Difference between revisions of "Care for a Russian Dwarf Hamster"
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| − | Russian dwarf hamsters, also known as Campbell’s Dwarf Hamsters, are relatives of the Syrian hamster.<ref>http://netvet.wustl.edu/species/hamsters/phodopus.txt</ref> Although not as common as the Syrian hamster, Russian dwarf hamsters are becoming pretty popular pets, since they are easy and relatively inexpensive to care for.<ref>http://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-sheet/</ref> Learning how to care for your Russian dwarf hamster will help him live a happy and healthy life, and will help you become close friends with him. | + | Russian dwarf hamsters, also known as Campbell’s Dwarf Hamsters, are relatives of the Syrian hamster.<ref name="rf1">http://netvet.wustl.edu/species/hamsters/phodopus.txt</ref> Although not as common as the Syrian hamster, Russian dwarf hamsters are becoming pretty popular pets, since they are easy and relatively inexpensive to care for.<ref name="rf2">http://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-sheet/</ref> Learning how to care for your Russian dwarf hamster will help him live a happy and healthy life, and will help you become close friends with him. |
[[Category:Hamster Breeds]] | [[Category:Hamster Breeds]] | ||
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Housing Your Russian Dwarf Hamster=== | ===Housing Your Russian Dwarf Hamster=== | ||
| − | #Choose a cage that is safe and easy to clean. A good cage for your hamster is one that keeps him safe and is easy for you to clean. <ref>http://www.northstarrescue.org/pet-care-information/pet-hamster-care/142-a-guide-to-pet-dwarf-hamster-cages</ref> A wire hamster cage with solid flooring is generally the best choice. | + | #Choose a cage that is safe and easy to clean. A good cage for your hamster is one that keeps him safe and is easy for you to clean. <ref name="rf3">http://www.northstarrescue.org/pet-care-information/pet-hamster-care/142-a-guide-to-pet-dwarf-hamster-cages</ref> A wire hamster cage with solid flooring is generally the best choice. |
#* The bar spacing in a wire cage should be less than one-half inch to prevent him from escaping. The wires should also be covered with a substance called PVC to prevent rusting. | #* The bar spacing in a wire cage should be less than one-half inch to prevent him from escaping. The wires should also be covered with a substance called PVC to prevent rusting. | ||
#* Make sure the cage flooring is smooth. Your dwarf hamster could get his feet stuck in wire flooring and possibly break one of his leg bones. If you have a cage with wire flooring, cover the flooring with a smooth material, such as cardboard or laminate flooring (available at a hardware store). | #* Make sure the cage flooring is smooth. Your dwarf hamster could get his feet stuck in wire flooring and possibly break one of his leg bones. If you have a cage with wire flooring, cover the flooring with a smooth material, such as cardboard or laminate flooring (available at a hardware store). | ||
#* Cages with colorful plastic tubes and tunnels are fun to look at, but can be very difficult to clean. In addition, your dwarf hamster could chew through the plastic. | #* Cages with colorful plastic tubes and tunnels are fun to look at, but can be very difficult to clean. In addition, your dwarf hamster could chew through the plastic. | ||
| − | #* Clean your hamster’s cage and its components once a week with hot water.<ref>http://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-guide-for-russian-dwarfs/#Cleaning</ref> His bedding should also be replaced with each cleaning. | + | #* Clean your hamster’s cage and its components once a week with hot water.<ref name="rf4">http://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-guide-for-russian-dwarfs/#Cleaning</ref> His bedding should also be replaced with each cleaning. |
#* Glass aquariums do not always circulate fresh air very well, which could lead to a high level of ammonia in the cage, which can be toxic to your hamster. Clean the aquarium regularly to prevent an ammonia buildup. Glass aquariums also lack good ventilation and may heat up rapidly if placed in direct sunlight. | #* Glass aquariums do not always circulate fresh air very well, which could lead to a high level of ammonia in the cage, which can be toxic to your hamster. Clean the aquarium regularly to prevent an ammonia buildup. Glass aquariums also lack good ventilation and may heat up rapidly if placed in direct sunlight. | ||
