The Dwarf Siberian Hamster

There are 3 common types of dwarf hamsters. The smallest being the "Robs" or Roborovski, the Winter White Russian and the most common type being the Campbell's Russian Dwarf Hamster, commonly referred to as the Dwarf Siberian Hamster. The Dwarf Siberian Hamster originates from Kazakhstan and Siberia. When caring for Siberian Hamsters, use the same guidelines given for any dwarf hamster.

It is important when you introduce a new pet into your environment to be prepared to train them on proper behavior. Dwarf hamsters are no different. By training them young they will be a loyal and lifetime friend.

Make sure that you purchase your new pet at a reputable pet store. Look for how their cages are kept in the store. Are they clean, do they have a strong odor. Are the hamsters fighting amongst themselves? When choosing a Siberian hamster for your family, you want to pick a healthy hamster. Not one that is sick and will result in sadness and disappointment for your family. Healthy hamsters should have clear eyes, clean fur that is not missing any patches. These can be signs that the hamster you are about to purchase could have some health issues. When wanting to buy two or more hamsters, try to get hamsters from the same liter. This will help to reduce fighting. Also choose the same sex, unless you are committed to breeding.

Making sure that your new family friend remains happy and healthy will be important to all members of your family. By making good choices in upkeep and feeding Siberians can be a long term companion. Cages should be cleaned every one to two weeks. Purchase a container to keep your small pet in while you clean the cage. Dwarf hamsters are tiny and can be easily lost.

Make sure the diet of your dwarf Siberian is appropriate. They can eat normal hamster food as well as snack on a variety of nuts, grains, fruits and vegetables. Always keep plenty of fresh water available for their easy access. Because of their tiny size, make sure that the water bottle is easily reached from the bottom of the cage you choose.

Finally make sure that you buy equipment, accessories and toys that are customized for these little guys. Most pet stores will carry items that are marked appropriately.

Make sure to enjoy your tiny friend. Play with them, keeping in mind that they do fit in the palm of your hand and will require some special attention because of that fact.

Read More... The Dwarf Siberian Hamster

Taking Care Your Hamster

Once you have decided to get a hamster for a pet, you need to be aware that you are putting the life of the hamster in your hands. Although they are small and easy to care for, you should not take the responsibility lightly. They will depend on you for food, for their home and medical attention and lots of personal attention from you. You have to keep your hamster happy and healthy.

You have to have a clean and safe home for your hamster. There are different kinds of cages that are available in the market. They don't need the most expensive ones, just the ones that are right for the hamster's size and type. Place their cages in a suitable location in your home where the room temperature will remain stable and is away from direct sunlight. Give your hamster toys but do not forget that your hamsters also need space.

By nature hamsters are afraid of anything that is not of its kind, it can be afraid of you too, so, you have to learn the proper way of handling them. Hamsters are in deep sleep at day, do not startle a sleeping hamster or else your hamster might bite you. Since they have poor eyesight and depend much on their hearing and sense of smell, when you want to play with him, make sure that he is awake, tap on its cage or move his water bottles or talk to it, in that way it will be familiar with your scent and your voice. Before handling your hamster always wash your hands, it might smell traces of food in your hands and you might get bitten. It is important that you should wash your hands properly before and after handling them. Always remember that your hamster's confidence is not built overnight so you have to be patient, your patience and care will be worth every moment you spent gaining your hamster's trust.

Feed your hamster with fresh food daily either in the morning or in the evening. Hamster loves fresh vegetables, give them grass, clover, lettuce or carrots but don't over feed them it might result to diarrhea. Give treats at times, hard-boiled eggs, fish liver oil, meat, milk, bird seed, monkey chow or yeast.

Read More... Taking Care Your Hamster