Dwarf Hamster Care

Are you looking for a tiny pet that won’t take up much space? A dwarf hamster may be a good bet for you. These little guys are very small, but they’re really cute. They’re also quite easy to care for. In this article from Westside Animal Hospital, a Savannah, GA vet discusses dwarf hamsters.

Basics

As the name suggests, dwarf hamsters are very small, rarely growing over 4 inches long. They live about 2 or 3 years, on average. There are actually a few types of hamsters that fall under the tiny dwarf hamster umbrella, including the Roborovski Hamster, Russian Dwarf Campbell Hamster, and the Winter White Russian Hamster, also known as the Djungarian or the Siberian Hamster.

Diet

Hamster diets should consist of commercial hamster blocks or pellets, along with small amounts of Timothy hay, grains, and veggies. Be careful not to overfeed your pet! As you may know, hamsters carry extra food in their cheek pouches. They also have a habit of hoarding treats for later. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Buddies

Most hamsters don’t do well with roommates, but dwarf hamsters can be housed in same-sex pairs or even small groups. In fact, these guys are happier with friends! However, it’s important to get them at the same time: they don’t take well to newcomers.

Habitat

Like other pocket pets, hamsters need comfy cages. You’ll need to add a safe substrate, such as aspen; bedding material; a water bottle; a hidey-hole; and lots of chew sticks or chew toys. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Health

Watch for signs of illness or injury, such as weight loss, diarrhea, a dirty rump, respiratory issues, lethargy, hair loss, nasal discharge, and overgrown teeth. Contact your vet if you notice any of these warming signs.

Personality

You may be surprised at how adorable these little guys are! Dwarf hamsters are crepuscular, which means they are the most active at dusk and dawn. They absolutely love exploring mazes, and they also appreciate having an exercise ball or a runabout.

Purchasing

Always purchase hamsters from reputable pet stores or breeders. Keep in mind that pet stores are notorious for misidentifying hamster sexes. It’s not uncommon to find that a hamster that was sold as a male is actually a pregnant female!

Do you have questions about hamster care? Contact Westside Animal Hospital, your local Savannah, GA vet clinic!