Hamsters are funny fluffy creatures that make almost everyone feel affectionate. The news that your female is waiting for a replenishment evokes a variety of feelings. It can be a delight, or it can be fear of problem situations.

The only moment that shocks all hamster lovers is when your cute fluffy lump can eat its own babies. What is the reason for this behavior? Let’s figure it out. Find out why this happens and how to prevent cannibalism in your hamsters.

Why do hamsters eat their babies

Age

According to statistics, females under 2 months of age most often devour cubs. Although a hamster can become pregnant at 1 month, her hormonal background has not yet been formed. By the time of birth, the female does not feel the need to take care of the offspring and destroys the offspring. To prevent cannibalism, animals should be bred from 4 months of age and older.

Especially often trouble happens if the female was bought at a pet store, already being in position. A change of environment is very stressful for the hamster and affects behavior.

Unhealthy offspring

If the babies were born with some kind of genetic deformities, defects, the mother will instinctively get rid of them. Sick or weak kids will be eaten. Inadequate offspring are often born as a result of inbreeding – incest when animals from the same littermate. Sometimes the female does not kill herself but eats the cubs that have died for any reason.

Numerous offspring

Excessive attention from owners

Close attention, excessive custody will harm not only human relations but can also cause cannibalism in female hamsters. Since this rodent is a lonely animal, and after the appearance of the cubs, a secluded environment and tranquility is needed by the female, even more, excessive care will only harm these animals. Do not take the hamster in your arms, climb into the cageless. Let the family see you less.

Hamster cannibalism: why do hamsters eat their cubs and each other?

Alien odors repel the hamster mom. Feeling a foreign smell, she does not identify the cubs as her own creatures and, as a result, abandons them and destroys them. Don’t touch the hamster family within one to two weeks after the babies are born!

For the new offspring of fluffy rodents, you need to prepare in advance. While cleaning the cage, if you find hamster supplies, do not touch them. This is a strategic supply of food, which unpleasantly traumatizes the psyche of the animal, in the event of its loss, up to an uneven breakdown in a pregnant female. Only spoiled food can be thrown away to avoid the growth of putrefactive bacteria, odor and poisoning.

For self-arrangement of the nest, it is recommended to put a few paper napkins. Your task is to fill the drinking bowl with clean drinking water and put food in the feeding trough on time. This is the only thing the rodent needs from the owner at this time. The rest will be done by nature.

Possible Reasons for Hamster Eating Cubs

Offspring with health problems
In the wild, in order for the entire viable hamster genus to survive, weak offspring are destroyed, which will prevent rodents from escaping danger.

Domestic hamsters, which have long been tamed by humans, remain loyal to the centuries-old natural instincts that have saved them in the wild for a long time.

Born sick and weak, hamsters are usually eaten by their mothers. Injuries suffered by hamsters before or after childbirth equally make newborn babies weak and immediately become unviable. Such cubs, with almost one hundred percent probability, will be destroyed.

Important! Noticing a sick or even a dead hamster in the cage, do not remove it, the female decides what to do with it. Your unnecessary intervention can cause the death of all remaining offspring.

This is due to foreign odors. Not smelling her scent, the mother can start to panic and kill the rest of the newborn hamsters. Don’t worry, these rodents eat everything, including meat. As shocking as it may sound, the female herself will “clean up” in her nest.

If this does not happen within a few days, then use gloves to remove the deceased cub. This will somehow protect other hamsters from your smell.

Unwillingness to become a mom

Often, the first pregnancy in a female hamster can cause severe anxiety, anxiety and drive the young mother into a stressful situation.

Unpreparedness for maternal responsibilities can be another reason for cannibalism in hamsters.

The female is not ready either for pregnancy or for giving birth and taking care of her babies. This reason can provoke the killing of offspring unnecessary for her. The next bearing of offspring and their birth usually does not cause such a reaction in the female.

Weight of cubs

There are many or seemingly large numbers of newborn babies. Having become a mom for the first time, doubts prevail over both people and animals. Can I ask if I have enough milk? Your female, very little herself endured, gave birth. Lost a lot of energy and vitality. And here numerous newborn offspring squeak and ask for food nearby. The hamster may panic and think that she will not feed everyone, and it will be difficult to cope with such a horde of babies. Therefore, this is where the natural instinct is triggered, several individuals of the offspring can be eaten.

In order not to provoke such a situation, the owner needs to improve living conditions and maximize the hamster’s nutrition. She now needs nutrients and minerals, as well as vitamins. Feed her special food for pregnant females, vegetables, and fruits. Don’t forget about clean water.
The female has 8 nipples, she can feed 8-12 cubs, but if 16-18 of them were born, there is a high probability that the mother will bite the “extra” ones. In this case, “partial cannibalism” is observed – from time to time the female eats one or more babies, and the rest continues to feed, and they survive.

This situation is typical for multiple Syrians. The destruction of hamsters begins in the first days after giving birth and ends as soon as the cubs learn to eat adult food.

The health of the female

Childbirth and lactation is serious test for the rodent’s body. Cubs grow incredibly quickly both in the womb and after birth. If the mother’s nutrition was insufficient, her body after childbirth is on the verge of exhaustion. Such a female will not be able to feed the babies, and in order to survive, she can eat her children.

Any health problems, poor conditions of detention provoke such a development of events. If the female does not have enough water, food, or space in the cage, she will not raise offspring.

Human intervention

If there is a foreign smell on the cubs, the female will kill them. This is related to the ban on taking babies in the arms in the first week after childbirth. Given the nervousness of these rodents, you should stop sticking your hands in the cage a few days before the birth of the cubs. Hamsters eat offspring when they sense the presence of strangers, that is, danger.

During the breeding season, even a familiar and beloved owner is regarded as a stranger.

The presence of relatives

Both Dzungarian and Syrian hamsters are loners by nature. The presence of a male in the cage makes both animals nervous. The female becomes nervous and aggressive. She can first bite the male, then the cubs, ready for anything, just to remain the sole owner of the territory.

Sometimes the father of the hamster will eat his children. The female exhausted by childbirth cannot prevent him, and often does not even try.

Stress, fear

Any emotional shock of a pregnant or lactating female poses a threat to the offspring. The repair started with the sounds of a punch, moving. You just need to get the hamster out of the house or let the cat close to the cage.

Why do hamsters eat each other

Cannibalism among hamsters is not always associated with the birth of helpless babies. These rodents fiercely defend their territory from congeners and other competitors. In nature, a slain enemy is a valuable source of protein food. Another reason: a dead animal must be disposed of so as not to attract predators. In the wild, the loser has the opportunity to flee, in the cage – not.

Proven fact: hamsters eat their own kind and, on occasion, other smaller rodents.

Hamsters must be kept separate, otherwise, they will fight among themselves. Gender does not matter. The owner may be unaware of the enmity for quite a long time, because fights take place late at night, and the animals sleep during the day. If one of the rivals manages to gain the upper hand, the other hamster will mysteriously disappear. The hamster may not be able to eat an entire adult animal, or it may not have enough time. But the situation when the hamster ate the hamster is not an out-of-the-ordinary event. They do not gnaw at each other because they lack food. Hamsters eat a corpse not so much from hunger as guided by instincts. At home, the owner usually finds bloody remains, bones, or a gnawed head of one of the hamsters in the morning.

Conclusion

People are confused by the appearance of rodents in the hamster family. They seem to be the embodiment of harmlessness, touch, and amusement with their habits. Man ceases to associate “fluffy” with wild nature and its harsh laws.

Most often, hamsters eat their cubs through the owner’s fault. Cannibalism occurs among them and at large, but much less often. Compliance with a number of rules when breeding these rodents will prevent such an unpleasant development of events. The owner must decide – why does he need a litter, and not to take hamsters for fun.

Joint keeping of adult animals is unacceptable. Sometimes you can hear that the Dzungariks get along peacefully with each other. But this is a time bomb, the animals themselves are under extreme stress. They don’t fight just because the forces are equal. It’s not worth checking to see if hamsters can eat each other. The sight is unpleasant, and for children, it is completely traumatic.

Male living with offspring

After the mating process of the female with the male, they must be immediately divided into different cells. This is due to the fact that the male is completely devoid of any parental instincts. He will not even think about leaving his offspring or not, he will destroy it.

Some owners think that the hamster is jealous of the offspring of the female and receives little attention from her. In fact, such passions do not need to be attributed to them. Recall that a hamster is a loner by nature. And the struggle for territory is going on all the time. Here, in the cage, there is a whole brood of competitors that are easier to deal with before they are grown.

There are at least 1,750 different species classified as muroids under this superfamily. They live on all continents around the globe, excluding cold Antarctica.

Among the entire superfamily, only gerbils and hamsters have become popular house animals. This happened for a couple of reasons; mainly due to their lack of aggression, small and cute appearance, and easy maintainability.

Most people, however, tend to mention gerbils and hamsters in the same sentence without actually knowing the difference between the two animals. If you’d like to buy a hamster or gerbil but can’t decide which, make sure you keep reading all the way until the end.

