Things Needed for Dwarf Hamsters

Dwarf hamsters are one of a variety of hamsters available to the pet owner. Smaller than other types of hamsters, measuring about 4 inches when they are fully grown, there are four types: the Campbell's Russian dwarf, the Siberian winter white, the Roborovski and the Chinese dwarf. According to the website Dwarf Hamsters, these hamsters make good pets because they are easy to care for. But there are things they need to make their lives healthy and happy.

  1. Home

    • Your hamster needs a place to live. Pet stores will have three main varieties of housing, and each has merit.

      The glass aquarium is one choice. You can choose different sizes of aquariums for varying prices. A glass aquarium allows you to house one or multiple hamsters. Glass aquariums are are sturdy and difficult to escape from as long as it is used with a wire lid. Glass aquariums also are easy to clean. According to the website Russian Dwarf Hamsters, glass aquariums should be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent your hamster from suffering from heat stroke.

      Another choice of caging is a wire cage. These cages have plastic bottoms with a wire top section. Usually, the wire section will separate from the plastic bottom to make the cage easy to clean. Because of their lightweight construction, wire cages are portable. Unlike glass aquariums, heat stroke is not an issue because this style of cage has good ventilation. However, according to Russian Dwarf Hamsters, because of the good ventilation, you will want to make sure they are kept away from drafts, to help avoid hamster pneumonia. Another drawback to these cages is that because the sides are open, bedding can be pushed out, making a mess.

      The third type of cage is the plastic cage. These cages are made of all plastic and usually come in bright colors. These are the most expensive of the three styles of cages; however, they tend to have tubes and tunnels that can be attached, making them easily expandable. Although these tubes make for fun adventures for your hamster, dwarfs have trouble climbing up tubes and the tubes can be difficult to clean.

      Once you have a home selected for your hamster, you will need to fill it with bedding. Generally 2 to 3 inches of bedding at the bottom of the cage will suffice. You can choose any brand of bedding you wish, except avoid cedar. Cedar can cause respiratory problems in hamsters.

    Food

    • You will want to ensure your hamster has a healthy diet. According to Dwarf Hamsters, you will want to feed your dwarf hamster once a day, in the evening. For basic feeding, use a hamster mix from your local pet store that contains seeds, pellets and grains. You can also provide a treat once a week for your hamster containing different fruits and vegetables such as lettuce and apples and dog biscuits and dry cat food. You also need an ample supply of fresh water for your hamster at all times. A basic hanging water bottle is the best option. Choose one that is small, around 4 oz. in size, and durable.

    Extras

    • Although it is not a necessity, entertainment for your hamster will help keep it healthy and happy. You can choose hamster balls for your hamster to explore the world outside of the cage. They come in different shapes and sizes. An exercise wheel is a great option as well and will keep your hamster active inside the cage. Provide chew sticks help satisfy the hamsters need to chew.