Dwarf Hamsters Care
Dwarf Hamsters make wonderful pets because they are smaller and more sociable. If you have decided these cute and furry little creatures would be a welcomed addition to your home, then it’s time to find out which dwarf hamster species is the right one for you. Make no mistake that although they are smaller then their Syrian cousins, they do require the same amount of tender loving care.
Dwarf hamsters are very active and can often be more delicate and skittish. There are times when they try to make a quick escape ☺ Their small size allows them to fit into small cracks and spaces so they do require a secure enclosure. In the wild, hamsters dig tunnels in the sand and dirt in order to make themselves a comfortable home.
Dwarf Hamsters Care At Home
In the home environment, they live happily in the plastic hamster wheels you can easily purchase at most pet supply stores. However, because of their small size, the wheels you purchase must be easy for the hamsters to climb and maneuver in properly. Fortunately, the wheels now come in a myriad of sizes and designs to choose from, and are better suited for dwarf hamsters. An alternative would be a 10-20 gallon tank or a wire cage. Because hamsters are naturally active creatures, it’s important that the wheel be placed inside the cage and can be used for them to run. Interestingly, one study found that a typical hamster could run up to five miles on their wheel!
Another fun characteristic of dwarf hamsters is that they are natural burrowers. To satisfy this trait, it’s crucial to place a substrate of dust free and absorbent material like wood shavings at the bottom of the cage. Be aware that other materials like cedar or pine based products can be harmful due to the repertory problems these materials can cause.
Dwarf Hamsters Habitat
In order to keep the hamster habitat hygienic, the substrate in the hamster’s cage should be completely emptied out and replaced every week. In addition, the cage should also be completely dry before new substrate is added. Remember not to use harsh chemicals because this can be harmful to the health of the hamsters. The furry little creatures also like to make nests out of the substrates in their cages, and it’s also a lot of fun to watch them do this. Other suitable nesting materials are paper towels, cotton, shredded paper, or tissues. Often times they like to construct their nests in a small space like a nesting box. Because they are naturally shy animals, they like the privacy that these boxes offer.
Because of their naturally active nature which produces high metabolism, it’s possible for dwarf hamsters to eat as much as the larger Syrian Hamster. It’s crucial to note that they do eat different types of pellets, seeds, dried fruits and vegetables. Although hamsters tend to store their food in their nests rather then leaving it in their bowls, they still need to be offered a constant supply of fresh foods and a fresh water supply. Another important aspect that owners need to take note of is ensuring that their hamsters receive chewing toys. Hamsters’ teeth never stop growing so they feel the constant urge to gnaw on anything that is around them. Without soft wooden toys to keep them busy they will sometimes chew on anything available that is hard like plastic accessories that can injure them.
If you can thinking about getting Dwarf Hamsters as pets, remember that they are just like any other pet and require proper care, but having them as pets is also very rewarding and fun.
thanks !! very helpful post!