B for Bad - what not to do with your hamster

Day #2 of the A-Z Challenge

B is for bad, so I will list what not to do when looking after your hamster.

General don'ts

• Don't give your hamster more than the recommended amount of treats (as on the back of most treat packets)
• Use a metal hamster wheel - this can give their feet bad blisters, called bumbles
• Use fuzzy bedding, it can trap the hamsters limbs or suffocate them, stick to paper strips or other bedding like that
• If taking photos of your hamster, do not use flash, as this can badly damage their eyes
• Make loud noises or unexpected, jerky movements when holding your hamster
• If you own Syrian hamsters, don't let any share the same cage! They are very territorial, and could easily kill each other!
• Don't buy your hamster a really small cage, she needs to be able to run around a bit and get some exercise.

Hamster Taming don'ts

• Let your hamster fall from high heights
• Make loud noises (hamsters have very sensitive hearing)
• Pick up your hamster while she/he is sleeping
• Make quick or jerky movements
• Do not try to wake your hamster with a small poke, as your hamster may think it is food and will probably bite

Cage dont's

• Don't place your cage near anywhere drafts.
• Make sure cats and other pets can't reach the cage. This will keep your hamster safe.
• Try to keep your hamster's cage away from direct and bright sunlight or radiators. This will prevent the cage from over-heating.
• Try to put your hamster's cage somewhere quiet; your hamster will prefer that to somewhere noisy.

Some of this information has previously been used on this blog.