How to choose a healthy hamster?

Every owner wants his pet to be healthy and cheerful. To do this, it is important to comply with the conditions of detention, as well as to acquire the animal in proven places, having previously examined it. Of course, it’s impossible to tell by eye whether a pet is healthy or not. But there are signs that allow us to judge its general condition.

Appearance can tell a lot about a pet’s health. For example, if a long-haired guinea pig is seriously ill, no care products will help to give it a show gloss. A beautiful pet is first and foremost a healthy pet. After all, everything that happens in the body is reflected in the appearance.

Not all breeders are conscientious, and due to inexperience, people often acquire sick pets. Instead of the joy of communicating with the animal, they are forced to observe its suffering and engage in treatment, which, unfortunately, is not always effective. To avoid this, you need to choose a pet in the “right” place: in trusted pet stores, from a responsible breeder, or at specialized exhibitions. Here you will not only choose a rodent for yourself, but also get acquainted with its pedigree, get detailed advice and, in case of questions, exchange contacts with experts. But it is better to avoid bird markets: no one is responsible for the state of animal health.

Wherever you get a pet, be sure to inspect it. A healthy rodent always:

well-groomed, shiny coat, without bald patches and tangles (if the rodent is not hairless);
clean skin, without wounds, eczema and rashes;
clear, shining eyes without discharge;
clean nose and ears;
clean area under the ponytail;
even breathing without wheezing and whistling;
moderately well-fed body, without protruding bones.

After examining the appearance of the rodent, observe its behavior. Healthy animals are active and curious, they show interest in everything and have fun playing with relatives. If the rodent is lethargic, tries to hide, hides in a corner and covers its eyes, there may be problems with its health. Also, these signs can be caused by stress, but, as a rule, in a healthy animal, fear is quickly replaced by curiosity. And the kid, at first frightened of the stranger, after a few minutes already sniffs his hand with interest.

Healthy rodents, even under stress, do not show complete apathy or pronounced aggression. Of course, you have yet to tame your pet, but with the right maintenance, he will learn the basics of behavior from his mother in the first weeks of life and will not be afraid of a person.

Here are the main points that you should pay attention to when choosing. Do not forget to exchange contacts with the breeder. At first, you may need his advice.

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