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Chinese Dwarf Hamster

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Originally found in the deserts northern China and Mongolia, Chinese Dwarf hamsters are rare when it comes to pet hamsters. The reason that Chinese Dwarf hamsters are rare is because they can be hard to breed in captivity and they are restricted to own in most states within the United States.



Chinese hamsters can look more mouse-like then most hamsters. Although they are smaller the Syrian hamsters they are not actually dwarf hamsters. Chinese hamsters are part of the rat-like family of hamsters. They typically have a longer tail and a longer mouse-like body then other hamsters. They can grow to be about 10 to 12 centimeters in length when full grown. Normally Chinese hamsters are grayish brown with a black strip down its spine and a white underside. Even though they have been kept in captivity longer the Syrian hamsters there have only been two other color mutations beyond the normal or wild type which is the dominate spot and the black eyed white.



It is thought that dwarf hamsters typically do every well in pairs but the Chinese hamster is the exception to the rule. Two females introduced at an early age have the possibility of getting along better then a male and a female. Females are the dominate sex with a Chinese hamster community so the male might end up seriously injured or dead. Housing two hamsters together requires twice as much room within the cage. More then one level and plenty of places to hide are also good things to have when housing a pair of Chinese hamsters together. The less dominate hamster has a chance to get away from the more dominate one with more places to go. These hamsters are normally kept in plastic or aquarium tanks due to the fact that they can squeeze through bars that are too wide on a wire cage. It is possible for them to escape completely or to become stuck in the cage bars resulting in a traumatic experience for both the owner and the hamster.



The feeding requirements for the Chinese dwarf hamsters are typical to other hamster species. They do well on a diet of seeds and pellets. They also enjoy fruits and vegetables. Owners can also offer wheat bread or Cheerios as a special treat in small amounts. Some owners also feed their Chinese hamsters crickets or mealworms as treats but never too many at one time. And, like other hamster species, Chinese hamsters need to have access to fresh water supply. Water bottles do better in these circumstances because water bowls can get littered with substrate.



Although Chinese hamsters can live between two and three years, they are not always easily tamable or trainable. They are thought to be on the aggressive side, skittish and extremely agile. They can jump from very high heights, are very fast, and can escape from cages if they are not overly secured. They are also expert climbers. Because of these remarkable traits Chinese hamsters are not always good for children under the age of twelve and sometimes make better pets when they are not handled at all. They are also not recommended for beginners.

Dwarf Hamster Care

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There are several different species of Dwarf hamsters and they all make wonderful pets. Although they are smaller then their Syrian cousins, they require the same amount of care.



Dwarfs Hamsters can often be more delicate, skittish, and faster to make an escape. Their small size allows them to fit into small cracks and spaces so they need a secure enclosure. Hamsters make their homes in tunnels that they dig themselves in the sand and dirt of their native homelands. In a home environment, they thrive in the plastic tubular habitats that are available to purchase at most pet supply stores. But, because of their small size, the hamster habitats might be too large for them to be able to climb and maneuver in properly.



Luckily, they now make tubular habitats that are built smaller and specifically for mice. These types of enclosures are better suited for dwarf hamsters. They will also do well in a 10-20 gallon tank or a wire cage. Hamsters are naturally active creatures. So a wheel that can be placed inside the cage and can be used to run on is extremely important. One study found that a typical hamster could run up to five miles on their wheel. There are smaller wheels specifically made for dwarf hamsters.



A substrate on the bottom of your dwarf hamster's cage will satisfy their natural burrowing instincts. Owners need to use a dust free and absorbent material like wood shavings but not cedar or pine based products due to the repertory problems these materials can cause. The substrate in the hamster's cage should be completely emptied out and replaced every week.



Hamsters like to make nests out of the substrates in their cages. Owners can also offer their hamsters a number of other nesting materials like paper towels, cotton, shredded paper, or tissues. Often times they like to construct their nests in a small space like a nesting box. Because they are naturally shy animals, they like the privacy that these boxes offer.



Because of their high metabolism, dwarf hamsters eat as much as the larger Syrian hamster. They eat different types of pellets, seeds, dried fruits and vegetables. Although hamsters tend to hoard their food in their nests rather then leaving it in their bowls, they still need to be offered a constant supply of fresh foods and a fresh water supply.



Another important aspect that owners need to be concerned about is ensuring that their hamsters receive chewing toys. Hamsters' teeth never stop growing so they feel the constant urge to gnaw on anything that is around them. Without soft wooden toys to keep them busy they are liable to chew on plastic accessories which could injure them if chewed to become rough and broken.



In addition to replacing the substrate of the hamster's cage on a weekly basis, the cage and all of its accessories need to be washed weekly. Owners can use a light solution of soap and water and make sure to rinse everything thoroughly. The cage should also be completely dry before new substrate is added to the cage. Never use harsh chemicals because this can irritate hamsters. Although they require a moderate amount of care, the joy of owning a dwarf hamster far out weigh the amount of effort that needs to be put into the care of these amazing creatures.

Dwarf Hamster Care

---

There are several different species of Dwarf hamsters and they all make wonderful pets. Although they are smaller then their Syrian cousins, they require the same amount of care.



Dwarfs Hamsters can often be more delicate, skittish, and faster to make an escape. Their small size allows them to fit into small cracks and spaces so they need a secure enclosure. Hamsters make their homes in tunnels that they dig themselves in the sand and dirt of their native homelands. In a home environment, they thrive in the plastic tubular habitats that are available to purchase at most pet supply stores. But, because of their small size, the hamster habitats might be too large for them to be able to climb and maneuver in properly.



Luckily, they now make tubular habitats that are built smaller and specifically for mice. These types of enclosures are better suited for dwarf hamsters. They will also do well in a 10-20 gallon tank or a wire cage. Hamsters are naturally active creatures. So a wheel that can be placed inside the cage and can be used to run on is extremely important. One study found that a typical hamster could run up to five miles on their wheel. There are smaller wheels specifically made for dwarf hamsters.



A substrate on the bottom of your dwarf hamster's cage will satisfy their natural burrowing instincts. Owners need to use a dust free and absorbent material like wood shavings but not cedar or pine based products due to the repertory problems these materials can cause. The substrate in the hamster's cage should be completely emptied out and replaced every week.



Hamsters like to make nests out of the substrates in their cages. Owners can also offer their hamsters a number of other nesting materials like paper towels, cotton, shredded paper, or tissues. Often times they like to construct their nests in a small space like a nesting box. Because they are naturally shy animals, they like the privacy that these boxes offer.



Because of their high metabolism, dwarf hamsters eat as much as the larger Syrian hamster. They eat different types of pellets, seeds, dried fruits and vegetables. Although hamsters tend to hoard their food in their nests rather then leaving it in their bowls, they still need to be offered a constant supply of fresh foods and a fresh water supply.



Another important aspect that owners need to be concerned about is ensuring that their hamsters receive chewing toys. Hamsters' teeth never stop growing so they feel the constant urge to gnaw on anything that is around them. Without soft wooden toys to keep them busy they are liable to chew on plastic accessories which could injure them if chewed to become rough and broken.



In addition to replacing the substrate of the hamster's cage on a weekly basis, the cage and all of its accessories need to be washed weekly. Owners can use a light solution of soap and water and make sure to rinse everything thoroughly. The cage should also be completely dry before new substrate is added to the cage. Never use harsh chemicals because this can irritate hamsters. Although they require a moderate amount of care, the joy of owning a dwarf hamster far out weigh the amount of effort that needs to be put into the care of these amazing creatures.