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Hamster and dwarf hamster tips
The most common pet hamsters are the Syrian hamster or Golden hamster.
The Golden rule is one Golden hamster per cage. They are extremely territorial - two in the same cage will fight - to the death!
Russian hamsters and Chinese hamsters, also known as dwarf hamsters - prefer to live in pairs of the same or different sexes. Remember - a mixed sex pair will mate!
The size of a hamster is approx. 5 - 6 inches; the size of a dwarf hamster 2 - 4 inches. One problem in keeping dwarf hamsters is their size. A dwarf hamster is able to squeeze through the bars of cages originally designed for the Syrian hamsters, so be certain that you get a cage with very narrow bars, or an all plastic cage. Multi-unit habitats are suitable for dwarf hamsters, but only if the vertical tunnels are equipped with ladders.
Never mix Russian hamsters and Chinese hamsters
Hamsters are nocturnal. Although they sleep during the day, they really very energetic. The average hamster will have 3-4 hours exercise a night!
Hamsters should always be housed indoors. Remember that although a cage can be too small, it can never be too big. Avoid wooden cages (as your hamster will chew his way out!) and metal cages, which can get rather cold. Plastic or glass cages are best, but make sure the top or lid is fixed securely. You can use the connecting plastic or perspex tubes, but these can be very complicated to clean.
Position the cage somewhere light and airy, away from draughts, heaters, direct sunlight and other pets. Never put the cage on or near a fridge, television, radio or hi-fi.
Provide plenty of warm bedding, like my favourite - Russel Bedding - which is really soft and fluffy. Never use cotton, nylon or fibre bedding - these could be a danger to your hamster if swallowed.
Hamster food
Golden hamsters thrive on mixed seed, grains and nuts which can be supplemented with wholemeal bread or porridge oats. Hamsters will eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables including apple, tomato and cabbage. Golden hamsters also like some animal protein such as slices of boiled egg, flakes of cooked fish or pieces of cheese.
The food requirements for a dwarf hamster are basically the same as those of the Syrian hamster: a mixed seed and grain diet with the addition of small amounts of peanuts, sunflower seeds and dog biscuit. The dwarf hamster will also take small amounts of vegetables and fruit.
Hamsters have long incisor teeth that need to be worn down, so a hardwood gnawing block is necessary. Brazil nuts and hard carrots also help to keep teeth trim.
Hamsters need a constant supply of water so a dripping feed bottle is required.
A food store and a nesting box are also a must and soft straw should be provided.
Because they are energetic creatures hamsters need access to a solid exercise wheel which must be closely secured to a wall for safety. |
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Hamster cage and dwarf hamster cage tips A hamster cage can never be too big. Your hamster is a very active animal (at night!) and he needs a lot of space. To keep him really happy the absolute minimum size of a cage for a syrian or golden hamster is 15 x 10 inch! Larger and two or three levels is of course better. You should keep no more than one hamster in a cage. Two hamsters in one cage will fight and can cause serious injuries or even death! You don't have to be afraid that one hamster will be lonely.
You can also buy all or nearly all plastic cages, comprising a number of compartments linked by tubes. These look attractive and will stop draughts, although expensive to buy if a suitable size is used. The cage may need to be taken apart to get the hamster out until it gets to know its owner and will come to the owner's voice. These cages do, however, come into their own if you also own a cat or dog as the hamster is protected against claws.
The cage should always be placed indoors. Avoid wooden cages (as your hamster will chew his way out!) and metal ones, which can get rather cold. A cage of plastic or glass is best, but make sure the top or lid is fixed securely
If you are looking for a dwarf hamster cage, then keep in mind that the size of a dwarf hamster is 2 - 4 inches. Being so small a dwarf hamster is able to squeeze through the bars of cages originally designed for the Syrian hamsters, so be certain that you get a cage with very narrow bars, or an all plastic cage. Multi-unit habitats are suitable for this species, but only if the vertical tunnels are equipped with ladders.
Buy a habitat not only because is looks good, but make sure your pet feels at home in it. The cage should have a house and exercise wheel. The exercise wheel is very important, so your pet can have the workout it needs.
Position the habitat somewhere light and airy, away from draughts, heaters, direct sunlight and other pets. Never put it on or near a television, radio or hi-fi or a fridge! NEVER give a small pet just any type of wool, cotton, fiberglass, felt or aquarium filter material for nesting! Unapproved nesting material can be swallowed and has caused many deaths by blocking the stomach of a small pet!
How to keep a hamster cage cleanA good layer of sawdust or shavings should be spread on the floor of the cage to absorb the urine - sawdust is the more absorbent of the two - but it is a personal choice. If you are keeping a long-haired hamster then sawdust is preferable as shavings tend to tangle the long hair. NEVER put newspaper under the sawdust, as chewing this could lead to poisoning. Your hamster will also need a "damp" corner where it can urinate. The corner of a plastic box will serve as a tray for this purpose and should-be filled with sawdust.
The home should be thoroughly cleaned out every week, and every day the water bottle should be refilled and any droppings and perishable food removed. The damp corner must also be cleaned frequently (every day or at least a few times a week).
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