Caresheet for Dwarf Hamsters

DWARF HAMSTERS

Order: Rodents (Rodentia)
Suborder: Mouse-like rodents (Myomorpha)
Family: Rats (Muridae)
Subfamily: Hamsters (Cricetinae)

There are several different types of dwarf hamsters. The most well-known species belong to two genera: Cricetulus and Phodopus. The three most common species kept as pets are:

Russian Dwarf Hamster (Winter White) (Phodopus sungorus sungorus)

Campbell's Dwarf Hamster (Phodopus sungorus cambelli)

The third familiar species is the Roborovski Dwarf Hamster (Phodopus roborovskii), which is the smallest and fastest of these species.

In addition, the Chinese Dwarf Hamster (Cricetulus griseus), which has two color variations—normal and spotted—is also kept as a pet.

HABITAT

In the wild, dwarf hamsters are found in Siberia, Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan, and Manchuria. Dwarf hamsters live in tunnels they dig in the ground, and once they reach sexual maturity, they may defend their territory fiercely from other individuals in the loosely populated community. Dwarf hamsters are most active at night, but they also move around during the day.

Dwarf hamsters are more social than golden hamsters (which are completely solitary), but there is always a possibility that two dwarf hamsters might not be able to live together in the same terrarium due to territorial disputes. Keep an eye on the situation and separate the hamsters into their own terrariums if conflicts arise. Roborovski and Campbell's hamsters generally adapt better to living with a companion than Winter Whites and Chinese Dwarf Hamsters.

Dwarf hamsters have poor eyesight, but their sense of smell and hearing are excellent. They communicate with each other using ultrasonic sounds, which humans cannot hear.

EQUIPMENT

All dwarf hamsters require similar basic care. It is best to house them in a glass rodent terrarium or a plastic Duna terrarium. Cages meant for golden hamsters have bars that are too far apart for dwarf hamsters, so they might escape.

The minimum floor dimensions of the enclosure should be 60 x 40 cm. The terrarium should include a hideouts, food dish, water bottle, a flat-bottomed running wheel about 20 cm in diameter, or a running saucer, as well as other accessories to encourage movement, such as climbing platforms. The best bedding material is wood shavings, but other wood-based bedding can also be used.

Dwarf hamsters' fur is oily, and they need the opportunity to take sand baths several times a week. The appropriate sand for this purpose is known as chinchilla bath sand, which should be placed a few centimeters deep in a sturdy container, such as a larger food bowl. Sand can be provided continuously, but if the dwarf hamster starts using the sand bath as a toilet, you can reduce the number of bath days.

Dwarf hamsters need hiding places, so small rodent huts, cardboard tubes, flowerpots, and other safe hiding spots are recommended. These little creatures are very active, so it's a good idea to provide them with plenty of things to explore, chew, climb, and wonder about—CUNIPIC's edible toys are perfect for dwarf hamsters!

FEEDING

The diet of a dwarf hamster should consist of 15-20% protein, 5-10% raw fat, and 8-11% fiber.

Dwarf hamsters are omnivores, and they enjoy both vegetables and meat. Their primary diet should consist of complete feed developed for dwarf hamsters. Recommended options for main food include CUNIPIC's Premium Hamster Mini & Mouse and Alpha Pro Hamster, which provide a tasty and, most importantly, appropriate diet for a dwarf hamster.

In addition, a moderate amount of fresh or dried vegetables, berries, fruits, and herbs should be offered, as well as lean meat, boiled eggs, and insects as sources of protein.

Too fatty food can easily cause obesity in dwarf hamsters. Additionally, dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes, so their food should not contain added sugars. CUNIPIC foods do not contain added sugar or unnecessary additives like colorants.

Dwarf hamsters are picky eaters and tend to choose the tastiest, often unhealthiest part of the food offered. Therefore, it is important to provide additional foods in moderation, ensuring the dwarf hamster primarily eats healthy complete feed.

BASIC CARE

Fresh food should be replaced daily, and dry food should be added as needed. Water should be changed daily. The cage should be cleaned every week to three weeks, depending on the size of the enclosure, bedding quality, and bedding amount. Using a toilet tray designed for hamsters is recommended, as many dwarf hamsters are very clean animals, and using a toilet tray helps keep the cage clean. Food bowls, nesting boxes, and other equipment should be cleaned as necessary. Nail trimming is necessary if nails grow too long, but most of the time, it is not required. Brushing or washing is rarely needed, as dwarf hamsters clean their fur by licking it several times a day—they also bathe in the sand. Vaccinations or deworming are not required.

BREEDING

Breeding dwarf hamsters can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to remember that the young hamsters will need a new home once they are of the right age to be rehomed. Breeding should never be done hastily, but rather after ensuring where the young hamsters will be placed. Also, consider that the hamster pair chosen for breeding must be healthy and of breeding age.

Breeding dwarf hamsters is generally easier than breeding golden hamsters, as dwarf hamsters are more social. However, conflicts may still arise, so monitor the pair closely when introducing them. It is best to introduce them in a neutral location, such as a new or well-cleaned terrarium that is not within either hamster's territory.

The first litter can be bred when the dwarf hamster is about 3 months old. The gestation period is around 16-18 days, slightly longer for Roborovskis. The average litter size is 2-6 pups, and they are ready for rehoming at about 5 weeks of age. The mother should not be disturbed while caring for her pups, and it is best not to clean the enclosure during the first two weeks. A stressed mother may abandon or even eat her babies. Typically, dwarf hamster mothers are very responsible, and the pups have a good chance of growing into curious and active adult hamsters.