| − | #Select a large cage. The fact that your Russian dwarf hamster is small doesn’t mean you should put him in a small cage. In fact, the larger the cage, the better. Your dwarf hamster’s cage should be at least 60 cm (24 inches) long and 40 cm (16 inches) deep.<ref | + | #Select a large cage. The fact that your Russian dwarf hamster is small doesn’t mean you should put him in a small cage. In fact, the larger the cage, the better. Your dwarf hamster’s cage should be at least 60 cm (24 inches) long and 40 cm (16 inches) deep.<ref name="rf2" /><ref name="rf3" /> |
#* A larger cage will not get dirty as quickly. | #* A larger cage will not get dirty as quickly. | ||
#* With a large cage to call home, your dwarf hamster won't be as likely to get bored or agitated. When your dwarf hamster is happy, he's less likely to develop compulsive behaviors, such as bar chewing, that are bad for him. | #* With a large cage to call home, your dwarf hamster won't be as likely to get bored or agitated. When your dwarf hamster is happy, he's less likely to develop compulsive behaviors, such as bar chewing, that are bad for him. | ||
#* If you have more than one dwarf hamster in the same cage, a large cage will keep them from being aggressive towards each other. | #* If you have more than one dwarf hamster in the same cage, a large cage will keep them from being aggressive towards each other. | ||
| − | #* If you have chosen a glass aquarium to house your dwarf hamster, it should be at least 10 gallons.<ref | + | #* If you have chosen a glass aquarium to house your dwarf hamster, it should be at least 10 gallons.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Cover the cage floor with bedding. Cage bedding has several benefits. It helps keep the cage clean by soaking up your hamster’s urine. Cage bedding also helps your hamster feel more at home. He'll be able to forage and burrow as much as he likes.<ref | + | #Cover the cage floor with bedding. Cage bedding has several benefits. It helps keep the cage clean by soaking up your hamster’s urine. Cage bedding also helps your hamster feel more at home. He'll be able to forage and burrow as much as he likes.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #* Pine shavings would be a very comfortable bedding for your hamster.<ref | + | #* Pine shavings would be a very comfortable bedding for your hamster.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*'''Do not''' use cedar bedding. Cedar oil can cause your hamster’s fuzz to fall out and his skin to crack. If his skin cracks, he can become dehydrated and very sick.<ref | + | #*'''Do not''' use cedar bedding. Cedar oil can cause your hamster’s fuzz to fall out and his skin to crack. If his skin cracks, he can become dehydrated and very sick.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Pick a good location for your dwarf hamster’s cage. Place your hamster’s cage in a comfortable room (65 to 75 °Fahrenheit/18 to 24 °Celsius) where the temperature stays constant and there are no drafts. Within the room, do not place the cage near a heat source (e.g, fireplace, window with lots of sunlight) — this could warm up the cage too much, especially if it is a glass aquarium.<ref>http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/hamsters/tips/hamster_housing.html</ref> | + | #Pick a good location for your dwarf hamster’s cage. Place your hamster’s cage in a comfortable room (65 to 75 °Fahrenheit/18 to 24 °Celsius) where the temperature stays constant and there are no drafts. Within the room, do not place the cage near a heat source (e.g, fireplace, window with lots of sunlight) — this could warm up the cage too much, especially if it is a glass aquarium.<ref name="rf5">http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/hamsters/tips/hamster_housing.html</ref> |
#* A room that is too cold (below 60 °Fahrenheit/15 °Celsius) could make your hamster very sluggish, possibly to the point of hibernation. | #* A room that is too cold (below 60 °Fahrenheit/15 °Celsius) could make your hamster very sluggish, possibly to the point of hibernation. | ||
#* Because hamsters like to play at night, your bedroom would not be a good place for your hamster’s cage. The noise of his activity could keep you from getting a good night’s sleep. | #* Because hamsters like to play at night, your bedroom would not be a good place for your hamster’s cage. The noise of his activity could keep you from getting a good night’s sleep. | ||
===[[Feed Dwarf Hamsters|Feeding]] Your Russian Dwarf Hamster=== | ===[[Feed Dwarf Hamsters|Feeding]] Your Russian Dwarf Hamster=== | ||
