Like
any pet you buy, dwarf
hamsters also
need certain items to live happy, healthy lives. Whilst some supplies
are essential there are also items that are nice to have but not
absolutely critical.
The
most vital item you will need to purchase is their home, a safe and
comfortable environment for which they can thrive in. Whilst many
choose the obvious and that is a wire cage, you may also want to
consider other options, for example an aquarium or a plastic tank or
cage. The reason being is that many wire cages are not always
suitable for dwarf hamsters, because of their size they can often
squeeze through the bars of cages and get stuck or worse escape
entirely. If you do want to by a wire cage then make sure the bars
are small and close together to avoid this.
A
plastic tank or aquarium is a great alternative and not only will
your dwarf hamster not be able to escape but you will also find you
have a great view of them to watch them runaround and play. Obviously
you will also want to make sure their home is big enough. The Chinese
dwarf hamsters and the Russian dwarf hamsters love to exercise so you
will want to ensure they have plenty of room. Especially if you buy a
pair and keep them in the same cage or tank.
Bedding
is relatively cheap to purchase and is vital to make your hamster
happy. This can be in the form of wood shavings which is the most
common and you will want to put down a layer of about one to two
inches in the enclosure, covering the entire area and you can also
layer it up in certain areas of their home as dwarf hamsters love to
play and climb.
Dwarf
hamsters love to nest, so you will need to buy a hamster house. This
gives the shy creatures a place to hide away either from their
dominate mate or just to get some piece and quiet.
A
litter box for hamsters can also be purchased, although this is not
critical. Dwarf hamsters tend to litter in a certain area of the cage
and once you notice this you can then insert a litter tray. Filled
with hay or newspaper this will mean you can empty it out on a
regular basis and this will help keep their home clean. Never use cat
litter in their litter tray as this has been known to cause problems
to the hamsters and should be avoided at all costs.
Dwarf
hamsters absolutely love to chew and although most people associate
these chew toys with dogs, hamsters love them as their teeth never
actually stop growing so allowing them to chew on certain items will
maintain their teeth and keep them at normal levels. These types of
toys can be commonly found at pet stores and come in all manners of
sizes and colors. Generally they are made of softwood.
You
will also need to purchase a water bottle for your pet hamster and
whilst some owners supply water via a water bowl, this is not really
ideal and these regularly become littered with bedding and food. With
a water bottle the water will stay clean and healthy. They are
attached to the side of the cage and are easily refilled with little
or no spillage. You will need to make sure you check it regularly and
ensure there are not cracks or splits in the plastic.
There
are lots of toys available to dwarf hamsters and although they are
considered as toys I think it would be wise to invest in a hamster
wheel or/and a hamster ball. Considering their love of exercise and
their active nature, this is a great way to ensure they get the
exercise they need whilst being in a safe environment.
Dwarf
hamsters are relatively cheap and easy to keep and once you have made
the initial purchases the ongoing costs for food and bedding should
be minimal.