Similarities

One thing they have in common is their descendants from the Rodentia order, which gives them the large front incisors, flexible body, and digging claws that are typical in rodents. They both mostly originated from the deserts of Syria and Mongolia, although there are plenty of species that hail from other countries such as South Africa, India, China, and Russia.

Both gerbils and hamsters are omnivores, which means that they’ll consume meat in addition to their regular diet of grains, seeds, and vegetables. They have roughly the same lifespan, with hamsters looking at an average of about 2 – 2.5 years and gerbils at around 3 years.

Based on physical appearance they do look similar, but there are a few slight differences that can help you identify which is which. 

Distinguishing Marks

Get ready to learn about 4 of the biggest differences between gerbils and hamsters.

1. Physical Appearance

At first glance, they look the same. But if you know what to look out for, there are a few key features that set gerbils and hamsters apart.

In general, the size of most hamsters’ body parts is shorter than a gerbil’s. The first thing to catch your attention might be the tail. Hamsters have short and stubby tails while gerbil tails are about as long as their entire body – up to 4 inches long.

A gerbil’s tail is about as long as a rat’s tail, but it does have hair on it and doesn’t look beady and freaky like a rat does. When in doubt, take a gander at the tail.

Next is the size of the animal’s body itself. Hamsters are a bit different in that they have size variations depending on the specific species. Syrian hamsters are the largest and dwarf hamsters are the smallest – ranging from 2 to 4 inches!

Gerbils all have the same body size, regardless of the species. Same as its tail, the body is about 4 inches long on average.

Facial features have some distinctive differences. A gerbil’s nose and face are longer, like a rat or mouse’s. A hamster’s face is round and wide, with the entire head being more ball-like. Gerbils don’t have the chubby cheeks that hamsters do.

Both hamster and gerbil species come in a wide array of colors and patterns, so there isn’t a definitive way for you to tell the difference between the two based solely on markings. One dead giveaway though is the long-haired version of the Syrian hamster known as the teddy bear hamster.

The males have a long mane of hair while the females sport a fluffy coat. There aren’t any long-haired gerbils so if you see a rodent that looks like a small hairy dog, chances are, it’s a hamster.

Interestingly enough, just like the Sphynx cat breed, certain hamsters possess a unique gene that restricts the growth of hair. This, naturally, results in a pretty strange-looking creature. Breeders take advantage of this mutation to breed hairless hamsters as pets for people with allergies to hair and fur.

Gerbils in captivity also have their fair share of mutations and hybrids. The fat-tailed gerbil, also known as Dupras, is smaller than a regular Mongolian gerbil and has a short coat and fat tail. This makes it look very similar to a hamster and you might need to rely on other signs to help you determine the species.

2. Abilities

Both gerbils and hamsters utilize the same accessories – exercise wheels, water bottles, and chew toys. They both chew on things to file down their teeth and build their own beds in a similar fashion.

But gerbils have a special ability that hamsters don’t. Due to its long and strong hind legs, the gerbil is an excellent jumper as well as a runner. It regularly hops around inside its tank and can even jump right out if the lid isn’t securely fastened. Hamster can stand up on its hind legs, but being shorter and fatter, lack the jumping power.

However, hamsters also have a special skill that gerbils lack which is the ability to store and transport food in their cheeks. Hamsters in the wild use these built-in sacs in their mouths called “cheek pouches” as an on-the-go backpack to carry food back to their burrows; safe and stashed away for rainy days.

These pouches have many uses. Hamsters also like to put grains and nuts in the pouches and slowly feed themselves throughout the day by massaging their cheeks with their paws. Mother hamsters have been known to scoop up babies in their cheek pouches when sensing an approaching threat.

Hamsters love to hoard food in their underground dens, so these cheek pouches are definitely a great asset when out on long trips traversing the hot desert sands.

While hamsters leave a strong and pungent odor behind in their cages, gerbils have adapted their kidneys to produce a minimum amount of waste in an effort to conserve body fluids. This makes them much cleaner than hamsters and less smelly. A hamster will need to take a sand bath every couple of days in order to mask its smell and clean its fur.

One of the most common misunderstandings among new gerbil owners is believing that gerbils can live in hamster houses and vice versa. This is incorrect as gerbils need to be able to dig their own tunnel systems, and if placed in a plastic environment, can end up chewing and gnawing through the toxic plastic material.

3. Sleeping Patterns

One of the biggest differences between these two rodents is in their sleeping patterns.

Wild gerbils are diurnal, which means that they are most active during the daytime and sleep at night, like humans. However, gerbils in captivity have been observed to shift their sleeping pattern to correspond to human activity around them.

They like to watch what you’re doing, who’s walking or talking, and what’s going on in the world around them. People that frequently stay up late or work at home on night shifts have reported their gerbils staying awake through the night and sleeping at dawn.

Hamsters, on the other hand, are naturally crepuscular. This means that they sleep during the day and are most active during dusk and dawn. In the wild, a hamster would come out of its burrow at sundown when there are fewer active threats and the temperature is cooler.

After foraging for food and bringing it back to its burrow, it might sleep again until daybreak wherein the same routine would be repeated. Hamsters in captivity can sometimes be more nocturnal than crepuscular.

What does this mean for pet owners? There are pros and cons for both sleeping patterns, but a gerbil might be more desirable if you can’t stand the sound of your pet scampering in its cage in the middle of the night. The sound of its wheel can also keep people up, and hamsters have been known to run all night long!

4. Social Behavior

Knowing about animals’ behavior and understanding how their social life works are perhaps some of the most important deciding factors when choosing a pet. Gerbils and hamsters are no exception.

Hamsters can be solitary and territorial creatures. In the wild, a Syrian hamster lives alone in its burrow, neither seeking nor needing a companion in its day-to-day ordeals. When placed together with any other species of hamster, Syrians have been known to attack and even fight to the death. Thus, two adult hamsters are never recommended to be kept together in one tank.

Even dwarf hamsters which are the smallest species of hamsters exhibit the same behavior. However, it is possible for two dwarf hamsters to live together as long as they are born and raised together. This usually creates a strong bond between the two animals which prevents regular scrapping.

Gerbils on the other hand, lie on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. They are outgoing, friendly, and love having company. Gerbils can live in pairs, groups, with the more truly being the merrier.

According to the president of the American Gerbil Society in Florida, Libby Hanna, gerbils work best together when in pairs. “If you’d like to have multiple gerbils together in one shelter, go for even numbers so there won’t be an odd one out,” she adds.

The number of pets that you keep will affect a lot of things, such as the amount of food provided and the frequency of the feeding schedule.

There are actually 24 species of hamsters but only five breeds which include Syrian hamster, Roborovski hamster, Chinese hamster, Winter White dwarf hamster, and Campbell’s Russian dwarf hamster are mostly kept as pets. These pets can be family-friendly if trained well.

Unlike other animals, the cost of a hamster is inexpensive and it is not hard to maintain. You can purchase one at an affordable price depending on its breed. But aside from the hamster itself, there are still a few costs to take into consideration.

The Hamster Prices

The actual prices of the five breeds commonly sold in the pet market are the following:

• Syrian Hamster

Syrian hamster (also known as “golden hamster” or “teddy bear hamster”) is one of the largest breeds of hamsters. In 1839, it was first discovered by a zoologist named George Robert Waterhouse. It has an average weight of 4 to 6 ounces.

Syrian hamsters are cuddly and easy to handle which makes them an ideal pet. Despite their good personality, they should not be kept with other hamsters because these furry pets are very territorial.

The long-coated Syrian hamsters vary in different colors such as white and cream, cinnamon, brown, grey, and black. You can buy one for an approximate price of $20 depending on the breeder.

• Chinese Hamster

Chinese hamsters originated in the desert of northern China. Being easy to tame, these hamsters are great to handle but they can be aggressive to other hamsters when not introduced while they were young. A Chinese hamster can cost you around $12.99 to $15.99 each.

• Campbell’s Russian Dwarf Hamster

Campbell’s Russian dwarf hamsters are named after the westerner, Charles William Campbell, who first discovered them. These hamsters are very sociable and can be kept with other hamsters if introduced at a young age, unlike Syrian hamsters.

Having the similarity to the appearance of Winter White, these small-bodied hamsters are small enough to pass through the bars of a cage. If you want one, you can purchase it for a price that ranges around $12.99.

• Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster

Winter white Russian dwarf hamster or Djungarian hamster can be bought for an approximate price of $16.95. These hamsters can only be bought from accredited breeders which can provide pedigree certificates. Some hybrid hamsters from rodent farms are mislabeled as Winter White so make sure to buy the purebred ones.

• Roborovski Dwarf Hamster

Roborovski hamster (also known as “desert hamster” or “Robo”) is a very fast and agile breed which makes it difficult to handle. It has an average weight that ranges from 0.71 to 0.88 ounces. This breed of hamsters rarely nips and comes in different colors like brown and agouti. You can buy a Robo for a price of $12.99.[middle1]

Equipment and Accessories

• Cage

You shouldn’t buy a small cage just because hamsters are small. Make sure that the cage you purchase has a solid base because if not, it can be uncomfortable or might even cause problems with your pet.

