Looking after a hamster (3)
English worksheets from urbrainy.com
The most common pet hamster is the Syrian, which
originates in Syria. It is also known as the golden hamster.
Hamsters live for about two years and in the wild they are
found in very deep burrows. The Syrian hamster likes to be
alone and will fight if kept with others, so only keep one in
a cage.
When buying a hamster make sure that it comes from a
reputable breeder or pet shop and that the hamster has
been kept away from the opposite sex. Hamsters can breed
after only four weeks so it is quite possible to buy a hamster that is pregnant and will produce a litter
of up to 10 babies in a fortnight’s time!
A hamster will need a comfortable, dry and clean place to live. A large wire cage is ideal, with a solid
base; plastic is better than metal. Avoid a wooden base as it will absorb liquids and urine. The cage
should be at least 60 cm by 30 cm and a minimum of 30 cm tall. Special dust-extracted bedding can
be purchased which is excellent; avoid fluffy bedding which might tangle in the hamster’s legs or
cause stomach problems if chewed. Other material is also needed so that the hamster can make a
nest; hay, shredded paper and cardboard are all good for this. Hamsters can be litter trained so a
small area of dust free wood shavings or even course sand can be provided. The cage should be kept
out of bright sunlight or heat from radiators. The cage should also be kept away from electronic
devices which generate ultrasonic sounds such as TV and computer screens and vacuum cleaners. We
cannot hear these sounds but they can disturb hamsters.
Hamsters can be given food bought from a pet shop, made up of a mixture of seeds. Small pieces of
fruit and vegetable are also good for a hamster but don’t give them too much as they hoard food and
it might go bad. Their pouches can get food impacted in them which may cause an infection. Hard
biscuits (dog biscuits) are good because the hamster can gnaw on them and it helps to keep their
teeth from growing too long. A hamster’s teeth never stop growing. Place food directly in the cage or
on a flat plate. A bowl will almost certainly be turned over. Fresh water from a water bottle is
essential. Check to make sure that it is always
working properly and clean it on a regular basis.
Hamsters have poor eyesight and tend to be
most active in the evening or night. Take care
when handling a hamster as they can be easily
hurt. Several items can help to keep a hamster
active; a ledge to climb on, a solid wheel to
exercise in, cardboard tubes to run through are
just some.
Name: Page 1
Looking after a hamster (3)
English worksheets from urbrainy.com
Answer these questions in full sentences:
1. Where does the golden hamster originate from? ………………………………………………………………………….………………………………….
.…………………………….…………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………..……………………………………………………………..………………
2. Why should you not keep hamsters together in a cage? ………………………………………....…………………………………………………
.…………………………….…………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………..…………………
3. At what age can a hamster start to breed? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
.…………………………….…………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………..…………………
4. Describe a suitable cage to keep a hamster in. ……………....……………………………………………………………………………………………….
.…………………………….…………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………..…………………
.…………………………….…………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………..…………………
5. Why should hamsters be kept away from electronic devices? ……………………………………………………………………………….…
.…………………………….…………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………..…………………
6. Why should fluffy bedding be avoided? ……………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………..
.…………………………….…………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………..…………………
7. What types of food does a hamster eat? ……………………………………………………..……………………………………………………..………………
.…………………………….…………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………..…………………
8. Why are hard dog biscuits good for a hamster? …………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………
.…………………………….…………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………..…………………
9. What is different about a hamster’s teeth compared to our teeth?…………………………………………………………………………
.…………………………….…………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………..…………………
10. Use a dictionary to help find the meanings of the following words as used in the passage:
reputable: …………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………….
absorb: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………...
11. “It is not a good idea to keep a hamster in a young child’s room.” Discuss.
.…………………………….…………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………..…………………
.…………………………….…………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………..…………………
.…………………………….…………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………..…………………
.…………………………….…………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………..…………………
Name: Page 2
