Hamsters As Pets
Golden hamsters are popular as house pets due to their docile, inquisitive nature and small size. However, these animals have some special requirements that must be met for them to be happy and healthy. Although some people think of them as a pet for young children, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends hamsters as pets only for people 10 years or older and the child should be supervised by an adult.
Most hamsters in American and British pet stores are golden hamsters. Originally, golden hamsters came in just one color — the mixture of brown, black, and gold which gave them their "golden" name — but they have since developed a variety of color and pattern mutations, including cream, white, blonde, cinnamon, tortoiseshell, black, three different shades of gray, dominant spot, banded and dilute.
The Humane Society of the United States states no habitat is too big for a hamster. Cages should be as big as possible, safe, comfortable and interesting. Golden hamsters are energetic and need space to exercise.
Read more about this topic: Golden Hamster
Famous quotes containing the word pets:
“How wonderful to meet such a natural little girl. She knows what she wants and she asks for it. Not like these over-civilized little pets that have to go through analysis before they can choose an ice cream soda.”
—John Lee Mahin (1902–1984)