A hamster cage’s price usually starts at around $10. Different hamster sizes require different cage sizes as well. For the Syrian hamster, the recommended size by the National Hamster Council is 1000 cm² floor space and 19 cm high cage; while for dwarfs, the minimum is 17cm high with 800 cm²   usable floor space cage. 

• Exercise Wheel

Hamsters need a lot of exercises and an exercise wheel which you can buy for around $4 to $39 is ideal for them. These small pets love running and actually, they can run up to 4 miles a day. Giving them a safe wheel is highly significant as they will spend most of their time there. Open wheels can be dangerous that’s why people prefer buying the ones with a solid surface.

• Bedding and Nesting

Hamsters love burrowing in their bedding so make sure it is made of hardwood shavings. Fluffy fiber bedding is not recommended as the hamster might eat the material. You can try using soft shredded papers or try tearing up tissues into strips.

If you prefer commercial bedding, you can buy products like AlfaPet Aspen Bedding Small Animals Bedding which can cost you around $3.38.

• Feeding Bowl

When it comes to the feeding bowl, a ceramic one is recommended because it is chew-proof. You should not use a human bowl because it can be dangerous for your pet. One ceramic bowl can cost you about $2.5.

• Water bottle

The ideal water bottle you should buy for your hamster is the one appropriate for small animals. You have to deal with leaks but it is better to choose bottles than bowls because they can make a watery mess in your pet’s cage. You can get one for around $4. 

• Grooming Equipment

Like other pets, your hamster will need a little grooming. Use a hamster comb or brush for your pet’s fur to prevent matting and remove debris from the hair. The price of grooming brushes is around $9. You can do the grooming while giving your pet a little amount of treats.

Recurring Costs

Your expenses for a hamster will not end in buying the pet and equipment. There are still few things to consider for the maintenance:

• Food Costs

Hamsters can eat a variety of foods. Some of the commercial foods available for your little pal are the 32-oz Wild Harvest Daily Blend Nutrition Diet for Hamsters and Gerbils which you can buy for $2.38 and the Kaytee Forti Diet Pro Health Healthy Support Diet – Mouse, Rat and Hamster Food BULK – 18 pounds which can cost about $46.17.

Aside from commercial hamster foods, you can give well-cooked meats or live mealworms to your hamster too. Some fruits and vegetables can also be fed to a hamster. Just make sure to balance your pet’s diet according to its nutritional needs.

• Medical Expenses

One of the potential costs of owning a hamster is medical expenses. A trip to the vet for a wellness exam costs around $35. You might also have to bring your hamster to a veterinarian in case it gets ill too. Treatment costs will vary on the health issue your pet has and the veterinary clinic, especially in case of emergency.

Factors That Affect the Price of a Hamster

Several factors can affect the price of a hamster and these include the following:

• Availability of the hamster in your area
• The breed of the hamster you’re going to purchase
• The reputation of the breeder where you will buy the pet from
• Age of the hamster as you buy it
• What’s included in your purchase (freebies)

The Syrian hamster has a thirteen-centimeter stocky body with short legs, medium rounded ears, a short muzzle, beady-shaped eyes, and a small tail that can hardly be seen under its thick coat. The rodent’s belly is light, and its back has an ocher-gray or brownish-gray color. The hind legs of the animal have five toes, while the front legs have four toes and a rudiment of the fifth. The rodent lives in hallow burrows lead an active life at night. The Syrian hamster uses convenient cheek pouches to transport materials for building the nest and food.

For the first time in 1797, the Russell brothers wrote an article about the Syrian hamster. This rodent species has been considered extinct since 1839 after Waterhouse made their first scientific description. On April 30, 1930, after a long search, the zoologist Israel Aharoni discovered a hole in which eleven newborn rodents were together with the female, he transported them to the University of Judea. Of
all the individuals brought in, three males and one female survived. After unsuccessful attempts to find other representatives of this species in the wild, Ahoroni made a related mating of the female with one of his brothers, who became the progenitors of this species in captivity. Their descendants in 1938 first entered the territory United States of America. Simultaneously with this event, pundits concluded that the Syrian hamsters were completely extinct in the wild.

However, this turned out not to be the case. The Syrian hamster lives on crops, in meadow steppes and foothill steppe landscapes, which are located on the territory of Iran, Western Asia, Turkey, the Balkans.

Syrian hamster – maintenance and care

Hamsters of this species are best accommodated in a cage with a deep plastic tray and metal rods, and an aquarium
made of organic or regular glass. The dimensions of the cage for the animal must be at least 30 × 40 cm, and the minimum aquarium height is 30 cm.

As for bedding, it is most optimal to use large dry sawdust, the layer thickness of which should be about 3-4 cm. For long-haired representatives of the species, it is not advisable to lay sawdust, as they can entangle the wool. Purchase a special natural wood filler by pairing it with colorless paper towels.
Pieces of paper, hay, and straw work well for building nests.

Inside the cage, you need to put a house where the animal will hide and rest. It is also important to take care of your pet’s active life in order to avoid weight and well-being problems.
In addition to the food bowl and drinker, given the spirited nature of the Syrian hamsters, a large jogging wheel, perches, and a
variety of obstacles must be placed in the cage.

Cleaning is necessary every 4-5 days. The drinker and bowl should be rinsed daily. Once a month, be sure to wash the cage and
all the “furniture” of the hamster with a special detergent that contains bleach.

The content was translated from Syrian hamster. Great thanks to the author!

Regardless of the exact number of hamster species, only five of them could be considered as “dwarf hamsters.” Dwarf hamsters are special even amongst the hamster world. 

It doesn’t take a genius to discover that dwarf hamsters are the smallest of their kind (measuring between 4 cm and 12 cm) but they also have a number of qualities that set them apart from other hamster species. First on the list is the fact dwarf hamsters are the most sociable of their kind. cheerful-looking hamster[topad]

Unlike other hamsters that couldn’t be placed in the same cage, dwarf hamsters are known to be sociable creatures. In fact, they’re one of the few hamster breeds that you could place in pairs or colonies in a single enclosure.

Species of Dwarf Hamsters

When dwarf hamsters develop bonds, they are even known to huddle together before sleeping. If you’re interested in knowing more about these amazing animals, here are the 4 types of dwarf hamster species.

1. Chinese Dwarf Hamsters

These beautiful hamsters are not actually dwarf hamsters, though they bear the name. But because of their diminutive sizes, they are put together under the same category as the dwarf hamsters.

The Chinese dwarfs originated in Mongolia and North-Eastern China and were first domesticated sometime during the late 1910s; the same time they started to be used for laboratory testing.

Just like most hamsters, Chinese dwarf hamsters live short lives, with an average lifespan of 2-3 years. If cared for properly with little to no health issues, they can live up to 4 years.

As far as features go, the Chinese dwarf hamster is easily distinguishable among the hamster species because of its elongated body structure compared to the roundish shape of other dwarf hamsters.

Also known as Cricetulus griseus, they would appear more similar to a mouse than a hamster. Just like a mouse, the Chinese dwarf also has a hairless tail that can grow about an inch long and is the only hamster to have one.

For coloring, the Chinese dwarf has a gray top with black stripes and a light bottom. Males would have prominent sex organs about the size of their heads which may be the reason why these hamsters aren’t as popular as the others.

Because it isn’t actually a dwarf hamster, it’s not surprising that this animal is the least sociable of the 4 species. It is still possible for them to be able to peacefully coexist with hamsters of their kind if you start socializing with them at a young age.

Males are more likely to be friendly with each other but you can also try to put females together. However, at the first sign of fighting, you should immediately separate the hamsters regardless of gender.

Out of all the dwarf hamsters, the Chinese are the least popular and most difficult to find since they don’t appear in pet shops as much as other dwarfs do.

2. Dwarf Campbell’s Russian Hamsters

There are two types of Russian dwarf hamsters and this dwarf hamster breed would be the first one. Campbell’s dwarf hamster appears highly similar to the other Russian, the Winter White, but has smaller ears, more furry feet, and lacks a dark patch on its head.

The main colors for the Campbell would include agouti (wild natural color), argente (sandy), and albino (white). However, as of today, this breed has over 40 color variations.

Dwarf Campbell’s Russian hamster can live only up to 2.5 years and can grow to a length of 10 cm (largest among the dwarfs). With the scientific name Phodopus Campbell, the Campbell is more prone to diabetes than other dwarf hamsters.

This dwarf rodent was named after Charles William Campbell who discovered the species way back in 1902 in Mongolia and took it all the way to London. Dwarf Campbell’s Russian hamsters are known to inhabit Eastern and Central Asia and are one of the most popular dwarf hamsters today.

Despite their popularity, Campbell’s Russian hamsters are also known to be the least friendly towards humans which doesn’t really make them great pets for children. They are known to nip and bite when they feel threatened.

When it comes to their own kind, however, they can be quite sociable and can even live in groups when introduced to each other young.

3. Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamsters

The second Russian dwarf hamster, this animal has a number of names. Sometimes called the Siberian dwarf hamster or the Djungarian hamster, the Winter White Russian dwarf hamster is no doubt one of the most sought-after hamster breeds in the world today.

Scientifically, this breed is one of the three hamsters of the genus Phodopus and is technically called Phodopus sungorus by experts. What makes this breed of dwarf hamsters so special, however, is not its name or where it came from but what it can do.

