Dwarf Hamster - Find Out How to Take Care of a Dwarf Hamster

Hamsters were first kept as house mice fifty years ago, the number of those who take care of these rodents in the present being extremely large. Hamsters are very gentle, sociable, attached, not at all aggressive animals, whether we refer to the dwarf hamster or the Djungarian hamster. They are also not very pretentious when it comes to food. Here is some welcome advice for those who do not know too many things about these animals and especially for those who are thinking about keeping a hamster as a pet.

Normally, hamsters have their origins on the Asian continent, there being twenty-five species out of which only five are better-known. The Syrian or golden hamster is no more than 25 cm long, it is very active during the night and spends most of the time redecorating its house.

The main attraction - The dwarf hamster

The dwarf hamster is the most popular species among those who think hamsters are the perfect pets. For instance, the Russian variation lives between one and two years, measures 10-15 cm in length and weighs between 50 and 70 grams. It is a very sociable animal, which is why one should raise a pair - both a male and a female - and should opt for an average-sized aquarium instead of a regular cage because these animals can easily sneak through the grid. These hamsters are very fond of sand or fine gravel and are very sensitive, which is why they require a lot of care.

On the other hand, there is the Chinese dwarf hamster has about the same dimensions as the Russian one, but looks more like a mouse. The owner should raise two of the same gender and their house - an aquarium or a plastic cage - needs to be big (at least half a meter and 30 cm tall). These hamsters are shy and hard to catch, but they are very loving towards their owners.

Then, there is the white Russian dwarf hamster, which is no more than 10 cm long, has prominent eyes and its back is more twisted that that of the Russian correspondent. It is also recommended that you buy both a male and a female in this case, too.

Last but not least, the smallest of dwarf hamsters has its origins in Asia and Mongolia and it is 5 cm long and can live up to three and a half years. These species are very sociable and playful, live in families and love big aquariums, boxes or plastic cages.

Here is one very important tip for you if you intend to buy a hamster as a pet. You should pay maximum attention to its home. Sawdust is a very important element of the environment of a hamster. This is where it sleeps, what it chews on and where it cuddles. Put thicker paper or cardboard on the floor of the cage and change it every 2-3 days. Do not use plastic, newspapers, cloth or cotton. Your dwarf hamster will chew on these materials anyway, but it cannot digest some of them, so it will most probably get it sick, which is why you should be careful. Of course, the addition of hamster wheels, balls and so on is another discussion. Enjoy your new pet!