Dwarf Hamster Supplies
It doesn’t matter what type of pet you decide to get, nor whether you purchase it, adopt it or are simply given it by a friend, one thing remains the same: your new pet will need certain supplies in order for you to care for him properly. Owning a dwarf hamster isn’t different from owning any other type of pets – except the supplies are smaller!
First and foremost, your dwarf hamster needs a place to call home. Dwarf hamsters will do well in different types of cages including an aquarium tank, a plastic habitat, or even a wire cage, as long as the wires are close enough together to prevent an escape. Plastic habitats made for mice are just the right size for dwarf hamsters.
The number of hamsters who will be living in the cage should determine the size of your cage – two hamsters will need more room than one. And if you are getting baby dwarf hamsters, make sure your cage will accommodate your pet when he’s full grown.
One very important aspect of your hamster’s new home is the substrate – also called ‘bedding.’ Dwarf hamsters spend time digging and making tunnels in their natural habitat, so the substrate allows your pet to do what comes naturally. You should place about one to two inches of substrate on the floor of the cage, making sure it’s completely covered. On one side (or both sides) of the cage, building this layer up to about five inches will give your little friend the perfect area for climbing and burrowing.
Like most rodents, dwarf hamsters can cover a lot of territory when they don’t live in a cage. Since your pet does live in a cage and his metabolism is created for lots of energy – and an appetite to match – it’s a very good idea to provide your hamster with a wheel to run on. The important thing here is to make sure it’s not a wheel made for a larger hamster – especially if it is made of wire. You little guy’s feet could get caught in the wire and he could be injured. Smaller, plastic wheels are made specifically for these diminutive pets and will ensure adequate exercise, as well as safety.
Most people don’t realize that hamsters can be trained to use a litter box. Dwarf hamsters usually choose a specific location in their environment to ‘do their business,’ so if you check for the area where the most dropping are, that’s the location where you should place the litter box. Pet supply stores will usually have variety of “hamster potty” types. Fill the potty with straw or newspaper pellet cat litter. Be sure not to use clay litter or any type of litter that ‘clumps,’ as there is a possibility that they will cause respiratory or digestive problems for your dwarf hamster.
Fresh food and water daily will help ensure your dwarf hamster remains healthy and happy. The best way to provide water is with a bottle that attaches to the side of the cage. Water bottles help keep the cage cleaner than a water dish, which can be tipped over and spilled onto the bedding materials. Change both food and water daily.
People usually associate chew toys with a pet dog rather then a pet hamster but they are a very important part of the hamster’s supplies. Because a hamster’s teeth grow continuously throughout his life, he chews on wood to keep them filed down. If chew toys are not provided, your hamster will chew on whatever he can find in his environment – posing a possible threat to his health and safety. Without something to chew on, the hamster’s teeth would grow so long that he would not be able to close his mouth and he would starve to death. Almost all chew toys for hamsters are made of wood. They come in different shapes and sizes, and are available at most pet supply stores.
One last supply we’ll mention for your pet is a house for your hamster to nest in. Dwarf hamsters are timid and they like the security of being in a small, enclosed space when they aren’t out running around. This is especially important if you are going to breed your hamsters, as the female will appreciate a secluded spot where she can give birth and make sure her pups are protected.