Winter Whites look highly similar to Campbell’s but have a more Romanesque nose. Furthermore, its coat is much softer to the touch and is less wooly. They mainly come in three colors: natural pearl, sapphire, and sapphire pearl.

However, they can also come in a variety of other colors. Unfortunately, these colors would mean that the Winter White isn’t purebred but rather, a hybrid. Winter Whites and Campbells are often crossbred to produce colorful offspring but doing so often results in hybrids with genetic defects.

Purebred Winter White dwarf hamsters can only be found at certified breeders and if you happen to see one at a pet shop, it is more likely to be a hybrid.

Winter Whites, just like all hamsters, have fairly short lives, being able to live up to only 3 years. They can grow as long as 10 cm and are known to be easily tamable as well as being highly sociable towards their own kind.

They are commonly found in Siberia, Russia, some parts of China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan.

4. Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters

Now, we head on to the smallest of the 4 lower classifications of dwarf hamsters – the Roborovski dwarf hamster. This special dwarf hamster got its name from the man who first discovered its species; Russian explorer Lt. Vsevolod Roborovski, back in 1894 in Nanshan, China.

Despite its small size – being only able to grow up to 5 cm in height, the Robo dwarf hamster is also known for its mastery of speed and longevity. The quickest among the dwarf hamsters and all hamsters in general, the Roborovski is able to run a hundred miles in a single night.

Given this information, this dwarf hamster is also one of the most active hamsters around. Its speed and agility make it quite a difficult pet to tame as it has been known to slip through and jump out of its cage from time to time.

When it comes to longevity, the Roborovski is known to live as long as 4 years in captivity; still a short life but the longest of all hamster species nonetheless.

Robo dwarfs are generally shy creatures and are not ideal pets for children. Despite this, they are not known to nip or bite humans often even when threatened. Roborovskis are also not as sociable as other hamsters but could coexist well with others of its kind when introduced at an early age.

Now a common household pet, Roborovskis were known to inhabit the Gobi Desert as well as parts of Mongolia and Kazakhstan prior to their discovery.

These tiny rodents belong to the species Cricetulus or the ratlike hamsters as they are more commonly referred to because of their appearance – looking more like a mouse than a common hamster.

They are probably one of the coolest and mysterious pets one could ever have.

These cuties come in small packages and are quite special due to their rarity and somewhat odd and enigmatic origins and existence.

Types of Chinese Hamsters

There are two classes of Chinese hamsters: the Cricetulus griseus (Chinese hamsters) and the Cricetulus barabensis (Chinese striped hamsters).

Although most people consider them of the same species, there have been speculations as to which species is a subspecies of another – wherein, their scientific names can be identified as Cricetulus griseus Barabensis or as Cricetulus Barabensis Griseus. Yeah, boring! 

Regardless of the somewhat confusing question of which is which, Chinese hamsters and Chinese striped hamsters both share virtually the same traits (both being considered as dwarf hamsters) and origins.

1. Appearance

Originating in the northern parts of China and Mongolia, these hamsters grow from 82 – 127 mm, tails that grow from 20 – 33 mm in length, and can weigh between 30 and 45 grams as adults. Their bodies appear long and thin and have longer tails compared to other hamsters – hence the term ratlike.

For males, most have large scrotums roughly the same size as their heads. Because of this feature, their tails are buried in between, making them look like they have a second head at the other end!

Oddly, this is one of the reasons why scientists chose male Chinese hamsters for research and experimentations back in the day. Females, on the other hand, were mostly kept as pets because of their ideally common-looking bodies and features.

Chinese hamsters are found in three color mutations:

•  The normal/wild

The normal type is what Chinese hamsters would typically look like in the wild. They have grey or brown top coats with dark stripes or spots on the spines, and white undercoats and bellies.

•  Dominant spot

The dominant spot, on the other hand, are white Chinese hamsters with normal color spots that are beautifully scattered and seemingly patterned all over the body.

• Black-eyed white.

The black-eyed white, are pure white-coated Chinese dwarf hamsters that make the black eyes more pronounced. This type of color is quite rare among litters, especially with two dominant spotted parents.

2. Temperament and Behavior

Chinese hamsters are intelligent and curious but shy little creatures. As youngsters, they can be stubborn and challenging to tame, but once they get used to the company of their owners they can be very affectionate.

One of the ways they show love to their owners is by grasping on the fingers with all their four paws, looking like a mouse clinging on a straw. They can even climb up the arms up to the neck, then resting there as if to give their owners a big hug!

They are very playful, especially with their littermates, and are very agile and active little creatures. 

They are considered social but tend to be more comfortable being kept with the same sex as introducing a hamster of the opposite sex can be challenging and quite violent. Even though non-dwarf hamsters won’t appreciate the company of another, Chinese dwarf hamsters can live together. 

Chinese hamsters are nocturnal, meaning they are more active at night – more often during the darkest hours of the day at dawn or dusk. When deciding on owning one, owners should consider this behavior as it can be a factor when it comes to their maintenance and health.

Overall, they are quiet, smart, funny, and highly energetic little creatures that will suit everyone wanting to own one. Although they can be challenging to handle especially for kids, as long as they’re tamed and taken care of very well, they are great pets everyone in the family can enjoy.

3. Health

Chinese hamsters, like most hamster breeds, have a short lifespan of about two and a half to three years, while some have been reported to age up to four years. Because of their short lifespan, the development is remarkably fast as they reach sexual maturity at about five to eight weeks of age.

At this stage, mature females can become pregnant. However, this process can be tough for breeders as female Chinese hamsters can be highly aggressive causing severe and sometimes fatal injuries to males. Because of this, it is best to introduce the opposite sex at an early stage to get them adapted to each other’s presence if you are planning to do a breeding program.

The gestation period of Chinese hamsters usually goes between 18 and 25 days. By this age, they can have a litter of around four to six pups. As stated, because they grow up fast, it is best to separate babies at the earliest possible time to avoid unplanned breeding.

When it comes to their overall health, two common issues Chinese hamsters experiences are wet tails and diabetes.

Wet tail (proliferative ileitis) is a condition acquired due to stress that most sellers and owners sometimes overlook on their pet hamsters. This condition usually occurs within seven days accompanied by symptoms where death usually follows immediately after.

Some of the symptoms that Chinese dwarf hamsters suffering from wet tails may show are tails covered in feces, diarrhea, odd smell, folded ears, and lack of energy and enthusiasm. It is critical to bring them to the vet for immediate treatment once these symptoms occur.

Diabetes, on the other hand, is very common among these creatures. Their diet in the wild does not include refined sugar, making it hard for them to process sweets if they are given one in captivity. Every one of them is born with this genetic susceptibility, leading them to become one of the most studied animals in the field of medical research.

Chinese Dwarf Hamster Price and Maintenance

Chinese hamsters are typically sold between $12.99 and $15.99. 

While the price may not be an issue, the problem that interested buyers may face is that these little hammies are very rare and can only be found and bought at stores. They can also be quite troublesome to own as they require special permits and paperwork due to the restrictions the government imposes for this breed of hamster.

As much as any pets, maintenance and care are vital when it comes to owning one no matter the size and kind of the pet. For Chinese hamsters, one advantage an owner may see is that small size equals small maintenance. However, it shouldn’t be a reason to disregard getting them the quality care that they deserve.

1. Food and Nutrition

Chinese dwarf hamsters, like all other hamster breeds, are both meat and plant-eaters as they tend to eat shoots, grasses, and seeds, and sometimes small insects and worms in the wild. Owners can replicate this diet in captivity by mixing hamster mix with fresh cut green veggies and boiled tiny slices of chicken or insects like crickets.

For babies, moms, and elderly hamsters, porridge or milk formulas can be great alternatives to keep them healthy and well-nourished. Just make sure to give them small amounts of skim milk by using drops or letting them drink from a spoon.

Chinese hamsters, as mentioned earlier, have a high tendency to develop diabetes. So avoid giving them whole or flavored milk, especially chocolate milk, as they are high in sugar, and chocolate can be poisonous to hamsters.

Because of their susceptibility to developing diabetes, owners should also be careful in giving them treats. Avoid giving them sweets; even fruits such as strawberries and mangoes to keep them healthy and well-nourished.

High-quality hamster mixes specially formulated for dwarf and Chinese hamsters, are available online for around $16.95 per two pieces of the 2-pound bag up to $36.87 for a 25-pound bag. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label on the number of servings needed daily to keep them from being overfed.

Lastly, keep them hydrated by fitting an inverted drinking bottle with a straw in their cages to provide them easy access to fresh and clean water at all times.

2. Shelter

Because they are highly energetic and tiny, they can easily squeeze through wire cages and escape. For that reason, they are required to be put in a large cage with small openings and tight lids like a 10 to 20-gallon aquarium to give them comfortable living space and to secure them from getting away.

The size of the gallon should be at least 30” x 12” x 12”, big and comfortable enough to suit their active behavior. Also, owners can buy a tank topper where a hamster cage is put on top of the aquarium to give them a wider and more comfortable living area.

Glass aquariums are available online for around $73.75 up to $149. For cheaper and more convenient options, some sellers provide tank toppers for prices between $32.99 and $37.49.

