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Hamster and Dwarf Hamster Information
Hamster and dwarf hamster information by hamster species can be found here! Extensive information on the Syrian hamster (Golden hamster), the Roborovski dwarf hamster, the Russian dwarf hamster, the Campbell's dwarf hamster, and the Chinese dwarf hamster.
Discover All About Hamsters: A Hamster Lover's Guide
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Whether you've been a proud hamster owner for years or are considering bringing a furry friend into your home, it's important to be well-informed about these adorable and fascinating pets. In this comprehensive guide, we share all the essential information about various hamster species, including the Syrian hamster (Golden hamster), the Roborovski hamster, the Russian hamster, the Campbell's hamster, and the Chinese hamster.
What exactly is a hamster?
A hamster is a small rodent belonging to the Cricetidae family. Hamsters are nocturnal, meaning they are primarily active in the evening and night. They are popular as pets because of their cute appearance, compact size, and relatively easy care. There are several types of hamsters, such as the Syrian hamster (golden hamster) and dwarf hamsters like the Russian dwarf hamster and the Roborovski hamster.
Which hamster is right for me?
That depends on your wishes and situation:
- Syrian hamsters are solitary and should always be kept alone. They are somewhat larger and often calmer.
- Dwarf hamsters are smaller, faster, and can in some cases live together (like Roborovskis or Campbells), but this carries risks.
- If you want a hamster that's easy to handle, a Syrian hamster is usually the best choice.
- Do you have limited space and are you looking for an energetic little creature to watch? Then a dwarf hamster might be a better fit.
Which hamster is the tamest?
The Syrian hamster (also called the golden hamster or teddy hamster) is known as the tamest hamster species , especially when handled young and with patience. Russian dwarf hamsters can also become very tame and are often more active and awake more often than hamsters.
How do I tame my hamster?
- Start by talking calmly to your hamster.
- Let him smell your hand without grabbing.
- Use snacks as a reward (e.g. mealworm or sunflower seed).
- Let your hamster step onto your hand of its own accord . Patience is key: don't force anything!
Can you wake up a hamster during the day?
In principle, preferably not . Hamsters are nocturnal and crepuscular animals and sleep during the day. Waking them can be stressful. If it's absolutely necessary (e.g., for a checkup or a vet visit), do it calmly and in a soft voice.
How much does a hamster cost per month?
On average around €10 to €25 per month , depending on:
- Feed
- Ground cover
- Snacks
- Possible veterinary costs The purchase of the cage and furnishings is a one-off and can vary from €60 to €200.
What does a hamster need?
A hamster needs more than just a cage with a wheel . For a happy and healthy hamster, make sure you:
- A spacious cage (at least 80x50 cm for dwarf hamsters and 100x50 cm for Syrian hamsters).
- A thick layer of ground cover of at least 20 cm to enable digging.
- A running wheel without bars (minimum 20 cm for dwarf hamsters, 28 cm for Syrian hamsters).
- Hiding places, tunnels, bridges, houses and a sandbox with chinchilla sand for grooming.
- High-quality hamster food with lots of variety.
- Fresh drinking water daily.
- And of course: rest and regularity .
Why is my hamster chewing on the bars?
This could have several causes:
- Boredom
- Too small cage
- No digging options
- Lack of challenge (enrichment) Offer more toys, tunnels, digging opportunities or a larger enclosure.
Can a hamster be left alone?
Hamsters are naturally solitary animals, meaning they naturally live alone in the wild. This means they enjoy living alone. It's important to understand that hamsters are territorial animals.
Can a hamster live with another hamster?
No, most hamsters are solitary. Syrian hamsters and Chinese dwarf hamsters, in particular, should absolutely be kept alone. Dwarf hamsters can sometimes live in pairs (Russian dwarf hamsters) or small groups (Roborovski dwarf hamsters, Campbell's dwarf hamsters), but this often goes wrong. We recommend housing dwarf hamsters separately to prevent fighting and stress.
Hamsters don't require the same attention and interaction as some other pets, such as dogs or cats. They are naturally solitary animals and can thrive with minimal human interaction.
That being said, this doesn't mean hamsters don't need any attention at all. While they're usually happy being alone and entertaining themselves in their cage, they can still benefit from and enjoy occasional interaction with their owner.
It's a good idea to spend time with your hamster regularly to build a bond and socialize it. You can do this by gently taking your hamster out of its cage and letting it walk on your hand or in a hamster ball. Make sure you do this in a quiet and safe place, away from other pets and busy environments.
Besides physical interaction, it's also important to ensure your hamster has a varied and stimulating environment. This includes providing plenty of toys, climbing opportunities, hiding places, and activities to keep them occupied and stimulate their natural behavior.
So while hamsters don't require the same constant attention as some other pets, it's still important to spend time with them regularly and make sure they have everything they need to live a happy and healthy life.
What does a hamster eat?
A hamster is omnivorous , meaning it needs both plant and animal food. A healthy diet consists of:
- Special hamster food with seeds, grains, dried herbs, vegetables and animal proteins.