| − | #Select a commercial food for your dwarf hamster. Russian dwarf hamsters eat like other hamsters.<ref | + | #Select a commercial food for your dwarf hamster. Russian dwarf hamsters eat like other hamsters.<ref name="rf1" /> Hamster food comes in pelleted form or as seed mixes. Your dwarf hamster should eat either one tablespoon of pellets or one to two teaspoons of seed mix per day.<ref name="rf6">http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/hamsters/tips/hamster_feeding.html</ref><ref name="rf7">http://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-guide-for-russian-dwarfs/#diet2</ref> |
| − | #* Pellets are very healthy and give your dwarf hamster something to chew on. Chewing on pellets helps your hamster keep his teeth filed down.<ref>http://pethamstercare.com/food-diet/</ref> | + | #* Pellets are very healthy and give your dwarf hamster something to chew on. Chewing on pellets helps your hamster keep his teeth filed down.<ref name="rf8">http://pethamstercare.com/food-diet/</ref> |
| − | #* Be careful with feeding a seed mix to your dwarf hamster — he may pick out and eat only the tastiest seeds in the mix, causing him to miss out on important nutrients.<ref | + | #* Be careful with feeding a seed mix to your dwarf hamster — he may pick out and eat only the tastiest seeds in the mix, causing him to miss out on important nutrients.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #* Seed mixes tend to be high in fat.<ref>http://animals.mom.me/list-everything-dwarf-hamster-can-eat-1009.html</ref> | + | #* Seed mixes tend to be high in fat.<ref name="rf9">http://animals.mom.me/list-everything-dwarf-hamster-can-eat-1009.html</ref> |
| − | #* A good quality commercial hamster food should contain at least 15 to 20% protein.<ref>http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=679</ref> Read the ingredient label to see how much protein is in the food. | + | #* A good quality commercial hamster food should contain at least 15 to 20% protein.<ref name="rf10">http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=679</ref> Read the ingredient label to see how much protein is in the food. |
| − | #Add fresh vegetables to your dwarf hamster’s diet. Your dwarf hamster needs to eat more than just pellets and seed mixes. He should also eat some fresh vegetables that add variety and vitamins to his diet.<ref | + | #Add fresh vegetables to your dwarf hamster’s diet. Your dwarf hamster needs to eat more than just pellets and seed mixes. He should also eat some fresh vegetables that add variety and vitamins to his diet.<ref name="rf7" /> Wash the vegetables thoroughly to remove pesticides.<ref name="rf11">http://hamsterific.com/hamsterific-university/acceptable-hamster-food-list/</ref> Give him fresh vegetables daily and make sure you remove the old ones so they don't molder in the cage. |
| − | #* Leafy greens (spinach, Romaine lettuce) are great additions to your dwarf hamster’s diet. Other vegetables to feed your dwarf hamster include broccoli, cauliflower, and cucumbers.<ref | + | #* Leafy greens (spinach, Romaine lettuce) are great additions to your dwarf hamster’s diet. Other vegetables to feed your dwarf hamster include broccoli, cauliflower, and cucumbers.<ref name="rf9" /> |
| − | #* Add vegetables to your hamster’s diet very slowly — one small piece of vegetable once or twice a week.<ref>http://www.petwebsite.com/hamsters/hamster_fruit_vegetables.asp#.VnhOkVk1M7I</ref> This will prevent him from getting diarrhea.<ref | + | #* Add vegetables to your hamster’s diet very slowly — one small piece of vegetable once or twice a week.<ref name="rf12">http://www.petwebsite.com/hamsters/hamster_fruit_vegetables.asp#.VnhOkVk1M7I</ref> This will prevent him from getting diarrhea.<ref name="rf11" /> |
| − | #* Work up to feeding one small piece of a vegetable once a day.<ref | + | #* Work up to feeding one small piece of a vegetable once a day.<ref name="rf11" /> |
| − | #Include a protein source in your dwarf hamster’s diet. Protein is an important component of your dwarf hamster’s balanced diet. Good protein sources include boiled chicken or turkey,<ref | + | #Include a protein source in your dwarf hamster’s diet. Protein is an important component of your dwarf hamster’s balanced diet. Good protein sources include boiled chicken or turkey,<ref name="rf9" /> hardboiled egg whites,<ref name="rf7" /> and canned and drained tuna.<ref name="rf9" /> |
| − | #* Vegetarian protein sources include tofu, flaxseed, and roasted soybeans.<ref | + | #* Vegetarian protein sources include tofu, flaxseed, and roasted soybeans.<ref name="rf9" /> |
| − | #* Add extra protein to your dwarf hamster’s diet once a week.<ref | + | #* Add extra protein to your dwarf hamster’s diet once a week.<ref name="rf7" /> |
