How to Care for Chinese Dwarf Hamsters

Agile and very active, Chinese dwarf hamsters have simple needs and are generally very playful. Like any pet, they require certain care for their health and well being, but the Chinese dwarf hamster is considered an easy keeper. Since females can be aggressive towards other hamsters, supply them with places to hide on different levels within the aquarium or cage if you plan to have more than one. Chinese dwarf hamsters, with their short coats and somewhat longer tails, tend to resemble a mouse or rat more than other hamsters, but there is no denying they are one of the cutest hamsters around.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Seed mix for rodents
• Vitamin supplements
• Water bottle
• 10-20 gallon aquarium
• Aspen, hay or paper based bedding
• Small pet cage cleaner
• Chew toys
• Hamster house
• Nesting materials

1. Feed your Chinese dwarf hamster approximately one tablespoon of a seed mix formulated for rodents. This mix should contain a combination of grains and seeds, with a minimum number of fattening sunflowers seeds. Provide your hamster with a mineral stone in his aquarium as well as a vitamin supplement formulated for rodents. For a healthy treat, occasionally feed your hamster a mix of fruits and vegetables, cut into small pieces. Some hamsters enjoy a little Timothy hay as well.

2. Place the water bottle low so that the hamster can reach it easily. Clean the water bottle each week and inspect it daily for signs of leakage.

3. Use a 10 to 20 gallon glass aquarium to house your hamster rather than a cage because they can easily squeeze through the bars of most cages. Place your hamster's aquarium in a well ventilated spot that is not subject to drafts and direct sunlight.

4. Provide your hamster with aspen bedding or hay. Paper-based bedding is also acceptable. Avoid cedar and any other bedding with aromatic oils because they can cause a respiratory infection due to irritation of the hamster's lungs.

5. Clean your hamster's aquarium two to three times a month, replacing most but not all of the bedding each time you clean it. Wipe the inside of the aquarium, the bowls and other components of your hamster's living quarters with a small pet cage cleaner. Dry everything thoroughly to avoid dampness.

6. Supply your hamster with chew toys, such as a calcium chew and a block of soft wood. These items will not only keep your hamster entertained but they will keep her teeth filed down. Cardboard materials such as old toilet paper rolls are good as well.

7. Provide a house and nesting material such as fresh hay or shredded paper. A house will boost your hamster's feeling of security and they love to burrow in deep bedding.

Tips & Warnings

• Most of the supplies that you will need to keep your hamster happy are available at your local pet store. Avoid placing the aquarium in moist areas of your home such as a basement. Try to keep the bedding as dry as possible.
• If you live in the state of California, you must acquire a permit to keep a Chinese dwarf hamster. In his article "The Chinese Dwarf Hamster," Russell Tofts warns against purchasing these hamsters for children. Because of their small size, they could be harmed by rough handling.

Resources

• Dwarf Hamsters
• Hamster supplies
• The Hamster Club
• The Chinese Hamster