| All species of Dwarf Hamster make lovable pets, and | | | | problems. The substrates are used by the hamsters to |
| despite the fact that they are much smaller than their | | | | build their own private nests. You can also offer other |
| Syrian relatives, they need the same amount of quality | | | | nesting materials like paper towels, cotton, shredded |
| care. Caring for Dwarf Hamsters may seem tedious | | | | paper or tissue. Always remember that you need to |
| but all your hardships will be outweighed by the joy | | | | totally remove the substrate and replace it with a new |
| you will have with these wonderful creatures. | | | | one on a weekly basis. |
| Usually, Dwarf Hamsters can be fragile, playful and | | | | In terms of food consumption, Dwarf Hamsters eat |
| can escape quickly. Because of their size, they can | | | | just as much as the larger Syrian hamster, because |
| easily fit through small gaps and openings so you need | | | | they have an ultra high metabolism. They enjoy eating |
| to secure them in an enclosed housing area. In their | | | | various kinds of pellets, seeds, dried fruits and |
| origins, hamsters live in tunnels that they dig in sand and | | | | vegetables. Dwarf Hamsters have a tendency to |
| dirt, however, in a home setting they can reside in | | | | store food in their nests, therefore you should supply |
| plastic tubular housing which can be bought in pet | | | | them with fresh food and water at all times. Owners |
| supply stores. In choosing their habitat, you need to | | | | must also give their pets some chewing toys. Since |
| consider the size and number of the hamsters against | | | | hamsters’ teeth continually grow, they possess the |
| the housing's dimensions. Obviously the common | | | | constant urge to nibble everything in their surroundings. |
| habitats for the hamster are too huge for them so | | | | If they do not have toys, ideally made from wood, they |
| they will have difficulty in climbing and moving around. | | | | will chew on parts of their plastic tubular housing and |
| Fortunately, you can buy smaller tubular habitats that | | | | could well end up with an injury. |
| are particularly designed for mice and small hamsters. | | | | Aside from changing the hamster’s cage substrate |
| Dwarf Hamsters can also thrive in a 10-20 gallon tank | | | | regularly, you must also wash the cage and all of its |
| or even in a wire cage. Since hamsters are physically | | | | accessories on a weekly basis with a light solution of |
| active in nature, you can place a small wheel inside the | | | | water and soap. After rinsing the cage thoroughly, see |
| cage for their running activity. Studies have shown that | | | | to it that it is completely dry before you put in a new |
| hamsters can run up to five miles a night on their | | | | substrate. Lastly, avoid using harsh chemicals that may |
| wheel, so make sure it is a good quality quiet one if | | | | irritate your hamster. |
| you want to sleep! | | | | Although they are small, Dwarf Hamsters do need as |
| To deal with the hamsters’ burrowing instincts, you | | | | much care as any cat, but they are a wonderful pet |
| should place a substrate at the bottom of their cage. | | | | and you and your family will have many hours of |
| Dust-free and absorbent materials such as wood | | | | enjoyment watching and playing with them, so what |
| shavings can be used, except for cedar or pine based | | | | are you waiting for? |
| products because they can cause respiratory | | | | |