#* Whichever protein source you choose, feed it to your dwarf hamster in one small piece at a time. | #* Whichever protein source you choose, feed it to your dwarf hamster in one small piece at a time. | ||
| − | #Feed your dwarf hamster grains. Whole grains (whole wheat toast, cooked rice, cooked pasta, unsweetened cereal) make great, healthy snacks for your dwarf hamster. Make sure the cooked rice or pasta is completely cooled down before feeding it to him.<ref | + | #Feed your dwarf hamster grains. Whole grains (whole wheat toast, cooked rice, cooked pasta, unsweetened cereal) make great, healthy snacks for your dwarf hamster. Make sure the cooked rice or pasta is completely cooled down before feeding it to him.<ref name="rf9" /> |
#* Crunchy toast and cereal would be good for your dwarf hamster to chew on. | #* Crunchy toast and cereal would be good for your dwarf hamster to chew on. | ||
#* As with the other foods, feed the grains in small bits to your dwarf hamster. | #* As with the other foods, feed the grains in small bits to your dwarf hamster. | ||
| − | #Incorporate treats into your dwarf hamster’s diet. Treats are another good way to add variety to what your dwarf hamster eats every day. Commercial hamster treats are available at your local pet store.<ref>http://thehamsterplace.com/hamster-food/</ref> | + | #Incorporate treats into your dwarf hamster’s diet. Treats are another good way to add variety to what your dwarf hamster eats every day. Commercial hamster treats are available at your local pet store.<ref name="rf13">http://thehamsterplace.com/hamster-food/</ref> |
#* Your pet store may carry “yogurt drops” for hamsters. These are very fattening, however, so your hamster should not eat them very often. | #* Your pet store may carry “yogurt drops” for hamsters. These are very fattening, however, so your hamster should not eat them very often. | ||
| − | #Avoid feeding your dwarf hamster certain foods. Russian dwarf hamsters are prone to developing diabetes,<ref | + | #Avoid feeding your dwarf hamster certain foods. Russian dwarf hamsters are prone to developing diabetes,<ref name="rf9" /> so high-sugar foods, such as fruits, should be avoided.<ref name="rf7" /> Other high-sugar foods to avoid include corn, white bread, and white rice. |
| − | #* Some foods—raisins, potatoes, onions, garlic, sprouts—are toxic to dwarf hamsters and should be avoided.<ref | + | #* Some foods—raisins, potatoes, onions, garlic, sprouts—are toxic to dwarf hamsters and should be avoided.<ref name="rf9" /> |
| − | #Provide your dwarf hamster with fresh water. Your Russian dwarf hamster will need constant access to fresh water. Place a water bottle with a stem and ball bearing in your hamster’s cage, and replace the water every day.<ref | + | #Provide your dwarf hamster with fresh water. Your Russian dwarf hamster will need constant access to fresh water. Place a water bottle with a stem and ball bearing in your hamster’s cage, and replace the water every day.<ref name="rf13" /> Attach the bottle to a side of his cage at a height where he can easily reach the stem with his mouth. |
| − | #* Do not put the water in a bowl. Your hamster would eventually turn his cage into a watery mess by drinking water from a bowl.<ref>http://animals.mom.me/give-water-hamster-1019.html</ref> | + | #* Do not put the water in a bowl. Your hamster would eventually turn his cage into a watery mess by drinking water from a bowl.<ref name="rf14">http://animals.mom.me/give-water-hamster-1019.html</ref> |
===Enriching Your Russian Dwarf Hamster’s Environment=== | ===Enriching Your Russian Dwarf Hamster’s Environment=== | ||
| − | #Place toys in your dwarf hamster’s cage. Environmental enrichment is an important way to keep your Russian dwarf hamster mentally and physically active. The more enriched his environment, the happier and healthier he will be, and the easier it will be to tame and handle him.<ref>http://russiandwarfhamster.org/dwarf-hamster-accessories-top-10/</ref> Examples of toys include empty toilet paper and paper towel tubes.<ref | + | #Place toys in your dwarf hamster’s cage. Environmental enrichment is an important way to keep your Russian dwarf hamster mentally and physically active. The more enriched his environment, the happier and healthier he will be, and the easier it will be to tame and handle him.<ref name="rf15">http://russiandwarfhamster.org/dwarf-hamster-accessories-top-10/</ref> Examples of toys include empty toilet paper and paper towel tubes.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#* Plastic portable tubes also make great toys for your dwarf hamster. You can purchase them at your local pet store. Keep in mind, though, that he could chew through the plastic—replace the tube when he’s chewed enough to cause damage. | #* Plastic portable tubes also make great toys for your dwarf hamster. You can purchase them at your local pet store. Keep in mind, though, that he could chew through the plastic—replace the tube when he’s chewed enough to cause damage. | ||
