The Chinese pygmy hamster is a small nocturnal rodent that, when matured, measures only 4 centimeters in length. With their short fur and a tail that tends to be longer, the Chinese dwarf hamster is more like a mouse when compared to other types of hamsters. If you have a Chinese pygmy hamster or want to have one, you will need to learn about all their needs in order to provide them with proper care. Like other creatures, Chinese dwarf hamsters need a clean place to live, nutritious food, clean water, toys, affection, and regular veterinary care. Keep reading this article to learn more about how to care for a Chinese dwarf hamster.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Providing a Happy Home for Hamsters
Step 1. Try raising two hamsters of the same sex
Although Chinese dwarf hamsters can be kept in pairs, there is no guarantee that the two will get along well. The best way to keep the two hamsters close is to pick them from the same parent, or introduce them both from a very young age. Hamsters are more likely to fight each other if introduced as adults.
- Consult the animal first before you raise another hamster to see if it is good for your first hamster, both for his physical and mental health. If you want to raise additional hamsters, try using a cage divider to introduce new hamsters to old hamsters before you raise them together.
- Do not keep a pair of male and female hamsters or both can breed and be difficult to control. While they may seem adorable at first, hamsters can breed quickly, making it very easy to get out of control of the population. People often struggle to provide adequate housing, food, and care for large numbers of hamsters.
Step 2. Keep your hamster in a cage specially designed for hamsters or small mice
Because they are quite small, you don't need a large cage, although that's fine if you want to keep them in a larger cage. Line the cage with plenty of bedding such as timothy grass, aspen shavings, shredded paper, or pelleted cage mats. Place the cage in a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight and wind. Don't let your hamster feel hot or cold.
- Don't use pine or cedar shavings, as both are harmful to hamsters.
- Make sure you have plenty of bedding in the cage for your hamster to dig into. Keep in mind that hamsters love to dig and nest underground.
Step 3. Provide cage accessories that can make your hamster happy
For example, hamsters like exercise wheels. Hamsters need lots of movement and exercise to stay happy, so exercise wheels can be a fun piece of equipment to meet their activity needs. Make sure there are no openings in the wheels to prevent your hamster's tail from getting caught.
- Prepare a comfortable and covered place for your hamster to sleep. Hamsters like to hide and sleep in small, dark places. You can place a small flower pot or crib in the cage as a bed for your hamster.
- Place a PVC pipe in the cage to use as a tunnel and hamster toy.
Step 4. Provide toys for your hamster
Hamsters love to nest and dig tunnels. A cardboard tube used for toilet paper or paper towels can be great toys for hamsters. You can also find special hamster toys yourself at pet stores. Also, you can provide paper towels or tissue paper so your hamster can tear things up.
Change toys every week so that there is always a different toy for your hamster. This way, your hamster won't get bored easily
Part 2 of 3: Feeding Hamsters
Step 1. Give your hamster a special food mix product
Look for products specifically formulated for hamsters at pet stores. Follow the product directions on the packaging and pour the food into the small ceramic bowl placed in the cage.
- Limit the provision of grains and nuts because both types of food are high in fat and can lead to excess weight.
- Complete his nutritional needs by giving alfalfa pellets and fresh fruits and vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, carrots, and apples.
- It's a good idea to give food in one large piece rather than several small pieces. Your hamster will still be able to nibble and chew on those large chunks. If you feed it in small pieces, your hamster will likely bury its food in the bottom of the cage. Throw away any leftover food after your hamster has finished eating.
Step 2. Provide a water bottle for the hamster
Make sure there is always clean and fresh water available for your hamster. Provide drinking water in a drinking bottle equipped with a small straw. Make sure the tip of the straw doesn't touch or get too close to the bottom of the cage to keep water from dripping.
Check the end of the straw on the bottle every day to make sure the straw is working properly (not clogged)
Step 3. Give your hamster something to bite on
Like other rodents, hamster teeth never stop growing. Hamsters need to nibble on something to keep their teeth healthy, so make sure you have clean (pesticide-free) twigs available for the hamster to nibble on. You can also use dog treats instead of twigs.
Part 3 of 3: Caring for Hamsters
Step 1. Remember that hamsters are nocturnal animals
Hamsters usually wake up at night so the best time to play with your hamster is after sunset. Because of this, hamsters can make great pets for people who are used to being active at night (or who stay up a lot). Keep in mind that if you try to pick up your hamster while it's still sunny, there's a good chance it will bite you.
Step 2. Clean the cage regularly
To keep your hamster happy and healthy, you need to keep the cage comfortable and clean. Do a thorough cleaning once a week. Remove all items from the cage (including your hamster) and brush the sides and floor of the cage using warm, soapy water. After that, rinse and dry the cage before putting the new bedding, cage accessories and, of course, your hamster back into the cage. In addition to weekly thorough cleaning, you also need to do the following every day:
- Discard and replace soiled or damp bedding.
- Remove any existing dirt.
- Throw away old or uneaten food.
- Check the corners of the cage for hidden food. Hamsters have a tendency to hoard food so that it can be eaten later.
Step 3. Handle your hamster with care
It will take time as well as patience before your hamster is ready to be held or picked up. Build his trust by letting him sniff and, even, gently bite your hand. In addition, you can also give a snack directly through your hand so that his trust is built. Once your hamster is comfortable with your presence, try holding and lifting your hamster.
To lift him, carefully cup your hands (make your hands like a cup or a bowl) around his body and gently lift your hamster out of its cage. Don't grab it right away or take it for granted so it won't startle and hide from you
Step 4. Let your hamster play outside of its cage every day while being supervised
Hamsters also need time to be active outside their cage to stay happy. Once you've built his trust, take him out of his cage daily so he can play while still being watched.
- Make sure you let him move in a room where you can easily monitor his movements. Otherwise, your hamster could be hiding somewhere and making it difficult for you to find it.
- Make sure there are no dangerous items, such as electrical wires, that your hamster could bite in the room you're in.
Step 5. Take your hamster to the vet for regular checkups
A healthy hamster will be happier than a sick hamster. If your hamster is properly cared for, it can live up to 1 to 2 years. Take your hamster to the vet for regular checkups to keep him healthy and happy.
- Sick hamsters usually show several symptoms, such as droopy and cloudy eyes, dull fur, weight loss, chills, runny nose and diarrhea. If your hamster is sick, take him to the vet immediately.
- Hamsters can also catch colds from humans. If you're sick, it's a good idea not to touch your hamster until your condition improves so that your hamster doesn't get sick too.
Tips
- Place your hamster's cage in the living room if the sound of digging in the bedding disturbs your sleep. Hamsters are nocturnal animals so hamsters are most active at night.
- Do not bathe your hamster in water; bathing it with sand would be much better.
- If your hamster goes missing, place the cage where it is likely to be found. Usually the hamster is not aware that it has escaped from its cage. Often he just wants to explore his surroundings.
Warning
- Children under the age of six are not recommended to keep hamsters. Make sure you keep an eye on your children when they are around your hamster and ask them to handle it carefully.
- Never give your hamster raw kidney beans, onions, raw potatoes, rhubarb, chocolate, candy or prepared foods.
