???Russian Dwarf Hamsters??? --Is This Pet For You?

Is This Pet For You?

Russian Dwarf Hamsters, though bearing the same name as the more common regular hamster, are quite different from their cousins. Dwarf hamsters are small and cute, but are not for a small and cute child. They are more a pet for young teenagers or adults! As with all animals, dwarf hamsters each have a personality of their own -- from sweet to spunky. You will get to know your dwarf hamster by regular handling.

Care:

Dwarf hamsters are easy to care for. They will be happy in a glass, plastic, or metal cage. They should have a house to sleep with plenty of bedding, such as cedar chips, and nesting material is a favorite of my guys. Dwarfs should have a wheel also -- they are high energy pets! Purchase a wheel that is specially made for dwarfs, as their size makes it hard for them to use the same equipment as a regular hamster. (Use the same advice when buying a hamster ball as well!) As dwarf hamsters are nocturnal animals, the cage should be placed in an area where they can run all night without disturbing your sleep. The cage spot should also be cool and away from direct sunlight.

Feeding:

Dwarf hamsters eat regular hamster diet. Please don't buy it if it doesn't say vitamin and mineral enriched! This is especially important for young hamsters. Dwarfs should also have plenty of fresh water available at all times; a waterbottle is recommended, but make sure the little guys can reach it. Dwarf hamsters also like treats. Water-filled green vegetables (such as lettuce) are not so good for them, but they do love carrots and apples. You may also want to buy yogurt or berry drops for a sweet treat -- mine love both. Always be sure -- as with any animal -- to go easy on the treats. A happy hamster will be happier if it is healthy and not overweight, regardless of the treats you give it. Dwarfs also require hard chew bones/sticks to prevent their teeth from growing too much. If their teeth grow too long, they may impede eating. A hard treat stick -- such as alfalfa sticks -- will also do the trick.

Handling:

Dwarf hamsters, as I said before, are more for adults rather than children. All dwarfs have their own personality, and some like to be handled more than others. You should handle the hamster daily so that it gets used to you, and the hamster should also be allowed to run in a specially sized dwarf hamster ball -- it is good excersise, and fun for them to explore. When picking up your dwarf hamster, you should scoop and lift the animal from the bottom -- they do not like to be grabbed suddenly. If the animal nips or swats at you, take the hint! Some dwarfs do not like to be 'picked up,' but love to be 'held.' Try putting a tunnel in the cage and coaxing the animal into that. Then pick up the tube, and let it walk out onto your hand. I have rarely seen a dwarf protest -- even the most stubborn about being picked up -- when handled in this way. Another common sense thing is to never hit your hamster even if it nips -- this will only make them meaner. Bites can hurt, but sometimes even a little hamster will get nervous. The best advice is to not be nervous when handling your hamster -- the animal can sense that and will react accordingly. Be a calm, gentle owner, and you will have a sweet pet.

Special Information:

Like most animals, pairing a male and female dwarf hamster will result in babies! If you do not want to breed them, go for a same sex pair. Both males and females can be sweet (but watch out for the pregnant female -- she will NOT like being handled!) Dwarf hamsters usually like to be kept in pairs, or they can be kept in a larger colony. When paired, the hamsters bond to eachother, and a new addition will not be welcomed.

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