#* You can also [[Build Hamster Toys out of Household Items|make your own hamster toys]]. Examples of homemade toys include ladders, hamster houses, and obstacle courses. | #* You can also [[Build Hamster Toys out of Household Items|make your own hamster toys]]. Examples of homemade toys include ladders, hamster houses, and obstacle courses. | ||
| − | #Hide his food. When it is time to feed your dwarf hamster, hide or sprinkle some of the food morsels deep in his bedding or within another object in his cage.<ref | + | #Hide his food. When it is time to feed your dwarf hamster, hide or sprinkle some of the food morsels deep in his bedding or within another object in his cage.<ref name="rf2" /> This will encourage him to forage like he would in the wild. |
| − | #* You may notice that your dwarf hamster will stash food in different areas of his cage as a snack for later.<ref | + | #* You may notice that your dwarf hamster will stash food in different areas of his cage as a snack for later.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Give your dwarf hamster something to chew on. Chewing not only keeps your dwarf hamster busy, but also keeps his teeth filed down.<ref | + | #Give your dwarf hamster something to chew on. Chewing not only keeps your dwarf hamster busy, but also keeps his teeth filed down.<ref name="rf7" /> Your dwarf hamster would love to chew on wooden cubes. To add more fun, the cubes have holes on multiple sides that he can crawl through.<ref name="rf15" /> |
#* Your hamster could also chew on a bendable wooden toy, which is made of rounded pieces of wood that are banded together. You can also twist this toy type into different shapes to create walls, platforms, and houses that your hamster could play on or in. | #* Your hamster could also chew on a bendable wooden toy, which is made of rounded pieces of wood that are banded together. You can also twist this toy type into different shapes to create walls, platforms, and houses that your hamster could play on or in. | ||
| − | #* Give your dwarf hamster small, soft rawhide chews to chew on.<ref | + | #* Give your dwarf hamster small, soft rawhide chews to chew on.<ref name="rf7" /> |
#* Dwarf hamsters also like to chew on mineral blocks, which can last a long time. | #* Dwarf hamsters also like to chew on mineral blocks, which can last a long time. | ||
#* You can find chewing materials at your local pet store. | #* You can find chewing materials at your local pet store. | ||
#Give your dwarf hamster exercise equipment. Exercise helps your dwarf hamster stay in shape and mentally alert. An exercise wheel will allow him to get plenty of exercise within his cage. Make sure the exercise wheel is solid—your dwarf hamster could get his feet stuck in wires and potentially break a leg bone. | #Give your dwarf hamster exercise equipment. Exercise helps your dwarf hamster stay in shape and mentally alert. An exercise wheel will allow him to get plenty of exercise within his cage. Make sure the exercise wheel is solid—your dwarf hamster could get his feet stuck in wires and potentially break a leg bone. | ||
| − | #* If the exercise wheel starts to sound squeaky after a while, grease it with Vaseline where needed.<ref | + | #* If the exercise wheel starts to sound squeaky after a while, grease it with Vaseline where needed.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#* An exercise ball will allow your dwarf hamster to exercise outside of his cage. Let him play in the ball for up to 30 minutes — not only will your hamster need a rest after about 30 minutes, but he may also need some fresh air. | #* An exercise ball will allow your dwarf hamster to exercise outside of his cage. Let him play in the ball for up to 30 minutes — not only will your hamster need a rest after about 30 minutes, but he may also need some fresh air. | ||
| − | #* Let your dwarf hamster run in the hamster ball in different rooms, but ''' never ''' near a set of stairs or open water, like a pool.<ref | + | #* Let your dwarf hamster run in the hamster ball in different rooms, but ''' never ''' near a set of stairs or open water, like a pool.<ref name="rf7" /> |
| − | #* Plastic flying saucers are also good for your hamster.<ref | + | #* Plastic flying saucers are also good for your hamster.<ref name="rf7" /> He can run on them like he runs on an exercise wheel. |
