Dwarf Hamster Care

While dwarf hamsters are smaller in size as compared to their Syrian counterparts, both species are similar in the amount of TLC required.

That said they do tend to be more fragile and edgy and are quick to seize upon any chance to escape. Being small, they can slip out from tiny nooks and cracks so extra care should be taken that they are kept in a secure, escape-proof cage.

In the wild, hamsters live in burrows that they dig in the dirt and sand. Pet hamsters on the other hand, are happy in modular plastic habitat cages that can be found at most pet stores. Due to their diminutive size, however, dwarf hamsters often have trouble moving about in hamster cages designed for the larger hamster species. When buying a cage for your dwarf hamster you need to choose a smaller cage that is specifically designed for mice and dwarf hamsters.

Dwarf hamsters are also happy in 10 to 20 gallon tanks or wire cages. Despite their tiny size, hamsters are hyper-active creatures and a wheel placed inside the cage is a must if you want to have a happy pet. Studies suggest that hamsters can run distances of up to 5 miles on their running wheels. What’s more, they thrive on it! You can find smaller wheels that are designed especially for dwarf hamsters.

Dwarf hamsters also need some form of substrate to line the bottom of their cage to satisfy their natural urge to burrow. This substrate should be absorbent and dust-free, such as wood shavings. Be careful not to use pine or cedar shavings, however, as these substrates have been known to cause respiratory problems in hamsters.

A hamster’s cage should be emptied and cleaned and the substrate changed once every week. Hamsters are also fond of building nests out of the substrates in their cages. Other materials for building nests can be provided, such as tissue paper, shredded paper, and paper towels. Your pet hamster will appreciate having a nesting box; some kind of small, enclosed space in which to build its nest. These naturally shy creatures appreciate the feeling of security that such boxes provide.

Dwarf hamsters have high metabolism levels and they are known to eat almost as much as the larger Syrian hamsters. Their food typically consists of dried fruits, seeds, vegetables and pellets. While hamsters love hoarding their food in their nests, you should always provide your hamster with fresh food and water every day. You also need to provide your hamster with chewing toys. Hamsters’ teeth are constantly growing, so they need something to chew or gnaw on. If you do not provide your hamster with soft wooden objects to chew on, it is likely to start chewing on its plastic cage accessories, and the jagged or rough pieces could injure your hamster.

In addition to changing the substrate regularly, you also need to clean the accessories and the cage itself every week. A diluted soap and water solution can be used for cleaning but make sure that you rinse everything thoroughly to remove all of the soap. Dry the cage well before you put in the fresh substrate. Avoid any harsh chemicals that could irritate your pet.

For those of you debating over whether or not it is worth keeping a russian dwarf hamster as a pet, you should know that the sheer joy and pleasure of owning this interesting and amazing creature far outweighs any amount of effort that goes into taking care of it.