When it comes to equipping their cage, buying the best hamster wheel is a must for Chinese hamsters. Hamster wheels are a great way for them to exercise and tire out their seemingly unlimited energy! For Chinese hamsters, there should be 6” or 12” hamster wheels to choose from for around $17.99 to $44.99.

For the nesting material, wood shavings like aspen or timothy hay are the way to go for Chinese hamsters. Owners should avoid getting cedar or pine woods as these materials can cause respiratory problems.

3. Vet

Having pets, no matter how small or big, should be brought to the vet to give them the perfect care that they deserve.

As mentioned earlier, some health issues these creatures can develop are wet tails, diabetes, and respiratory problems. When going to the vet, consider these health issues to be checked to know how to prevent them from developing into a more serious condition.

A simple and much-needed checkup can cost around $30-$90, although these prices can vary depending on the location and the vet.

4. Grooming and Hygiene

Grooming can be quite easy and challenging at the same time. Because they are small, their coats can be easily brushed and rarely needs bathing.

For the brush, short and gentle strokes using a toothbrush can be enough to keep their furs clean and free from dirt. Just make sure to use unused toothbrushes to avoid their hairs and skin getting contaminated with toothpaste and other chemicals from used toothbrushes.

When it comes to dental health, Chinese hamsters’ teeth, like any other rodents, never stop growing. If left unchecked, their teeth can grow so long that they will have trouble closing their mouths. Also, it can hurt their gums and tongues causing cuts and bleeding that may also result in discomfort and other problems in the mouth.

One of the best ways of keeping their dental health in check is to let them gnaw. This activity will wear down the continuous growth of their teeth (incisors); keeping them healthy as they grow up.

5. Toys

Chew toys, among others, is probably one of the most useful toys Chinese hamsters should have. It allows them to gnaw keeping their teeth healthy and well-maintained.

There are a lot of chew toys to choose from online for prices ranging from $7.99 to $12.99. In choosing the perfect chew toys for them, owners should consider buying durable, non-toxic, and long-lasting materials.

Aside from hamster wheels, owners should also consider buying mini obstacle courses such as mini ladders and houses to keep them from getting bored and sickly.

Interesting Facts About the Chinese Dwarf Hamster

Little is known about Chinese dwarf hamsters. As mentioned earlier, these small but lovely hamsters are rare and won’t be frequently available at any pet stores near you. Although they may be uncommon, they are sought after by pet enthusiasts and are among of the main contributors in the field of medical research.

1. “Lab” rats

Back in the early 1900s, scientists and researchers have been using hamsters in medical and genetic development. Chinese hamsters were first introduced to experimentations in 1949 and were subjects of cell culturing and cell cloning by geneticists.

Chinese hamsters play a big role in the health industry and cell research as they are susceptible but resilient enough to infectious diseases – making them valuable for mutagenic and cancer studies, among many of their uses.

They also serve as a model for the research of diabetes mellitus as they strongly resemble developing this illness just like humans. Researchers and scientists believe that Chinese hamsters can help find a cure and help prevent the development of diabetes mellitus in humans.

2. Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells

Perhaps, one of the most notable contributions of the Chinese hamster in the medical industry is the development and culturing of the Chinese Hamster Ovary or CHO cells. It is a critical component of most pharmaceuticals and it is a medical marvel used by scientists and geneticists even today.

Chinese hamsters were brought to the US in 1948 by being smuggled from China, by a person named Robert Briggs Watson, who learned of their potential in the development of biotechnology. Throughout the history of being lab rats, CHO cells were not discovered until 1957 by a geneticist named Dr. Theodore T. Puck.

The bright Dr. Puck was an early pioneer of cell cloning and he and his team were also the ones who discovered that humans have 46 chromosomes and not 48 as previously thought. Because of his research and persistence, Dr. Puck learned to culture CHO cells by isolating the ovary of a female Chinese hamster.

And because of this discovery, CHO cells can be modified to produce anti-cancer drugs and hormones, which resulted in the mass production of therapeutic proteins from CHO that can help fight diseases in humans.

3. They May be Restricted in Some States

Although Chinese hamsters may be one of God’s greatest gifts to humans, they are unfortunately one of the most restricted and heavily regulated pets, especially in the US. Owning them may require interested owners to get special permits and other paperwork from the Department of Fish and Game to keep or transport them within the state they live in, especially in the Golden State.

They are restricted (sometimes referred to as illegal) due to the potential risks they pose in the environment if they were to escape into the wild. If an owner is caught owning a Chinese hamster, the local government may impose penalties and fines of up to $1,000 and jail time (yes, you can go to jail just by owning them) for a maximum of 6 months.

Is the Chinese Dwarf Hamster Right for You?

When deciding to own a Chinese hamster, every owner should know that they require a serious amount of effort and well-attended responsibilities despite their small packages. As a responsible owner, these factors should always be on top of your priority, as they can be sensitive when it comes to their health and you can be at risk of facing jail time and fines just for owning them.

To sum up everything you need to know about Chinese hamsters, here are the things you need to remember:

• Handling

Chinese hamsters are delicate and should be handled carefully and securely. Do not squeeze too hard as they have a tendency to bite, but don’t loosen your grip as they can escape and run fast

• Maintenance and Health

Chinese hamsters’ diet needs to be supervised at all times to avoid the development of certain diseases such as diabetes, wet tail, and overgrown teeth.

• Behavior and Temperament

They are lovable and social creatures. However, be cautious in putting together two Chinese dwarf hamsters as they tend to be aggressive towards each other especially the opposite sex.

• Playtime

Chinese hamsters are very active creatures and should be provided with toys and equipment in their cages for exercise and enjoyment.

• Cages

They should be kept in large and enclosed cages where they can play and run around and secured at the same time.

Unbeknownst to you, your pet may have a few hidden secrets lurking in its closet! 

Sit back and relax as we explore 33 teddy bear hamster facts that you never knew about.

1. It’s just a regular Syrian hamster with longer hair

In 1973, pet owners began noticing that some newborn Syrian hamsters had extremely long and fluffy hair.

 It was only until a while later that the mutation was identified and this variant was given a nickname – “the Teddy Bear Hamster”.

2. The long hair manifested as the result of a recessive gene

It is believed that the gene responsible for the mutation of Syrian hamsters which gives them their long hair appeared in 1972. It’s a recessive gene, meaning that in order to create another hamster pup with long hair, both of its parents need to have the gene.[middle1]

3. Its natural habitat is the hot, sandy dunes of the Syrian deserts

Teddy bear hamsters might seem so soft and lovable that you may not have realized that they evolved in a very harsh desert climate. They’ve survived wild predator attacks and whirling sandstorms for hundreds of years.

4. It first set paw on American soil in 1936

After a couple of zoologists discovered a hairy version of the Syrian hamster in the desert, they were immediately intrigued and brought a few of them over to the United States. Most of the teddy bear hamsters in the US today descended from those original pilgrims.

5. It’s part of the Rodentia order of animals, which includes rats and mice

It may be a rodent, but it’s definitely no pest. Teddy bear hamsters have large front teeth and long tail, but none of the diseases that their distant cousins carry around.

6. Its eyes are round and black

The irises of its eyeballs are quite small, unlike what you would see in the eyes of most other pets. They’re also perfectly round and black, giving it the appearance of buttons or beads.

7. The females grow larger than the males

The irises of its eyeballs are quite small, unlike what you would see in the eyes of most other pets. They’re also perfectly round and black, giving it the appearance of buttons or beads.

8. The females grow larger than the males

Move out of the way boys; girls are the new strong-arm in the hamster world. Female long-haired teddy bear hamsters tend to grow much larger than their male counterparts. Girl power!

9. But the males have longer hair than the females

Males can have a long flowing “skirt” of hair that flows down to the sides of their legs.

10. It loves to party all night and sleep all day

As a result of their experiences in the desert long ago, teddy bear hamsters have it hardwired in their brains to sleep during the day while it’s hot outside and while there are more apex predators on the prowl. Although there’s nothing to fear in your room, they just can’t kick the habit.

11. It’s naturally crepuscular, not nocturnal

Hamsters in the wild are crepuscular, which means that they sleep during the day and are most active during the twilight hours of dusk and dawn. Most people tend to believe that they are nocturnal, not realizing that only captive hamsters act this way.

12. Wild teddy bear hamsters live in underground burrows

The desert Syrian hamsters learned how to dig underground homes to provide safety from larger animals and the extreme heat. They’re expert excavators and true miners of the animal kingdom.

13. It’s an omnivorous animal

Another little-known fact is that teddy bear hamsters also enjoy a meaty side dish in addition to their standard fare of grains, nuts, and vegetables. Being omnivorous, they enjoy eating fruits, nuts, vegetables, seeds, herbs, grains, and meat.

14. It’s a loner

Wild Syrian hamsters’ burrow is built for one. They live a solitary life and prefer to hunt and forage alone. Having another hamster attempt to live in the same space would result in a physical altercation, to say the least.

15. If placed together with any other species of hamster, it will attack

Teddy bear hamsters are also territorial. They should never be put in proximity with any other type of hamster, male or female. In the wild, they’re usually running solo in their burrows.