===[[Hold a Hamster|Handling]] Your Russian Dwarf Hamster=== | ===[[Hold a Hamster|Handling]] Your Russian Dwarf Hamster=== | ||
| − | #Wash your hands. Having clean hands will keep your dwarf hamster from biting you when you pick him up. If your hands smell like food, then he will essentially see your hand as food and bite it to try to get a taste.<ref | + | #Wash your hands. Having clean hands will keep your dwarf hamster from biting you when you pick him up. If your hands smell like food, then he will essentially see your hand as food and bite it to try to get a taste.<ref name="rf1" /> Wash your hands with '' unscented '' soap before handling your dwarf hamster.<ref name="rf16">http://www.smallanimalchannel.com/hamsters/hamster-interaction/how-to-handle-a-hamster.aspx</ref> |
| − | #Make a scoop with your hands inside of his cage. Creating a scoop with your hands will keep your dwarf hamster supported as you lift him up. In addition, by placing your hands underneath your dwarf hamster, he will probably walk onto them.<ref>http://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-guide-for-russian-dwarfs/#Handling</ref> | + | #Make a scoop with your hands inside of his cage. Creating a scoop with your hands will keep your dwarf hamster supported as you lift him up. In addition, by placing your hands underneath your dwarf hamster, he will probably walk onto them.<ref name="rf17">http://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-guide-for-russian-dwarfs/#Handling</ref> |
| − | #* Do not reach down into your dwarf hamster’s cage to pick him up. Your hand will remind him of a large bird of prey swooping down to snatch him up — he will be terrified by this.<ref | + | #* Do not reach down into your dwarf hamster’s cage to pick him up. Your hand will remind him of a large bird of prey swooping down to snatch him up — he will be terrified by this.<ref name="rf16" /> |
#* Use slow and gentle movements when putting your hands in his cage. | #* Use slow and gentle movements when putting your hands in his cage. | ||
| − | #* Always speak to your dwarf hamster '' before '' putting your hands in his cage. Your voice will help keep him calm as you go to pick him up.<ref | + | #* Always speak to your dwarf hamster '' before '' putting your hands in his cage. Your voice will help keep him calm as you go to pick him up.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#* Do not chase your dwarf hamster around his cage to get him to step onto your hands. Let him come to you instead of the other way around. | #* Do not chase your dwarf hamster around his cage to get him to step onto your hands. Let him come to you instead of the other way around. | ||
| − | #Determine if he is nibbling or biting. There are important differences between your dwarf hamster’s nibbling and biting when you pick him up. His nibbles are friendly and are his way of exploring your hand.<ref | + | #Determine if he is nibbling or biting. There are important differences between your dwarf hamster’s nibbling and biting when you pick him up. His nibbles are friendly and are his way of exploring your hand.<ref name="rf17" /> Nibbles generally do not hurt. |
#* Bites are usually not friendly. They are your dwarf hamster’s way of telling you that he is stressed, scared, or just upset that you haven’t handled him enough. | #* Bites are usually not friendly. They are your dwarf hamster’s way of telling you that he is stressed, scared, or just upset that you haven’t handled him enough. | ||
#* Hamster bites are usually faster than a nibble and are accompanied by a sound of distress, like a squeak. Bites can be painful. | #* Hamster bites are usually faster than a nibble and are accompanied by a sound of distress, like a squeak. Bites can be painful. | ||
| − | #* Whether your dwarf hamster bites or nibbles, do not jerk your hand away. This could frighten him and make him wary of you. Gently blowing in his face and saying a firm "no" should stop the biting behavior.<ref | + | #* Whether your dwarf hamster bites or nibbles, do not jerk your hand away. This could frighten him and make him wary of you. Gently blowing in his face and saying a firm "no" should stop the biting behavior.<ref name="rf16" /> |
| − | #Handle your dwarf hamster every day. Russian dwarf hamsters have short memories,<ref | + | #Handle your dwarf hamster every day. Russian dwarf hamsters have short memories,<ref name="rf1" /> so your dwarf hamster may not remember that you just held him the day before. Handle him each day so that he will not become distressed or upset with not being held enough. |
| − | #* Dwarf hamsters enjoy being handled.<ref | + | #* Dwarf hamsters enjoy being handled.<ref name="rf17" /> |
