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antipodi
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Tue Apr 11, 2006 12:09 pm
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Dwarf Hamsters ...
Now that you have decided to buy a Dwarf Hamster here is some background that might help.
There are many species available. The most common are Syrians and dwarf Hamsters. Syrians are regular size hamsters, approximately eight inches long. There are many subspecies such as Teddy Bear hamsters, Golden hamsters and so on. But if you want small the Dwarf Hamster is for you. They grow to a maximum length of four inches...
Now, specifically dwarf speaking here, there are four species or types. There are Campbell's or Djungarians, Roborovskiis, Siberians or Winter Whites, and Chinese. Siberians and Campbell's are very closely related, but always remember they are two different species, and you can't mix them.
Black Dwarf Hamster
So, you think owning a Campbell's hamster might be kind of fun? Well, it definitely is! They are social and prefer to live with a cage mate, unlike Syrians, who can't live together. Campbells form colonies and families. They raise their pups together and sometimes form strong, monogamous bonds with one another. It's kind of like having your own little family.
Where do Campbell's dwarf hamsters come from?
These little critters are found in China, Russia, and Mongolia. They haven't been around too long. Discovered by W.C. Campbell in the early 1900's, these dwarfs are named in his honor. (Phodopus Campbellis...catching a theme, here?) They are called Phodopus Campbelli 1) Because Phodopus (in Latin), means blistered foot and they appear to have a fused foot pad. 2) Because W.C. Campbell discovered them
Choosing a home
Chosing a home for your hamster is an important decision. It requires ruling out the bad choices and compromising with your checkbook.
There are three most popular choices of hamster housing these days.
There are many additional ways to giving your hamster a luxury condo, but these are the cheapest, safest, and most efficient homes on the market.
The Aquarium
Aquariums have many good attributes and give an extremely clear view of your pet. They give enough room to house about four adult dwarfs and are easy to maintain. They're very inexpensive (approximately $10). You will need a wire cover as well. They're hard to knock over, safe, and escape-proof.
It is known heat can build in aquariums and cause heatstroke. A suggestion is to keep it out of direct sunlight and your hamster will be just fine. The best thing about aquariums, though, is the fact that they're so easy to clean out.
Wire Cages
Wire cages are well-ventilated, sturdy, lightweight, fairly easy to clean, and very economical. They cost anywhere from $8 to $20 dollars, depending on size. The only problems are the fact that drafts easily penetrate the cage and can cause pneumonia in the hamster. Also, hamsters tend to kick the bedding out of the cage and make a big mess. Otherwise, these homes are easy to maintain and easy to carry around.
Plastic Homes
The hamster kingdom! These homes are commonly known as Habitrails or SAM cages. They're colorful, durable, and fun to piece together. Hamsters seem to enjoy them, but dwarfs have a definite problem getting up vertical tubes, so don't buy a cage that requires an acrobatic hamster. These cages are considerably more expensive than wire cages or aquariums. They range from $30 to $90 dollars. You can buy additional add-on tubes to give your hamster more play areas. Also, water bottles, food bowls, and wheels are positioned on the outside of the home, allowing more running and nesting space for your dwarf. The tubes are a little tricky to clean out, but as long as you clean the cage weekly, it's not usually a problem. Otherwise, these make great homes for any hamster!
Feeding
There really isn't much to feeding a hamster. They need a staple diet of seeds, pellets, and grains. Several good brands to look for are Nutriphase, Sunscription, Kaytee, and Vitakraft. They make healthy mixes and treats.
Dwarf hamsters love treats and there are many options. Vitakraft sells varieties of treats ranging from yogurt to waffles. But, if you can't seem to get ahold of the brands, make up your own!
Feast Fit For a Hamster
1) Lettuce
2) Oats
3) Dry Catfood
4) Bread 'n milk (for mothers-to-be)
5) Broccoli
6) Apple
7) Peanut Butter (mine seem to prefer creamy)
 Shredded Cheese
9) Tomatoes
10) Carrots
11) Corn
12) Dog Biscuits
13) Cooked meat (make sure it is cool)
14) Yogurt (avoid yogurt with sugar)
15) Berries (make sure they're well-washed)
16) Pumpkin (without the seeds)
Read this section CAREFULLY!
WARNING: Several other types of vegetables and fruit can be given to your hamster, but be careful! Always choose healthy, clean fruits and veggies. Avoid oranges and other citric fruits. They are high in acidity and can cause problems. Also, don't overfeed green vegetables (such as lettuce, celery, etc.) because they will cause stomach upset. Feeding greens once a week is ample. Never feed anything sharp, sticky, or sugary. CAUTION: Avoid any types of sugary foods. Dwarf hamsters are very susceptible to diabetes. Other than that, your hamster will thrive on his/her new favorite snacks!
_________________
Antipodi
May one day man and Animals live together in harmony and peace
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