- Fresh vegetables such as cucumber, pepper or chicory in small quantities.
- An occasional worm or mealworm for extra protein.
- Dried herbs and flowers for variety and enrichment.
- Please note: no sugar or colourings , as these can be harmful to hamsters.
How much does a hamster sleep?
A hamster sleeps an average of 12 to 14 hours a day , primarily during the day. They usually wake up in the early evening and are most active then. Hamsters don't like being disturbed while they sleep. Respect their sleep rhythm and avoid waking them during the day.
How often should you clean a hamster cage?
- Remove dirty spots or wet hay daily.
- Change the sand bath weekly.
- A full cleaning should be done every 2 to 4 weeks , depending on the cage and your hamster's behavior.
- Note: Don't clean everything at once. Leave some old bedding or nesting material behind so your hamster still feels safe.
What substrate is suitable for hamsters?
Hamsters are diggers, so they need a thick layer of diggable substrate . The best choices are:
- Cotton fiber , hemp fiber, or a mix of different types.
- Possibly mixed with hay or paper fibre to make tunnels hold better.
- No sawdust with sharp splinters or strong-smelling bedding.
How do you tame a hamster?
- Start by talking quietly near the cage so your hamster gets used to your voice.
- Get him used to your hand by offering him a treat.
- Avoid sudden movements.
- Never pick up a hamster from above (that resembles a bird of prey) but let it step into your hand itself.
- Be patient: some hamsters become tame quickly, others need more time.
How old does a hamster get?
The average lifespan of a hamster is between 1.5 and 3 years , depending on the breed and care. Syrian hamsters tend to live a little longer than dwarf hamsters.
Does a hamster need toys?
Absolutely! Enrichment is important for your hamster's well-being. Consider:
- Count towers
- Food puzzles or foraging boards
- Toys and gnawing wood to chew on
- Hiding places and changing furnishings
A varied living environment prevents boredom and stimulates natural behavior.
Is a hamster suitable for children?
A hamster is n't a cuddly toy and is less suitable for young children. Because hamsters are active at night, they're often awake when children go to sleep. Older children, under supervision, can learn how to gently handle a hamster. Dwarf hamsters are more likely to be awake during the day.
What should I pay attention to when purchasing a hamster?
- Choose a reliable breeder or a specialist shop that pays attention to health and socialization.
- Look for clear eyes, a clear nose, and a clean bottom (no diarrhea).
- Ask for gender and age.
- Never take two hamsters together unless it is a responsible pairing with proper supervision.
How do I recognize a sick hamster?
Watch out for signs such as:
- Listlessness or sleeping too much outside the normal rhythm
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea or wet fur around the anus
- Shortness of breath or audible breathing
- Hard bumps or bald spots If in doubt, always consult a veterinarian with experience in small rodents.
Do you have any questions about hamsters?
Feel free to contact us! We're happy to help you with everything hamster -related, from nutrition to housing and behavior.
Which hamster species are kept as pets?
Syrian Hamster (Golden Hamster)
The Syrian hamster, also known as the golden hamster, is one of the most popular pet hamster species. They are known for their fluffy fur and friendly nature. Syrian hamsters are solitary animals and should be kept alone to prevent territorial conflicts. They need a spacious enclosure with plenty of toys and hiding places to keep them occupied.
Want to learn more about the Syrian Hamster? Read more about the Syrian Hamster here.
Roborovski Dwarf Hamster
With its small size and energetic personality, the Roborovski Dwarf Hamster is a favorite among hamster enthusiasts. This small hamster is known for its quick movements and active lifestyle. They are sociable animals that thrive in groups, so it's recommended to keep them together in a spacious and well-equipped enclosure.
Want to learn more about Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters? Read more here.
Russian Dwarf Hamster
The Russian dwarf hamster is one of the smallest hamster species and is known for its soft fur and inquisitive nature. They are generally friendly and easygoing, making them suitable for beginners. They are nocturnal animals and most active in the evening and night, so provide plenty of hiding places and toys to stimulate their natural behavior.
Want to learn more about Russian Dwarf Hamsters? Read more here.
Campbell's Dwarf Hamster
With their vibrant colors and inquisitive personality, the Campbell's Dwarf Hamster is a charming addition to any household. They are sociable and usually get along well with other hamsters of the same sex if kept together from an early age. Campbell's hamsters need a varied diet consisting of high-quality hamster food, vegetables, and fruit.
Want to learn more about Campbell's Dwarf Hamsters? Read more here.
Chinese Dwarf Hamster
The Chinese dwarf hamster is distinguished by its longer, more slender body and bushy tail, which resembles a mouse's. They are generally peaceful and get along well with other hamsters of the same sex. Chinese hamsters need a sandbox for grooming and to keep their fur healthy.
Whether you choose a large Syrian hamster or a small Roborovski dwarf hamster, it's important to understand their specific needs and provide a suitable habitat and diet. With the right care and attention, these small pets will provide you with years of enjoyment and companionship.
For extensive information on rodent care, see LICG
