How to Raise Dwarf Hamsters

Dwarf hamsters are smaller versions of standard hamsters and have become popular pets because of their "toy" appearance and friendly personality. Dwarf hamsters hail from Russia, China and Mongolia, and can be one of four different species. Dwarf hamsters grow to a maximum of 4 inches in length and make extremely good pets if they receive the right care.

Things You'll Need

  • Hamster cage
  • Shavings/shredded paper
  • Water bottle
  • Dish
  • Hamster food
  • Toys
  • Hamster wheel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy young dwarf hamsters. The best time to adopt a dwarf hamster is when it is young enough that you can raise it yourself. Buy or adopt hamsters when they are between 4 weeks and 2 months old.

    • 2

      Set up a hamster cage for your hamster(s). Use a 10-gallon tank or cage for two to three dwarf hamsters to give them plenty of space. Line the cage with a generous layer of shavings or shredded newspaper (available at pet shops). Dwarf hamsters will burrow into this and build homes. Put a hamster water bottle in the cage, along with a dish for food and hamster toys for chewing. Give your hamsters a wheel for exercise.

    • 3

      Fill the dish with hamster food (available at pet shops) and replenish the food each evening. Each hamster should eat 2 tbsp. of food a day. If you have multiple hamsters, make sure that each is getting enough food.

    • 4

      Handle the hamsters consistently. They are social creatures and need attention. This will also give you the chance to monitor their health. Dwarf hamsters that are healthy have glossy fur, bright eyes and lots of energy. Hamsters that don't exhibit these characteristics might be sick.

    • 5

      Clean the cage at least once a week. Empty at least the top layer of shavings or shredded paper and replace it with fresh, clean bedding to keep the cage clean and healthy. Monitor both food and water levels consistently, and keep an eye on the social situation in hamster cages with multiple hamsters. If there is one hamster that isn't getting enough food or is getting picked on, consider setting up an independent cage for that hamster.