16. It’s got built-in cheek backpacks

Teddy bear hamsters have the same type of cheek pouches that are common in other hamsters. These pouches extend up to their shoulders when entirely filled and they’re used as on-the-go storage for food. In times of danger, the mother can also use them as a hiding place for her babies.

17. It can enter a trance by going into deep meditation

Well, not really. But teddy bear hamsters do have a unique method of self-preservation called “torpor”. This trance-like state is a form of hibernation, but without the hamster actually being asleep.

This hibernation mode is mostly triggered when the air temperature becomes too cold. The hamster will stay very still, decrease its breathing and heart rate, and might even look dead.

18. Your cute and furry friend won’t live too long

Teddy bear hamsters have a short lifespan – only around 2 to 2.5 years. However, some have been known to live for as long as 4 years. Don’t get too attached!

19. One hamster year is the equivalent of 30 human years

So, a 4-year-old teddy bear hamster is the equivalent of a 120-year-old human. Make sure to give your pet plenty of love and attention while you still have it around.

20. Teddy bear hamsters are blind at birth

All hamsters are born blind and it takes about two weeks for them to be able to see properly. During these two weeks, they’re usually kept safe by their mother in a specially-prepared nest. Don’t disturb the nest or the mother might do something terrible like the next not-so-fun fact.

21. Mothers sometimes cannibalize their newborn babies

For an unknown reason, mother hamsters sensing danger nearby will voluntarily send their children back to where they came from. Perhaps they figure that a quick death by their hand is better than a painful and gruesome death by a predator.

22. It can learn its name

Teddy bear hamsters are actually pretty smart for small rodents with tiny brains. It’s possible to train a hamster to respond to its name. It doesn’t actually know what a name is, of course. When it hears you say its name, it’s simply responding in the way that it was conditioned to.

23. It has very poor eyesight but a good sense of smell and hearing

Teddy bear hamsters are actually pretty smart for small rodents with tiny brains. It’s possible to train a hamster to respond to its name. It doesn’t actually know what a name is, of course. When it hears you say its name, it’s simply responding in the way that it was conditioned to.

24. Mother hamster may carry babies inside its cheek pockets for protection

Sensing a predator nearby, a mother hamster can use her cheek pocket to hide a baby inside. What better way is there to protect your child than to put it in your mouth?

This, however, can sometimes have an unfortunate and unintended result – the mother accidentally swallows the baby. Yes, life in the animal kingdom is pretty rough.

25. Teddy bear hamster babies are called pups

What did you think they would be called? Cubs?

26. It’s hairless at birth

A teddy bear hamster’s entrance to our world is pretty harsh. It’s blind, hairless, and can hardly move.

27. “Hamster” comes from the German word “hamstern” which means “to forage”

The wild teddy bear hamsters live to forage and bring back their treasures to hoard in the burrow. In fact, that’s all they do for the majority of their lives. Go out, avoid death, eat, bring back food, sleep, repeat.

28. It’s a part-time contortionist

Teddie bear hamsters have extremely flexible bodies and can squeeze through very tight openings. This is why people frequently call them “escape artists”. If you’re using a cage, make sure the door is always locked and that the bars aren’t too far apart. A tank is harder to escape from but they can still push the lid off if it’s not secured.

29. Certain types of wood are dangerous to Teddy Bear hamsters

Studies have determined that cedarwood and pinewood contain elements that are toxic to hamsters and can cause death. Don’t use these types of wood as toys or for bedding material.

30. It uses its scent glands as a way to navigate

Having poor eyesight, Teddy Bear hamsters have another way to help them find their way around. There are scent glands located on their hips which they’ll rub against objects in order to mark the area. When backtracking or trying to find their way home, their keen sense of smell can pick up the scent.

31. It can run backward as quickly as it can forward

Due to the size and shape of their hind feet, teddy bear hamsters have the amazing ability to scurry either forward or backward at the same speed. This skill was developed during their time in the wild when they would sometimes need to escape from an intruding predator by going backward down a tunnel into their underground burrow.

32. It likes to hide food under the bedding

Being awake all night with nothing to do can make anyone, or anything, go crazy. While Teddy Bear hamsters will usually spend their hours running for miles on their exercise wheels, they can sometimes become bored and get into mischief elsewhere in the shelter.

One of their favorite pastimes, besides defecating in the bedding, is to hide food underneath it.

33. There are certain foods that are toxic to teddy bear hamsters

An example of such foods would be citrus fruits like oranges and pineapples. They must never be fed to hamsters as the high acid content is too much for them to handle.

Garlic, onions, and peppers are toxic to most animals including hamsters. Junk food is bad for their health. Chocolate or anything with caffeine can cause seizures or palpitations. Avoid feeding these to your hamster if you want it to see the light of another day.

Basic Needs

Hamsters make good pets since they don’t require that much attention. In exchange for this, you need to supply them with their basic needs and a few wants to maintain their physical and mental condition.

So what do hamsters need? The following are the primary things that you should have prior to getting a hamster. They include the necessities to support their habitat, food, and health.

1. Hamster Cage

Choosing the right hamster cage for your pet includes several factors such as the breed type, ease of cleaning, comfort, safety, and size. A rule of thumb for cage size is that the bigger the better.

When you probably go to a pet store, there are tons of choices to choose from especially the colorful ones. Sadly, most of them are not an appropriate and comfortable habitat for your hamsters. You would also have to consider the things that you need to put inside the cage-like the exercise wheel, feeding dish, and others.

There are 4 types of hamster cages available and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

2. Hideout

Hamsters need their own personal space so it is recommended to have a hideout inside their cage. This makes them feel safe and protected from possible predators.

You have an option to buy from pet shops in the accessory section that includes huts made from different materials such as wood, edible hay, or plastic. The better option is that you make your own hideout from materials available in your houses such as cardboard or excess PVC pipes.

3. Bedding Material

Be careful in choosing a bedding material for your hamster as some are not suitable because of possible health hazards. Do take note that pine and cedarwood shavings are not the appropriate beddings because they might splinter your hamsters and cause infections.

They may also cause the production of toxic substances from a combination of hamster urine and the chemicals used to process these woods.

Avoid buying fluffy and soft beddings made from artificial fibers because your hamsters may try to ingest them which may give them digestive problems. Their small legs can also get entangled with the fibers and injure them.

Some best beddings for your hamsters are cellulose-based fibers, aspen shavings, or just plain paper. Aspen wood shaving is cheap and you have to take into consideration the number of times that you would be cleaning their cages. Plain paper, on the other hand, is not that absorbent so it is likely that you’ll have a smelly hamster habitat more often.

Another thing is to avoid the scented beddings because they might trigger allergic reactions to your hamsters. It is always best to go natural. Sawdust is not fit as well because of its fine particles that may affect their respiratory system.

If you see someone using newspaper, tell them to remove it immediately as the ink can be toxic to hamsters.

4. Nesting Material

Nesting material is slightly different from a bedding material; the former being what hamsters use to build their nest for sleeping. In other cases, female hamsters who are pregnant build a nest in preparation for giving birth.

Safe nesting materials that you can use are shredded toilet paper or facial tissues.

5. Water Bottle

Most enthusiasts prefer a water bottle to a drinking bowl for purposes of sanitation. In an inverted bottle with a drinking tube, the water is safe from contaminants such as the beddings inside the cage. It can also prevent any accidents between your hamster and a bowl of water.

Water bottles are usually made of plastic but you can also see other types made of glass. The attachments of most bottles are for wire cages and the spouts have a ball bearing at the end to regulate the flow of water.

If you have a tank, it is not advisable to use suction cups as this can slide off. There are water bottles that are free-standing or you may also find a water bottle holder that you can insert onto the top side of the tank.

Keep their water supply fresh daily by cleaning the bottles thoroughly and using a brush to remove specks.

6. Hamster Food and Food Dish

Have an inventory of pelleted hamster food that will provide complete nutrition to your little ones. This is more preferred than the mixed seeds because hamsters tend to pick out only what they want and leave the others including the nutrients, says Robyn McGeorge of PetMD.

You may also give fruits and vegetables in moderation. And just like with other animals, the new food must be introduced slowly into their system to avoid an upset stomachs. You should take note of hamster fresh food list that is safe for them as some can be poisonous to their bodies.

Look for a food dish that is small to avoid overfeeding your hammies. It is also preferred that a ceramic bowl is used because plastics can be easily chewed by hamsters.

7. Exercise Wheel

This is used to support the health needs of your hamsters by providing them with an exercise machine to keep them fit. Most veterinarians will recommend for hamsters have an exercise wheel incorporated into the cage. This will also help them de-stress and release boredom inside their cages.

There are many types and sizes of exercise wheels. Before buying one, consider the size of your hamster when they grow. When a hamster has an arched back while using the wheel, this may damage its skeletal system.

For Syrian hamsters, 12-inch wheel diameter is recommended, while for dwarf hamsters, a 6.5-inch diameter will be good especially for those which can grow up to 4 inches in length.

Also, consider the running surface of the exercise wheels and stray away from those that have holes or gaps for them to be safe for your hammies. You may opt for non-slip wheels that have minimal texture to prevent paw bruising.

