Disinfectant, Twigs and other

Question
Hi,

I recently got a hamster and I just have some general questions.

1. When cleaning the cage, I read that using a disinfectant is good. I'm just wondering if there is a specific kind of disinfectant to use or would i be able to use something like lysol?

2. To give something for the hamster to gnaw from, could I give it any kind of twig or are there some that are poisonous?

3. I read that it is normal for hamsters to eat their own poop. For my hamster, I saw that it has gathered some of its poop in its sleeping area. Would it be unhealthy?

4. I don't know if my hamster is just exercising or wants to escape but it keeps pacing/jumping back and forth in one area. Should I get an exercise wheel for it?

Thank you soo much!

Vicki

Answer
Vicki,

1. They actually have some pet cleaner at pet stores that cleans, disenfects, and leaves the cage smelling nice.

2. Never give a hamster a twig. You don't know what has been on there or if it could harm the hamster. I would reccomend taking a paper towl or toilet paper roll and giving him that.

3.Hamsters sometimes aren't the cleanest animals so poop where they sleep is normal. As long as you clean out the cage once a week as you should, it shouldn't bother him.

4. That behavior is actually bordem. It could also be the beginings of insanity to to boredom. You need to put a wheel inthere along with some enrichment toys to keep him entertained. Pet stores have all sorts of these and also lots of toilet paper rolls usually keep them pretty happy.

Good luck!!

Blake