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Dwarf Siberian hamsters have gained in popularity as pets for many reasons.
o Gentle temperament
o Easy to care for
o Easy to tame
o Energetic and fun to watch
o Adorably tiny size
Dwarf Siberian hamsters are also known as Russian Winter White Dwarf Hamsters. They are best purchased from reputable breeders, because those found in pet stores may in fact be either Campbell’s Hamsters or a cross between the two breeds.
These hamsters are members of the Russian Dwarf Hamster family. They generally have a life span of two years, but may live for as long as five years. They will grow to a maximum length of four inches, making them much smaller than Syrian hamster varieties such as the Black Bear or Golden Hamsters.
They also have fur that is soft and thick. The fur itself changes color, becoming all white in the wintertime and a lovely slate gray during warmer months. Whatever the season, they always retain a dark dorsal stripe. When sitting, their short tails disappear from view.
When bringing home one of these pets, the first accessory you’ll need is an appropriate cage. This will not be an expensive purchase. However, it is important to choose a cage that is escape-proof. They are tiny and can slip through the smallest of cracks. An aquarium, or a cage intended for a mouse, will work well. If choosing an aquarium, it may be necessary to add weight to the lid for extra security.
Your pet will appreciate toys to play with and objects to climb on, as well as a solid exercise wheel, chinchilla sand to keep themselves clean, chew toys to maintain dental health, and a cozy hideaway for sleeping.
Dwarf Siberian hamsters will thrive on a specially formulated food mix, which is readily available at pet stores. They will also be grateful for the occasional treat of vegetables or small chunks of chicken, or handouts of grains, seeds and nuts. The key to good hamster health is a balanced diet.
They also know how to keep themselves clean, especially if chinchilla sand is provided.
Maintaining a clean cage is a part of basic hamster care. Fresh bedding should be provided in the form of aspen shavings or shredded newspaper. Never use cedar or pine shavings, which cause allergic reactions, or fluffy bedding, which can be swallowed. Position the cage away from drafts so that your hamster doesn’t catch cold.
They are social by nature and coexist peacefully in groups. However, it is important to separate the hamsters in same-sex groups to avoid an abundance of offspring. Should you decide to breed your hamsters, it is best to wait until the female is at least four months old.
Once you have mastered basic hamster care, it is time to enjoy all of the benefits of this beautiful hamster breed. You will appreciate how few nips you receive as you accustom your hamster to daily handling. And there is nothing like the natural athleticism and amusing antics of the dwarf Siberian hamster.
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Source by Jeremy Smart
