Dwarf Hamster Pet Care

Dwarf hamsters are several tiny species of hamsters native primarily to desert regions around the world. These social creatures thrive in pairs or small groups. They are docile, easy to handle, and fun to watch as they tunnel and romp around in their enclosure. They’re also simple to care for, requiring a reasonably straightforward diet and regular cage cleaning.

About the Dwarf Hamster

Dwarf Hamster Care: Habitat Set-Up

• Choose a habitat with a solid bottom with a well-ventilated wire mesh top or a standard glass aquarium with a tightly fitting mesh top. The wire cages allow for better airflow, though they offer less protection against drafts. The enclosure should be at least 1 foot by 2 feet and a foot tall.
• You’ll want to bring a water bottle and a food bowl (heavy enough not to tip over).
• In the enclosure, fill the habitat with treats and toys. An exercise wheel with a solid surface (not bars) is ideal, as this minimizes the risk of injuries. Other options include tunnels and bridges for hiding and climbing and wooden chew blocks for dental hygiene (chewing maintains a hamster’s incisor teeth, which grow continuously). Also, add a nest or sleeping hut (we have several options) in the enclosure corner.
• Line the bottom of the enclosure with a couple of inches of bedding. Paper or aspen products are recommended. Don’t use cedar or pine bedding, as the strong smell can be harmful to a hamster.
• Scoop out any wet spots in the bedding daily. Change all the bedding weekly as you scrub the entire enclosure with soap and water.

Temperament

• Dwarf hamsters comprise many species, but overall, dwarf hamsters make for captivating and low-maintenance pets.
• Dwarf hamsters sleep during the day and are active at night. Never pick up a sleeping hamster. It will become startled and most likely bite you. They are the most peaceful during the early morning and evening hours.
• Dwarf hamsters won’t form a close bond with you, but they will visit when you’re near their cage. Most dwarf hamsters take well to people holding them, but they will nip if they feel uncomfortable. Calm, gentle handling from a young age can help them to feel safe when held.
• Expect to spend a few hours weekly on feedings and maintaining your hamster’s habitat. After that, make sure you devote time to handling your hamster. You want to keep your hamster tame.

Dwarf Hamster Care: Diet and Nutrition

• Feed your Dwarf hamster once a day. He likes a diet of nuts, grains, and seeds supplemented with fruits and vegetables, including oats, bananas, and carrots. Commercial food blends provide all of the vitamins and minerals they need. Therefore, supplemental foods generally shouldn’t make up more than 10% of the hamster’s overall diet.
• Always keep a bowl of food in the enclosure and discard uneaten food after 24 hours. When you feed your hamster fresh foods, offer them to them in the evening. Your hamster is waking up from its slumber and is ready to eat.
• Hamsters like to graze and store food in their cheek pouches. And sometimes, they’ll stash food in their cage for later. Your hamster might also wake up a few times daily to eat and then go back to sleep.
• Always provide a clean source of water for your hamster, and refresh it daily. Cage water bottles work well because they are easy to keep clean and sanitary. You can also use a shallow dish for water until your hamster learns to drink from the bottle.

Pet Safety

• Use caution when handling pets, and remember they may bite or scratch (especially when stressed).
• Supervise children around pets.
• ALL ANIMALS can potentially carry viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases contagious to humans.
• Thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after contact with any pet or its habitat.
• Adults should assist children with handwashing after contact with a pet, its habitat, or aquarium water.

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