| − | #* Do not let your dwarf hamster fall out of your hands when you hold him.<ref | + | #* Do not let your dwarf hamster fall out of your hands when you hold him.<ref name="rf1" /> Prevent this by supporting his body and keeping him close to you when you lift him out of his cage. |
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
| − | * Russian dwarf hamsters tend to be more docile than Syrian hamsters.<ref | + | * Russian dwarf hamsters tend to be more docile than Syrian hamsters.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | * Ceramic bowls are very sturdy and make great feeding bowls for your dwarf hamster.<ref | + | * Ceramic bowls are very sturdy and make great feeding bowls for your dwarf hamster.<ref name="rf6" /> |
| − | * Introduce new foods to your dwarf hamster’s diet one at a time. A gradual introduction reduces the likelihood of digestive upset.<ref | + | * Introduce new foods to your dwarf hamster’s diet one at a time. A gradual introduction reduces the likelihood of digestive upset.<ref name="rf7" /> |
| − | * Unlike Syrian hamsters, Russian dwarf hamsters can be housed together. If you would like to have multiple Russian dwarf hamsters, either place them in same-sex groups or with one male and two females. Establish the group as early as possible to prevent aggressive behavior.<ref | + | * Unlike Syrian hamsters, Russian dwarf hamsters can be housed together. If you would like to have multiple Russian dwarf hamsters, either place them in same-sex groups or with one male and two females. Establish the group as early as possible to prevent aggressive behavior.<ref name="rf1" /> |
* When traveling with your hamster(s), make sure that their cage is strapped in with a seat belt. If you have a ceramic food bowl in their cage, remove it and change it for a plastic one. This is because if the car breaks suddenly, the bowl can fly off the place you have it and hurt them. Also, if possible, change their water bottle for a water based vegetable like a cucumber to keep them hydrated. This will reduce the risk of the water bottle hurting them in any way. If you are in possession of a smaller cage or a travelling carrier, use this to reduce the risk of injury and when you reach your destination, place them back in their normal cage. | * When traveling with your hamster(s), make sure that their cage is strapped in with a seat belt. If you have a ceramic food bowl in their cage, remove it and change it for a plastic one. This is because if the car breaks suddenly, the bowl can fly off the place you have it and hurt them. Also, if possible, change their water bottle for a water based vegetable like a cucumber to keep them hydrated. This will reduce the risk of the water bottle hurting them in any way. If you are in possession of a smaller cage or a travelling carrier, use this to reduce the risk of injury and when you reach your destination, place them back in their normal cage. | ||
* Hamsters are naturally solitary animals (even siblings) so it's best to separate them at a certain age (unless they are mates). | * Hamsters are naturally solitary animals (even siblings) so it's best to separate them at a certain age (unless they are mates). | ||
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* Hamsters are prone to injures on wire flooring or in wire exercise wheels. | * Hamsters are prone to injures on wire flooring or in wire exercise wheels. | ||
* Your hamster may bite you when you handle him. Over time, though, and with increased handling, he should stop biting. | * Your hamster may bite you when you handle him. Over time, though, and with increased handling, he should stop biting. | ||
| − | * Cedar bedding can cause your dwarf hamster’s skin to crack. Do not use cedar bedding in your dwarf hamster’s cage.<ref | + | * Cedar bedding can cause your dwarf hamster’s skin to crack. Do not use cedar bedding in your dwarf hamster’s cage.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | * Take your hamster to your veterinarian if he develops diarrhea. Diarrhea could lead to dangerous dehydration in your dwarf hamster that could be fatal.<ref | + | * Take your hamster to your veterinarian if he develops diarrhea. Diarrhea could lead to dangerous dehydration in your dwarf hamster that could be fatal.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | * Russian dwarf hamsters have a high risk of developing diabetes. Do not feed sweet foods to your dwarf hamster.<ref | + | * Russian dwarf hamsters have a high risk of developing diabetes. Do not feed sweet foods to your dwarf hamster.<ref name="rf9" /> |
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