Dwarf Hamsters Are A High Energy Low Maintenance Pet
In the wild, dwarf hamsters are represented by about 25 different species, and the few that are available as pets can be extremely tame and affectionate. However, just because they may be one quarter the size of the largest Syrian hamster, they will without a doubt, demand an equivalent measure of maintenance. It's also important to realize that when compared to the larger Golden species, the dwarf hamster is a lot more fragile, timid, and a lightening quick escape artist. These little guys can pull off an escape through an opening of little more than half an inch, therefore the most secure environment must always be considered. Out in the wild the various dwarf hamster species will build homes by creating tunnels and burrows in the sandy soil of their natural environment.
In a captive environment, dwarf hamster pets also do very well, as long as they're provided a habitat, which offers adequate space, security and opportunity for requisite activity. However, due to the oversized dimensions, a regular size hamster cage or habitat could prove hazardous for the tiny rodents as they attempt to climb and chase about in an environment better suited for a larger animal. Thankfully, the newly designed combination wire-plastic habitats, with attachable tubes and tunnels are gaining popularity. Each one of the different species of dwarf hamster will adapt very well to this particular style of environment. Not to be forgotten is the standard medium to large glass or plastic fish aquarium, which offers lots of security and also is easier to clean.
Since hamsters maintain such high energy levels, the addition of a safe and reliable exercise wheel will be a vital addition to the habitat. However, the hamster ball may be a better alternative for the little dwarf hamsters, since it provides opportunities for out of cage risk-free and escape-free activities. Research indicates that in the wild, some dwarf hamsters have been known to travel up to eight miles in one day in search of food. Since the dwarf hamster can easily become injured running on the standard exercise wheel, it's best to purchase the smaller variety with the solid surface.
The instinct to burrow and dig tunnels is always powerful in the dwarf hamster, so it's important to provide several inches of bedding substrate in the bottom of the enclosure. Wood shavings are popular, but always try and avoid pine or cedar, as they have the potential to initiate respiratory, urinary and allergic issues that can endanger the health of your pet. Hamsters are particularly fond of using the bedding materials in the construction of their nesting sites. Surprisingly, for nesting filler, most hamsters prefer the softer materials, such as tissues, paper products, cotton, which are less expensive and easily found around most homes. Hamsters will generally prefer to locate their nest within the privacy of a nest box or small enclosure. And, since these little critters are characteristically timid, don't be surprised to find them spending a great deal of their time hidden away in these secret little getaways.
As a result of its higher rate of metabolism, a dwarf hamster will necessarily eat portions of food equivalent to its hungry Syrian cousins. Importantly, a healthy diet should include such things as hamster pellets, fresh vegetables and fruits, seed mixtures and nutritious treats. Curiously, it's not always easy to determine precisely how much food a hamster might be consuming, since the love to hoard supplies under the bedding material, so make it a point to always have a visible portion of fresh food in their feeding dish. And, also of great importance is the availability of lots of soft wooden products for the hammies to chew on. A hamster's incisors continue to grow throughout its lifetime; consequently, it will have a need to chew on whatever it can find. So, by keeping a few safe wooden alternatives handy, you'll eliminate the hazardous potential that metal bars and hard plastics can present.
An important addition to the weekly maintenance activities, should be the inclusion of thoroughly washing the cage itself and all of the accessories. Hamster owners should use a warm mild soapy water mixture and be certain to rinse all items completely. Fresh substrate should be added only after the cage has been allowed to dry completely, thus minimizing the opportunity for hazardous mold and bacterial development.
Although the level of care is minimal, the satisfaction of raising a dwarf hamster certainly overshadows the sum of labor required during the short lifespan of these wonderful little animals.