Hamsters often do their running at night so consider a silent wheel so as not to interfere with your sleep. But of course, this will charge you an extra buck. If by chance you still have a squeaking wheel, you may put olive oil on the spindle connected to the wheel for lubrication.

8. Wooden Chews

In order to keep your hamsters’ teeth healthy, they must be provided with wooden chew toys to avoid having overgrown teeth. This is because their teeth keep on growing and the wooden chews will help ground them down. The worse that could happen to hamsters with overgrown teeth is starvation.

Check the source of your wooden chew toys and choose those that are untreated and natural. Pear and applewood are good to chew sticks for your hamsters.

9. Disinfectant

It is important to clean their cages weekly to avoid any illness to your hamsters. A good and safe disinfectant cleaner is needed to ensure that no bacteria or molds would thrive inside the cage and other things that are in direct contact with the hamster.

There are disinfectant cleaners for small animals in pet stores that are safe to be sprayed on their cages including water bottles and feeding bowls. You may also spray homemade diluted white vinegar to disinfect the habitat. Make sure that everything is dried up before putting back the hamster.

10. Veterinarian for Exotic Pets

It is important that you have contact with a veterinarian who’s an expert or at least has some experience with hamsters. It is quite difficult to find a vet that specializes in exotic mammal medicine so it is best that you locate one near you first before owning one. Choose the nearest location for emergency purposes.

You may contact the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians to inquire about a doctor nearest you. After locating one, assess the clinic by asking how many hamsters they see on average or the cost of hamster spaying. This is for you to have an idea of how experienced the clinic is in handling hamster health problems.

A hamster should be checked once or twice per year by a veterinarian.

11. Travel Carrier

You may have to pay a visit to a veterinary clinic or move to a new home; and in order for it to be stress-free for your hammy, a travel carrier is needed. It should be escape-proof and sturdy so make sure that it cannot be easily chewed on by your hamsters.

It is better to choose a carrier made of plastic because a wire-based one can easily expose them to environmental elements that may cause stress.

It is usually smaller in size and is properly ventilated by having openings on top. A travel carrier can also double as a temporary living space for the hamsters while you are cleaning their cages.

Secondary Needs

These things can be included in the dwarf hamster supplies checklist even if your hamster is already a week or two into its new home.

12. Sand Bath

Providing a sand bath section inside their homes can help their grooming habits. Hamsters will usually roll around the sand where it absorbs the excess oils and moisture found in their furs.

A chinchilla sand bath may be used and placed in a stable bowl. Make sure that it is not a dust bath that you’re purchasing because this may cause respiratory problems in hamsters.

13. Toilet and toilet litter

Hamsters are easily litter-trained since they are normally clean mammals. They only use one or two sides in their homes as urine stations. If you want to help them get cleaner and to avoid frequent cleaning, provide them a toilet space with toilet litter.

There are available litter boxes in the market specifically made for hamsters but you can also use cardboard boxes, glass bowls, ceramics or plain plastic containers.

As for the litter options, there is a paper pellet litter that is easy to clean and absorbs well. If they already have a sand bath in place, you should look out if they are using that area as their toilet instead.

14. Treats

Hamsters are omnivores so you may also give them mealworms and crickets as treats. Syrian or dwarf hamsters are particularly fond of these types of food.

If you prefer a commercial treat, make sure to read the label first to ensure that you are not about to put junk food into their feeding bowls. Commercial treats usually have a high sugar content and other additives.

Treats should only comprise 10% of a hamster’s total diet so give them sparingly.

15. Hamster Ball

In case they get bored with the exercise wheel, another option would be to get a hamster ball. This would be enjoyable for them as they get to run and explore your house at the same time without escaping. Just like the exercise wheels, it is best to get the largest possible ball you might see.

16. Hamster toys

There are numerous toys that are specifically designed for small animals like the hamster. Toys make your pets happy and satisfied, so if you want to spoil them more, there are a lot of options to choose from. There are wooden ladders and even seesaws, wooden bridges, and hanging toys.

Keep a close eye if you’re using hanging toys to make sure it does not entangle with your hamster. Plastic toys are also available such as tunnels that you can use to extend their cages. Though be aware that they can chew this away so if this happens, throw it immediately to prevent swallowing of plastic pieces.

17. Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

This has to be cleared first with your veterinarian before giving it to your hamsters. There are available supplements specific for hamsters such as calcium, probiotics, and trace mineral powders. Only use them in moderation and again, under supervision from your veterinarian.

Supplementary Materials

These are optional things that you can buy given that you have the budget for them. If you don’t, it wouldn’t really directly affect the living condition of your hamsters.

• Hamster book

It would be good to be more knowledgeable about your pets to keep them safe and help extend their lifespan. There are a lot of books about hamsters – even specific to every breed, which can help you understand their behavior and needs.

A book will also serve as a guide to assess the current physical and psychological state of your pet.

• Hammocks

This is just another type of toy that your hamsters will enjoy that can be placed inside their cage. There was a study conducted at the Liverpool John Moores University about hamster happiness.

The result was that those that have cages equipped with extra toys and beddings make more optimistic judgments in their environment. It wouldn’t hurt to have an extra hammock for your hamster to rest on.

• Toothbrush

This is specific only for long-haired breeds to help with their grooming and removing matted furs. Use only a soft-bristled, unused brush to keep them clean. Some hamsters will also enjoy the act of grooming and staying still.

Keep this list in check to ensure that your hamsters are well-provided and will live longer as they deserve. There are now many options to choose from for every single thing in the list so plan well and stay on the budget if you have any. Your hamsters will give you back the comfort that you allot to them by keeping you entertained and happy as well. Just give hamsters what they need!

The Russian Dwarf hamsters are becoming a popular pet option in pet stores and it is best to be prepared for everything you need in taking care of them properly. You should also be in the know about the proper nutrition your hamster may need, including any forms of entertainment and exercise.

We’ll go ahead and discuss where they came from, how they are as pets, what to feed them, and what to do when they’re pregnant up until they give birth.

Campbell’s Dwarf Hamsters

It’s relatively easy to check and manage their needs and it doesn’t cost a lot to have them as pets. They’re directly related to the Syrian Hamsters.

• Origins

Campbell’s Dwarf Hamsters lived in China, Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Siberia. This may be the reason why they’ve also been known as Siberian Hamsters; the same as their counterparts. They’re used to living in semi-desert locations and grasslands.

• Sizes/Colors/Temperament

They are known to grow from 4 to 4.5 inches. They are brownish in color with a deep gray tinge on their belly. They love to play and would often go around mazes or run on the wheel that you place in their cages. They are friendly with their own kind but extremely territorial with different species of hamsters.

• Lifespan

They are can live from 1 to 2 years but there are several cases when they can live longer. In the wild, they tend to live shorter than in captivity.

• Pregnancy

Once you see your female Campbell’s growing wider at its sides and back, these are signs that it may be pregnant. It’s not easily noticed, so look out for other signs. If it is drinking more water and hoarding more food than it usually does, then you’re halfway there. If you also see it rearranging the bedding, then your hamster is definitely pregnant.

Make sure that it’s in a separate cage. Also, ensure that the cage is clean a day or two before your hamster’s due date. Having a fresh supply of bedding is also a must so you don’t need to disturb your pet for the first 2 weeks after giving birth.

Campbell’s hamsters are known to eat or kill their offspring once they smell something different with them. Not a great way to start being a mother, but it’ll be your job to make sure this doesn’t happen.

Campbell’s litter may have 6 pups but there are cases that they give birth to more. They are born hairless and blind, although the fur will grow within two weeks and their eyes will open till they’re ready to be on their own.

It might be hard to discern if a baby hamster is female or male. Even the experts may get it wrong. But it’s best to separate the females from the males as soon as they can be on their own.

You can do this once they reach 18 to 21 days old as Russian Dwarf Hamsters become in heat every four days and can get pregnant 24 hrs after giving birth! If you’re not careful, you might just find yourself at the pet store buying more cages![middle1]

Winter White Dwarf Hamsters

They’re also known as Djungarian hamsters, Dzungarian hamsters, and Siberian hamsters. The reason why they got their names is that their fur changes to white during winter; although it doesn’t happen in captivity due to artificial lighting.

They’re also mostly herbivorous or granivorous – eating only seeds and available plant materials.

• Origins

Winter whites are known to have lived in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Siberia which may be the reason why they were also being called as Siberian Hamsters.

• Sizes/Colors/Temperament

Winter White Hamsters can usually grow from 3 to 4 inches – making them smaller than Campbell’s Dwarf Hamsters. They’re pinkish-beige in color and may have gray, argente, or yellowish-brown and albino or white coats.

Their colors can also vary from dark gray with dorsal stripes and white bellies. There may also be sapphire, sapphire pearl, and marbled colorings on a Winter White.

They get surprised easily so they need to be housed in a quiet environment to lessen the stress they may feel and to make them comfortable. Just make sure to approach their enclosures during playtime to make sure they don’t get startled.

• Lifespan

They are can live from 1.5 to 2 years but there are several cases wherein they could live longer. In the wild, their lifespans are known to be shorter because they are prey animals.

