simple (well, as long as it needs to be to fit hamster needs!) list. - What products would you recommend? - No plastic fancy cages also, please! I reaaaaally would like a small 10-20 gallon GLASS tank -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks to great answers, easy 10 pts!!!

Public Comments

1. hamster first
2. cage, bedding, food, treats, toys, wheel (if it doesn't come with the cage), a hidey hut, water bottle, food dish and an exercise ball.....oh and those glass tanks are terrible! they dont provide the proper ventilation a hamster needs. the plastic ones post the same problems. you should get one like this. http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3076905 its great because you already get the wheel, food dishes, and the hidey hut!
3. you first need a good sized cage. then you will need the flooring chip(bedding) then, you will need a hamster wheel and ball the ball should be one of those see through ones that you can put the hamster in. this is optional. you need the food, food dish, water, and water bottle. You would also need treats, vitamins, chew sticks, and exercise toys. a hiding place would also be important.
4. Don't get pine or cedar bedding. It's horrible =]
5. Absolutely DO NOT buy the hamster before the tank! I have a 10 gallon tank with pine shavings. When you get the shavings, make sure they're good quality and small enough that they don't trip on them. When i first got my dwarfs, we accidentally bought bad-quality chips that were big and chunky and they poor guys were tripping on them. Make sure it's deep enough that your little guy can burrow in it. Also, it's disregarded, but I find Kleenex are a must! I use them as extra bedding fluff, and when they're out of their cage, it's easy to spot their droppings if they're on Kleenex! You should buy one wheel per hamster and a hamster ball for them to run around in as well. Make sure you have a house for him/her/them to live in. You will also need a food bowl and a water bowl or water bottle. It's up to you which. The food you buy should be high in protein and fiber, but low in fat and moisture. You can supplement their diet with 1 teaspoon of fresh fruits or veggies each day. You can find a list of foods that are OK for hamsters online. Make sure to give your hamster something to chew on or a toy. This will keep it entertained when you're not around. Remember, it's a nocturnal animal, so she'll be awake at night! You should put the whole cage together before you go out and buy the animal, so that there's a ready and waiting environment for her. The most important thing is that it's a place where she can be happy and healthy.
6. Bedding; I recommend Carefresh Food; Any hamster food. Cage; A starter cage is good Toys; hamster wheel, chew toys. Water; Bottle for hamsters Hamster; Pick your hamster! Treats; honey treats, fruit treats, buy them at your petstore. (optional)