Dwarf Hamster  

  • Dwarf Hamsters are nocturnal, virtually odorless and are habitually clean.
  • Dwarf Hamster species include Campbell’s, Djungarian/Winter White, Roborovski, and Chinese.
  • The name comes from the German word 'hamstern' which means to 'hoard'.
  • Dwarf Hamsters live about 3 years.
  • Dwarf Hamsters love to hide and burrow, so they love lots of soft, clean bedding.
  • Dwarf Hamsters love to run and play, which means you should provide them with a wheel.
  • The front teeth never stop growing -- so they needs lots of healthy things to chew on like treats and chew sticks.

Diet

Hamsters are primarily fed a pelleted diet fortified with all of the necessary vitamins and minerals. Go easy on the fruits and vegetables but offer them once or twice a week. Never let perishable food items stay in the cage for long periods of time. They will need a fresh supply of water every day. Seed diets can be added to their diet later in life and any food changes should be done gradually. Dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes, so low sugar food and treat are advised.

Housing  

Dwarf Hamsters should be kept in a in a cool, low humidity, draft-free area, out of direct sunlight. The cage for an individual Dwarf Hamster should be an absolute minimum of 24” x 12” x 12” of uninterrupted space but more space is always appreciated and utilized. Dwarf Hamsters are solitary animals, so only keep one per cage. It’s best to provide 2” of good soft bedding that is clean, non-toxic, absorbent, and relatively dust free. Do not use cedar or pine shavings which can lead to respiratory problems. Spot clean the bedding daily and change all of the bedding weekly. Make sure you have a food dish, a water dish and a water bottle if you choose to add one. Hamsters will frequently use a litter box if placed in a corner. Also provide your hamster an appropriately sized exercise wheel since they love to run!

Handling & Care

Taming hamsters is simply a matter of gaining their trust. Always be patient, gentle, and move slowly. Making friends with your new pet, and getting them accustomed to you, can often be accomplished by offering treats. Never pick up your hamster by the back of the neck. Hamsters are nervous, so always let them see the back of your hand first and extend it slowly. If they do not run away from you, then gently scoop them up with your palms on either side of their body. If they are scared, or try to bite you, then use a small container for them to scurry inside of until they get comfortable with you.

Grooming

Hamsters stay clean and do not need baths. They can be provided with a sand bath though. Do NOT use volcanic ash or dust baths/powders marketed for chinchillas. You will want to choose a more coarse sand for your hamster. Too fine of a sand can cause respiratory issues for your hamster.

Health

Hamsters are healthy when they have bright eyes, soft fur, a round body, have well-formed droppings and are active. Contact your veterinarian if you notice changes in activity &/or habits &/or any of these symptoms:

  • Refusal to eat or drink
  • Overgrown teeth
  • Labored breathing, wheezing, sneezing
  • Diarrhea or blood in urine
  • Dull and/or receding eyes
  • Inactive / Lethargic
  • Limping / Loss of balance
  • Head tilt
  • Excessive hair loss / scratching
  • Rough hair coat
  • Weight loss