How to Care for a Dalmatian Hamster

Hamsters are wonderful pets for children and rodent enthusiasts. Small, energetic, and social, hamsters are popular for their modest level of care and ease of handling. Dalmatian hamsters are a specific color pattern of hamster. Dalmatian hamsters are white hamsters with spotting, most frequently in a black pattern, causing them to resemble a dalmatian dog. Like all other hamsters, dalmatian hamsters need a basic level of housing, food, water and health care.

Things You'll Need

  • Housing
  • Bedding
  • Water bottle
  • Food dish
  • Hamster-specific food
  • Cage furnishings
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose an enclosure for your hamster. Hamsters require housing where they can freely move around and that is large enough to contain food and water containers, exercise toys and cage furnishings. They can be housed in 10-gallon or larger fish aquariums, wire cages, or in specially created hamster cages available at pet stores. Cages should be secured with a lid, as hamsters are both curious and acrobatic. Lids also protect hamsters from other household pets.

    • 2

      Provide dalmatian hamsters with plenty of clean bedding. Use low-dust bedding that can be purchased at a pet store. Hamsters create a nest or sleeping space and will often designate a specific area of their habitat or cage as a "bathroom" space. Bedding in this area should be cleaned daily and changed out completely on a regular basis.

    • 3

      Attach a water bottle to the hamster enclosure. A water bottle designated for small rodents is the safest option for hamsters. This prevents spillage and eliminates the possibility of accidental drowning in open water dishes. Dalmatian hamsters must have clean, fresh water available at all times.

    • 4

      Feed dalmatian hamsters a diet specifically formulated for hamsters. These diets, usually comprised of seeds, nuts, dried fruits, and grains are available at pet stores and major retailers. Hamsters enjoy small pieces of fruit and vegetables such as lettuce, carrots, and apples (seeds removed) as treats. Provide chewing options in the form of safe wood treats also purchased from pet stores.

    • 5

      Install exercise wheels and small "jungle gyms" in cage the cage. Hamsters need stimulation and exercise. Use plastic hamster balls for exercise outside of the cage. Hamsters should be supervised when exercising outside of their cage to ensure their safety.

    • 6

      Handle dalmatian hamsters gently and frequently to have a well socialized and friendly pet.

    • 7

      Monitor your hamster's health at all times. Hamsters can develop cheek pouch abscesses from impacted food or bedding and are prone to "wet tail" or diarrhea. Make sure hamsters are bright eyed, alert, and have no lumps or sores anywhere on their body. Research a local vet that specializes in small exotics for medical treatment and maintenance.