Caring For Your Dwarf Hamster

There are numerous varieties of dwarf hamsters. There is the Chinese Dwarf Hamster, the White Winter Russian Dwarf Hamster and the Campbell's Dwarf Hamster, just to name a few. Dwarf-like in stature, hence their names, they also need as much nurturing as the larger hamster species, like the Syrian Hamster.

Dwarf hamsters are characterized by their small size and dainty frames. Like little children, they are extremely high-strung and can slip from your fingers in the blink of an eye. You will have trouble locating them if they do escape so make sure that they are well contained.
The natural habitat of the hamster is a self-made underground shaft but tamed hamsters are usually housed in the plastic version of these shafts--the tubular habitats--that are sold in pet stores. Take note though that you should get the ones made for little mice and not the ones made for hamsters as the latter are too large for Dwarf hamsters. Wire cages and aquariums with a ten to twenty gallon capacity are also good options.

These sprightly creatures will find a running wheel useful. Statistics show that hamsters will run for five miles on this. To ensure your dwarf hamster's comfort and safety, purchase a wheel in accordance to the dwarf hamster's size.

Line your pet's cage with a soot-free and porous substrate and your pet will thank you for it. These creatures instinctively like to dig out tunnels for themselves, so this will really make them feel more at home. Fresh substrate every week is a must for these creatures.

Alternatives to the substrate made from wood shavings are paper-based materials such as paper towels, cotton and the like. Hamsters like having their own nest so they can have their solitude. Think of the nest as their bedroom and the cage as their home.

Your pets will love eating a variety of hamster food and like stocking up on them as well. Despite that, keep giving them fresh supplies of food and water even if they do not finish the ones from the previous meal. Because of their tendency to move around a lot they eat a lot too.

Just like teething babies, hamsters' teeth keep growing and thus the need to chew on almost everything, which is damaging to their teeth. Satisfy their urge by providing soft wooden chew toys instead of plastic ones.

Just as important as providing fresh substrate every week is giving your hamsters a clean environment. Thus, their cages and accessories must be cleaned with soap and water every week. Do not use harsh chemical solutions as they will harm your hamsters. Dry the cage and accessories thoroughly so that you can replace it with fresh substrate. All these little efforts are just a small price to pay in return for having the company of the perfect pets.