How To Care For Dwarf Hamsters

1. Their Shelter!

Dwarf hamsters aren't very big at all, but they do like space to run around and play. A special hamster or fish aquarium is great for hamsters to escape very high or low temperatures, and it's easy to see in them. A plastic hamster home usually has tubes connecting different rooms, (usually expensive), they cause endless entertainment, but they are more difficult to clean than regular cages. Make sure tubing isn't too steep or complicated. Wire cages are just confusing and can be dangerous so I suggest staying far far away from them. BONUS: make sure to make adjustments for more than one dwarf hamster. They like small same-sex groups, so expect a baby if you have different sex hammies. Also provide two seperate wheels, water bottles, nesting areas, and have enough food for both of them.

2. What to put in their home!

HAMSTER BEDDING! dry bedding is essential for hamsters health. I personally suggest from my expierence to use paper bedding, such as toilet paper (you'd have to clean their cage more frequently because it's not as absorbing), or cotton-type paper. Cedar and pine shavings aren't good for their lungs, and are very toxic. Place the hamster cage in a room that get's dark at night, due to them being nocturnal, and a comfortable temperature that veers towards warmer than cooler because of the risk of pneumonia. Don't leave windows open, or allow other pets to annoy or mess with them. WATER BOTTLES! Many hamster cages come with a water bottle, but if they don't, buy your own. Fill the bottle with fresh water as it runs out. HAMSTER FOOD! Serve your hamster food in a shallow plastic dish. Throw it out if it gets wet, and keep it stocked at all times because they love nibbling. Fortified pellets or blocks should be their main diet, and seed based food as a supplement. Chew sticks are essential for DH, as their teeth grow long and sharp. Buy chew sticks or make your own with toilet roll (works great!). TREATS! DH and regular hammies, love vegetables, and store bought sweet treats.

3. Cleaning the cage!

Scoop out the dirty bedding every few days, and wash the entire cage once a week. Be sure to wipe down toys, dishes, and wheels too. Let the cage air dry for 10 minutes or until it's dry, and then add 2 inches of bedding, due to them loving to burrow in bedding. Place your hamster in a hamster play pen or dry bathtub, just make sure he doesn't escape.

4. Playing with your hamster!

Your hamster will have a lot of energy and it'll like to exercise, especially at night. Provide your hamster with toys it can use with or without your help. Exercise wheels are the classic hamster toy. Make sure the wheel is stabilized at the bottom of the cage so it doesn't tip over when the hamster climbs on. These can also be loud, so if you are a light sleeper, put your hamster’s cage in a different room. Exercise balls are another popular choice. The hamster is placed inside a plastic ball, which rolls as the hamster runs around. Make sure that you place the hamster ball on a flat surface away from stairs. In the first few days of getting a new dwarf hamster, do not attempt to pick it up. Just put your hand in its cage and let it sniff you to get used to your scent. Don't grab or otherwise roughly handle your hamster, since it has a very fragile body. Always pick a hamster up from the bottom or else it will feel threatened. Start off by sitting on the floor and holding it near the floor. If it senses an easy escape route, it’ll be less likely to bite or squirm. Hold your hamster every day. If your dwarf hamster doesn't socialize frequently, it may stop being as friendly when you want to play. Gently lift your hamster from his cage and let him scurry around your lap at least once a day. If your hamster is very dirty, get a small brush that humans use to dye their hair roots or a toothbrush. Wet it and gently stroke your hamster with it. Dab dry with a rag. Never bathe a hamster by submerging it in water. This will cause the hamster to become very ill!!!