Dwarf Hamster Care

Dwarf hamsters are rodents, and belong to the genus Phodopus (short-tailed dwarf hamsters). They can further be categorized into Campbell's dwarf hamster, Winter White Russian (Dzhungarian) dwarf hamster and Roborovski's (Desert) dwarf hamster. The first two are very similar in appearance, especially in size and color. Chinese hamsters also appear fairly similar, but belong to the Genus Cricetulus (ratlike hamsters). These diminutive hamsters are very cute, which is part of the reason they are such popular pets. They are also easy to care for, and fairly sociable. If this is the pet for you, ensure you are well versed in dwarf hamster care before you bring one home. Dwarf hamsters are often sold in same-sex pairs, and the best time to bring one home is when it is between 4 - 7 weeks old.

Caring for Dwarf Hamsters

Home: The first step to caring for a dwarf hamster is to get it well settled and comfortable. While selecting a home for your dwarf hamster, keep in mind that it is very small and thus can easily squeeze through small openings. A close wire mesh cage or home intended for a mouse will be quite appropriate. To make the home resemble the hamsters natural habitat, you can add about 2'' of pine shavings to the base. However, be careful never to use cedar as some dwarf hamsters are very sensitive to cedar oil.

In the wild, hamsters make and live in burrows, so you can expect them to try to burrow. This will result in scattered shavings if the hamster resides in a wire-sided cage. Thus, an alternative is a ten-gallon glass aquarium, for a pair of Dwarf Hamsters. A good home needs a water bottle, an exercise wheel, and a salt block, at least. If you can add tunnels or burrows, you'll have on truly happy hamster. You can create tunnels from toilet paper tubes.

Additions: Make a special enclosure for your dwarf hamster to sleep in. Make a 2'' opening in a small, closed cardboard box, and place it in any corner of the cage. Don't add any shavings to it, as your hamster will make it comfortable by lining it for himself/herself. You can introduce a chew toy to the cage, and if your hamster likes it then you can add some more.

Cleaning: It is important to clean out the cage once a week, but you only need to replace the box once every few months. Take out the bedding from the cage, and wipe it clean. If the bedding is soiled or damp, replace it with new fresh bedding. Check the cage daily, and every two days, take out any bits of uneaten fruits and vegetables, before the rot or attract ants. You should keep the cage covered it you have other pets.

Food: In the wild, a dwarf hamster's will mostly eat seeds and other plant materials. The best food for your hamster is pellets intended for rats and mice, and you can throw in a few seeds for variety. Some people like to feed their dwarf hamster fresh vegetables, which is fine as long as the quantity of greens is kept to a minimum, or ideally avoided altogether. Carrots and potatoes are good options.

An important aspect of dwarf hamster care is proper socializing and handing. As dwarf hamsters are very nearsighted, you must first speak to it, and once it gets accustomed to you, then pick it up. The best way to pick up a hamster is to pin it down and scoop it up with a handful of its bedding. Once safely nestled in your hands, it should settle down. While handling your hamster, ensure your hands are clean and do not smell of food. With these tips, you should be able to take good care of your dwarf hamster, though it is advisable to constantly update your knowledge on this topic.