Upgrade Your Information

"I had hamsters 10 years ago and they never had any problems with __________".

"I used to breed hamsters thirty years ago, I know what I'm talking about".
"When I was a kid we never did that for our hamsters."

     I've heard it all when it comes to people who are not new to hamsters be rather new to today's information regarding hamsters. Thirty years ago, twenty years ago, ten years ago, even five years ago there wasn't a whole lot known about hamsters. So much new information is out there and as the years continue to progress we are learning more and more. We never knew that cedar shavings were dangerous thirty years ago and it has only been in the last five to seven years that people have accepted that all softwood shavings are dangerous for example. Cage sizes were small and it was considered ok, now we know that they need so much more room. Knowledge on every area of hamsters has changed because we know more now and we are learning more and more everyday.

     Hamsters aren't a popular area of study so we learn slowly, but we are indeed learning. Now for those that used to have hamsters but have taken a break it is important to research again. Pet store employees and old books aren't the only resource that can be used in your studies, the internet is a vast and powerful tool too. There are websites, blogs and forums that hold a ton of information and experience. Times have changed, mostly for the better when it comes to our beloved hamsters. So while a small cage, no wheel, table scraps and cedar shaving may have been accepted twenty or so years ago they should no longer be accepted at all today.

     I understand that it is difficult to change what you know, but when new evidence comes up, it does need to be taken into consideration and more often then not acted upon. In the end it is up to you to decide if you should upgrade your information, though at least knowing the updated information of the pet you are keeping is important, even if you will continue using past and outdated information. For those that base their care on such outdated information, I am not saying you are bad owners, only that you reconsider what was once considered the norm for hamster care. This is what this site is all about- providing the updated information on hamster care.