CARE OF DWARF HAMSTERS
Dwarf hamsters are smaller than the Syrian cousins. But the care of dwarf hamsters is basically the same care of other hamsters. A dwarf hamster has several different types of breeds and they all will make wonderful pets for the hamster lover.
Dwarf hamsters are very fast and can escape more easily, they also are skittish and more delicate. Due to their size being so small they can fit into small spaces and cracks so you need to place them into a secure cage. Dwarf hamsters will dig tunnels in the dirt or sand in their native homeland to make a home for themselves in these tunnels. Because they thrive in tunnels you need to purchase plastic tubular tunnels for their home which you can get at most pet stores. But remember when purchasing these plastic tubular tunnels they may be too large for their small bodies to maneuver or climb in properly. So find plastic tunnels that are made for the dwarf hamsters, they are built smaller and used for mice, but this is better suited for the size of the dwarf hamsters. You also need a 10 to 20 gallon tank for your hamster, if you plan on having more than one than you may need to have even a larger one. These hamsters are very active pets so you will also need to purchase a wheel to put in your cage, this is very important. You can purchase a wheel specifically small enough for the dwarf hamster. Hamsters will run up to five miles on their wheels through out their wake time.
Use a natural wood bedding on the bottom of your hamster cage this bedding will also give them a place to borrow through. Make sure that it is dust free and an absorbent wood material because you do not want to use a pine or cedar shavings these can cause a respiratory problem for your little hamsters and this makes the care of dwarf hamsters easier. The bedding must be completely removed and replaced with fresh bedding on a weekly basis. Hamsters also like to build a nest out of the bedding materials. Since hamsters like to build nests you could put a nesting box in their cage because they are shy creatures and like their privacy. Some hamster owners will also give the hamsters shredded tissues, paper, paper towels, or cotton for nesting materials to their hamsters to build a nest.
Dwarf hamsters eat as much as the Syrian hamster because of their high metabolism. Dwarf hamsters do eat different types of vegetables, dried fruits, pellets and seeds. You do need to keep a constant supply of fresh water and food for your hamsters even if they hoard their food to their nests instead of leaving the food in the bowl. Something else to keep in their cages that are important for owners to know is keeping chew toys for them. Their teeth do not stop growing so your hamster feels the need to constantly gnaw on things around them. So make sure you purchase soft wooden toys to chew on or they may end up chewing on the plastic accessories in the cage that would result in broken and rough pieces which can cause injury to the hamsters.
Hamster owners must not only clean the cage on a weekly basis, but also all the toys, tunnels, nest bedding box, water bottle, food bowl, wheel and all accessories. You can use a mild solution of soap and water, rinse thoroughly. Make sure the cage is completely dry before adding the wood shavings, along with everything else. Hamsters take some amount of care but having a dwarf hamster is well worth it for these amazing pets. Take care of dwarf hamsters as they make a loving pet.