• Pregnancy

Winter whites usually breed from the month of February till November. If your pet hamster is a first-timer, it should only start breeding once it reaches 4 to 6 months of age and its pregnancies may last from as short as 18 to as long as 25 days. Winter Whites usually have a litter of 4 to 8 pups but may give birth to more.

Winter White Dwarf Hybrids

Hybrids came from breeding either two Campbell’s Dwarfs or a Campbell’s and a Winter White – the latter pairing being the usual hybrids done by inexperienced breeders. They may have prettier and unique colorings but they are more susceptible to health issues.

It is dangerous and completely unethical to do a Campbell’s and a Winter White pairing when breeding because of how different their sizes are. There are speculations that this kind of breeding is okay. But if you factor in the size, the Winter White mother can surely die from just the pregnancy alone.

Her womb won’t be able to bear having Campbell’s during the pregnancy stage, more so when she gives birth to them.

So if in case you want to get a hamster, make sure that they are either both Campbell’s Dwarf Hamsters or both Winter White Hamsters.

Russian Dwarf Hamster Price

Unlike other common household pets like cats and dogs which can reach exaggerated prices, hamsters are known to be inexpensive and are usually priced around tens of dollars. Russian dwarf hamsters could either be bought online, at pet stores or through certified breeders.

As for Campbell’s and Winter Whites, they usually fall under the same price range given that they are both Russian dwarf hamsters. These hamsters are typically priced around $10 to $20. At PetSmart, Russian dwarf hamsters are priced at $15.99.

What to Prepare When Getting A Russian Dwarf Hamster As A Pet

Before you get a pet Russian dwarf hamster, you first need to secure basic items that your pet would need in order for it to survive. These items are needed to create a suitable habitat that would help your pet thrive while it is in captivity.

• Cages

Potential owners have the option to get a cage or an aquarium to house their hamsters. A cage can provide good ventilation; although, if not properly managed, your hamster may escape from the enclosure.

Russian Dwarf Hamsters tend to be resourceful and may destroy any plastic or wooden tubes and use them to pry the cage wirings open. Their cages should be 60 cm by 40 cm as they’re easier to clean and they give space for recreational or exercise purposes.

Be wary of the flooring though, as it has to be smooth or at least covered if the flooring’s wired. This is to avoid accidents and to protect your hamster from experiencing broken bones.  You can use hard cardboard or anything that can withstand your hamster’s ministrations. Hamsters often have compulsive tendencies and might end up gnawing on the wires so it is best to be prepared for any eventualities.

The usual cleaning schedule for cages should be once a week and it is advisable to use hot water when cleaning.

The price of a hamster cage would highly depend on its size, shape, and quality. There are cages that could be priced as low as $25 while there also that could reach staggering prices of hundreds of dollars.

• Aquariums

An aquarium solves the problem of your hamsters escaping the enclosure of a cage; although the downside is, it doesn’t have good ventilation. If the aquarium is left exposed to direct sunlight, it can be harmful to your pet as it doesn’t do well under extreme temperatures.

You can still choose a tank to prevent the little devil from escaping and a 10-gallon aquarium is enough to house your hamster and any toys you’ll be putting in the enclosure. Usually, aquariums would cost around $30 depending on the quality.

• Beddings

Pine shavings are recommended for the bedding as the oils from cedar beddings affect the hamster’s fur. It falls off and dries the skin to the point of cracking. It will lead to dehydration and sickness.

You can also use pieces of tissue or hand wipes if you want a more affordable option for the bedding. Just make sure not to use soiled or used ones for the beddings for sanitary purposes. Small animal beddings do not usually cost that much and would not be priced at more than $15.

• Toys

You can use empty toilet rolls or tubes for hamsters to burrow and play in. These may end up as part of the bedding as these Russian Dwarf hamsters tend to chew or shred materials.

You can also use plastic tubes but best to be vigilant in replacing or removing them from their cages/aquariums as soon as there is noticeable damage to prevent accidents. Make sure not to use painted tissue tubes or rolls to prevent your hamster from accidentally swallowing any of it.

Ladders, houses, and obstacle courses can be placed inside their domain so they have somewhere to play and exercise in.  Wooden cubes can also be included in their enclosures so that they can either play with these cubes or chew on them. As they are made of wood, it helps with filing down their teeth.

You also have the option of placing a sturdy exercise wheel to keep your hamsters in shape and alert. A plastic flying saucer can also be a replacement for the wheel as it promotes better posture for your hamster when it exercises.

You can also make use of an exercise ball if you’d let your hamster out of the aquarium or cage. Watch out if it gets near to any stairs or water sources. You do not have to buy your pet hamsters lots of toys; just enough to keep them engaged and physically active. These toys would cost around $2 to $10.

• Location

Choose where your hamster’s enclosure will be placed with great care. The room temperature should be at least 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. An aquarium also needs to be in a well-ventilated and reasonably-lighted room.

The room also needs to be protected from sudden changes in temperature as your pet hamster will be susceptible to the changes. It also doesn’t do well in extreme heat or cold. A sudden draft can also affect the small body of your pet hamster.

Food and Nutrition

Your hamster can eat either pellets or seed mixes. It can be fed with one tablespoon of pellets or 1 to 2 teaspoons of seed mix.

Always remember to clean its food bowls every day to avoid mold from forming. This can be dangerous to your hamster once it swallows even a bit.

Always provide fresh water and making sure the bottle is cleaned every refill. Do not just fill it with water if it’s half full or almost empty to avoid the water becoming stale and dirty.

Avoid raisins, potatoes, onions, garlic, and sprouts as they can be very dangerous for your hamster. They either contain too much sugar or are high in acidic content which is dangerous for your hamster’s digestion.

When cleaning the cage and replacing the bedding, include any uneaten food to avoid molds from forming and to remove any stale pieces of food as well.

• Pellets

They’re very healthy as they are a combination of all the necessary ingredients and the nutrients that your Russian Dwarf hamster would need. It also helps to clean and file down its teeth. You can also sprinkle some on the bedding so your pet has a steady supply and for it to still have a chance to forage and hunt.

You can go ahead and make the pellets yourself but it is advisable to get your vet’s opinion on this before moving forward.

• Seed Mix

Hamsters can still have seed mixes in their diet, although, in controlled amounts. The problem with feeding seed mixes to your hamster is that it might only choose the best smelling and the tastiest ones and leave out the ones they need. Seed mixes tend to be high in fat which is why you need to control how much seed mix your pet can eat.

You can sprinkle and hide some on the bedding to add to your hamster’s supply.

• Vegetables

Hamsters can also nibble on vegetables although it should be controlled and thoroughly cleaned before giving them to your pet to remove the chemicals or pesticides. They also tend to elicit diarrhea so make sure to gradually work them up from feeding them once per week to once per day.

• Snacks

Grains such as whole-wheat toast, cooked rice, and unsweetened cereal can be given as snacks, although dwarf hamsters should only be fed in small amounts.

• Protein Sources

You can also feed chicken and turkey as they are good sources of protein as well as canned and drained tuna. You’d have to gradually work them up and be familiar with eating them, but make sure that they don’t prefer them to the point that they’re the only thing they want to eat.

• Fruits

Your pet can also enjoy eating pieces of fruits. However, you should avoid citrus ones as they can mess up their digestive system. Remove any seeds when feeding them because they can be a choking hazard for hamsters.

Handling Your Hamsters

When you want to let out your hamsters to play, there are things you need to remember to establish a lasting relationship with your pet.

Make sure your hands are clean. Use unscented soap or hand gel. This is to avoid being bitten by your hamsters.

Once they smell food on your hands or fingers, they may mistake it as such and bite you to get a taste. It is very painful to be bitten by a hamster, so be very careful.

• Never force it to come to you

Start by forming your hand in a begging posture. This forms a space that your hamster can climb on and feel safe. Don’t try to pick it up as your hand will look like a predator swooping down to catch it.

You might get bitten in the process. Use gentle words to prompt it to come to you and slowly move your hands toward it. Just be patient in waiting for it to climb on your palm.

• Give it lots of love

Your Russian Dwarf hamster has a short memory so always make it a point to provide enough petting. You have to follow a daily schedule of handling your hamster so it won’t get upset or stressed thinking that you’re not giving it enough handling.

If your hamster starts biting you, just gently blow on its face and say “No” in a firm voice to properly manage its biting episodes. It’s easy to train hamsters as long as you have the patience for it.

Interesting Facts About Russian Dwarf Hamsters

• Fancy Russian Dwarf Hamsters

This name actually came from pet stores that sell them. They do have different fur patterns as well as unique features and colors. They’re usually hybrids; a mix of Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster and Winter White Hamsters. It is a simple marketing gimmick employed by pet store owners.

• They use their cheeks for storing food

After feeding them, try to see if they immediately go somewhere and hide their stash of food. They can do this at once because they store their food in the pouches on their cheeks. Saves time from going back and forth, right?

• They like to hoard – a lot

In the wild or in captivity, they like to hoard a lot of food. It provides a steady supply in the wild; although in captivity, even if they don’t need to hoard, they still do it. Their name in German – “hamstern” means to hoard. Certainly explains everything, doesn’t it?