Advice on getting a dwarf hamster

[mumofsupergirl]

I wanted some advice on getting a dwarf or robo hamster.

Is this cage wrong for this type of hamster.

www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/hamster-heaven-hamster-cage-%28online-only%29

Is a plastic one better?

Some people say Ty can buy two, others say they would fight?

Any ideas?

Thank you

Hi- re the cage, we have a large clear plastic one ( about 45 cm x 35cm) with a grill on top for ventilation. The advantage is that you can pile the shavings much higher without it falling out of the holes and it should be deep- most people don’t use enough. They prefer to move around by tunnelling through that and sleep under it too. We have a single. I have heard that dwarfs are less prone to fighting than Syrians but they must be together from birth. Can’t just pick 2 random ones. Also they are notoriously difficult to sex accurately so there is a risk of surprise litters.

They're little buggers! They'll get through the bars on that cage. They're too fast to hold unless you're willing to have them loose in the house when they scarper. Never again!

This is ours - not bought in Uk but may be a similar one

jejapets.com/products/sanko-wild-roomy-60-basic-62-x-45-x-31-5-cm

called the roomy 60

I had a lovely siberian dwarf who lived 3 years. They're cute and easy to tend to.

I wouldn't go for the metal bar cage as they tend to chew on if if bored/stressed and make a lot of noise.

I had a roughly 60x40cm plastic cage which worked well enough, except she chewed around the little hole where the water dropper was fixed into the wall and escaped a couple times, so check the cage regularly.

Definitely get them a wheel to run on. They need to keep active at night. And splurge on the most silent one you can find.

As far as I know all dwarfs are solitary. I wouldn't risk it with a pair as they are territorial and things can get bloody.

Make sure the cage is large enough and put in lots of stuff to keep her entertained. Mine loved empty toilet role tubes, walnuts halves, tissue paper, basically anything that's safe to chew on.

That’s a good point- you can’t really handle them easily. They are fast and a bit bitey. I still love him though. Never thought I’d warm to him but I really have .

Don't get me wrong, I loved them! I did not love the vet bills and trying to rehabilitate a tiny little thing with a broken leg who refused to stay still 🤦‍♀️ I also didn't love spending days having to watch every step for fear of squashing it after it escaped and before it jumped off a worktop!

We have a pair of robos. They chase each other around a bit and push each other off the wheel but don’t really fight other than that. Two sleeping areas is a must for ours though as they don’t like to share much (they do sometimes but usually separate)

Can’t advise on the cage as ours is rubbish. It looks good with lots of levels and tunnels but was a nightmare to build and is pretty flimsy. Cleaning them out is a mission because the whole thing is likely to fall apart as soon as you take the top off the base.

That cage is far too small. They need adequate depth to dig and burrow. As large a glass tank as you can afford with a wire net top would make a good home.

Here's a good link with some more advice. www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/small-pets/the-ideal-home-for-your-hamster

Our Dd's dwarf is gorgeous. We all surprised ourselves with how much we love her, they can be real characters. Re the biting, most dwarf hams apparently don't like you to put your hand in the cage to pick them up, but if you hold a plastic cup or similar for them to climb into they get the idea quickly that they'll be coming out to play.

We originally bought a cage like the one in your pic, but were advised it was far too small to keep her happy. We ended up with a rather tall but good one (see link). The bars are close enough together and she seems very content - no bar chewing for example - and we can make the sawdust deep for burrowing.

One of the biggest pleasures for my daughter is giving the hamster a little piece of lettuce or similar, and watching her close her eyes with what definitely looks like bliss when she nibbles it!

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/114277339375?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=NqmiFediRly&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=gRkRGkGkSqW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

My advise about getting hamsters is dont. Get gerbils or mice instead. There are always exceptions and I'm sure there are some lovely hamsters out there but in general they are grumpy, bitey, anti social little buggers who generally end up dying a lot sooner than they should.

I'm sure hamsters vary, but as well as my dd's dwarf, my dsis and I had six Syrian hamsters when we were kids. They are all tame, although like any animal the more they get used to you when they're young, the better. Lots of good vids on YT these days to help with taming.

@mumofsupergirl I volunteer in animal rescue, and I'm sorry to say that nearly all the cages recommended by posters here are far too small and completely unsuitable. They are the sort of thing we have pets handed to us in, and we throw into skips so they can't be re-used. Also, nothing high with levels as they can fall off and injure themselves.

Bedding - Please also never use shavings or sawdust for the same reasons we wouldn't sleep in it, its an irritant and can cause respiratory issues. Something like Carefree, Kaytee or Megazorb is kinder.

Wheels - Throw away any wheels cages come with as they are never large enough. Wheels need to be 28cm minimum for a Syrian, and 21cm plus for a Dwarf so they don't suffer back injuries.

Hamsters may be small but they need a lot of space. The first cage you linked to The Hamster Heaven is ok, but the smallest size we will rehome in is 100cm i.e. The Savic Plaza www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/savic-plaza-hamster-and-rat-cage but check the bar spacing.

As @OldReliable says they need space to dig and run so ideally go for a tank, as they have no bars to escape from. You can pick these up as 2nd hand aquariums or the Ikea Detolf is only £70 and Kirsty's Tank Tops can make you lids if you're not DIY minded www.facebook.com/search/top?q=kirsty%27s%20tank%20tops

Google "Hamster in a Detolf" to see the possibilities and how much happier your Hamster will be with space, rather than stuffed in small plastic 60cm container/cage. It's so much better for you to interact and watch them displaying their natural instincts. I've attached an example.

Although Dwarf Hamsters can exist in groups, they tend to be temperamental and "can" fall out, which is why they are often singles. The same with Syrian Hamsters. They are the exception as all other rodents are highly social and must be kept in pairs or groups.

Always consider your local rescue as you will get much better advice than Pet Shops who are usually inexperienced. Good luck!

Thank you - this is useful and food for thought.