How to Look After a Russian Hamster

Russian hamsters, also known as dwarf hamsters, and their needs, are not exactly the same as the more familiar Syrian hamsters. The most obvious difference is that Russian hamsters are tiny, reaching a maximum adult length of 3 inches. The other key difference is that Russian hamsters are social animals. A Russian hamster needs a companion of the same species, unlike the solitary Syrian hamster. Otherwise, the care needs are similar.

Things You'll Need

  • Large hamster cage
  • Wheel
  • Nest box
  • Paper-based bedding
  • Toilet paper
  • Hamster mix
  • Wood chews
  • Fresh produce
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Cleaning cloths
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a suitable home before acquiring your hamsters. The very small cages sold as suitable for baby hamsters or dwarf hamsters are, in fact, only suitable for baby Syrian hamsters. This is because you need space for at least two Russian dwarf hamsters. Obtain the largest cage possible. The cages sold for rats are suitable, provided the spaces in the mesh are small, otherwise purchase a large hamster cage. Add a cardboard or plastic nest box, a solid wheel, a thick layer of paper bedding, shredded toilet paper, a water bottle and a food bowl.

    • 2

      Acquire two or more dwarf hamsters of the same gender. Sexing dwarf hamsters is extremely difficult if you are not an expert. For this reason, among many others, obtain your hamsters from a breeder or animal sanctuary, not a pet store. If you are adopting hamsters from a friend who is not an expert, take them to a vet as soon as possible for confirmation of gender.

    • 3

      Feed your hamsters a high quality hamster mix. Use the instructions on the packaging as a rough guide to amounts. Dwarf hamsters are so active they need as much food as Syrian hamsters, about a tablespoon of the mix per hamster per day. Adjust according to how much your pets eat. Supplement with a few tablespoonfuls of fresh fruit and vegetables, including green leaves, a few times a week. Provide a few wood chews or fruit tree twigs to keep the hamsters' teeth healthy.

    • 4

      Clean the cage out once a week. Place the hamsters in a pet carrier. Dispose of soiled bedding and any cardboard accessories (which you can compost if desired), wipe the cage and plastic accessories with hot water and dishwashing liquid then rinse and dry them thoroughly. Provide fresh bedding and food.