Learning how to care for a Dwarf Russian hamster can be difficult if you are not familiar with the breed. They differ from conventional hamsters in that they have unique requirements.
Here is a summary of all the dos and don'ts when caring for a Dwarf Russian hamster. This list provides a small example of the time and effort required to keep your hamster safe and healthy. In addition to checking with your veterinarian, invest in a comprehensive handbook or instruction manual for additional information.
Keep hamster cages away from doorways. For obvious reasons, exterior doors are a huge obstacle to raising hamsters. Some cages, such as aquarium tanks, provide extra security, but location is much more important if you have wire cages.
Do not use strong chemicals to clean the hamster cage. Instead, thoroughly clean the cage using a mild solution available from a pet store or a very mild combination of dishwashing liquid and water. Always clean well and dry thoroughly before putting new bedding inside.
Clean the hamster cage daily. You don't have to completely change your bedding, but you do need to remove any dirty spots. Remove dirty bedding and expired food regularly.
Males and females should not be kept together. Keep males and females in separate cages unless you want a lot of hamster pups. Pregnant dwarf Russian hamsters have a very short gestation period (16-20 days), so you can see how quickly population problems can develop.
Leave your hamster alone during the day. Hamsters spend most of their time waking up at night and sleeping during the day. Let your hamster rest and enjoy its charm. How would you feel if you woke up in a warm, cozy bed every few hours? Now you have a better understanding of how your hamster feels.
Feed your hamster fresh fruits and vegetables once every two days. Serve small portions of apples, tomatoes, corn, broccoli, and green leafy lettuce along with your hamster food. I don't want to hurt the hamster, so don't overdo it. A few pieces of fruit and a few pieces of leaves will suffice.
Sweet foods should never be fed to Dwarf Russian hamsters. Hamsters of this breed are prone to diabetes, so they consume less sugar to avoid disease.
Treat your hamster daily. If you take the hamster out of the cage, play, and don't touch it, it becomes wild again. You will then have to start the break-in procedure again from the beginning. Russian hamsters, unlike Syrian hamsters, return to their natural state. Play with them when they are awake and active. Best at dusk or dawn.
Do not use cedar shavings as bedding in your hamster cage. In hamsters, cedar oil causes respiratory problems. Instead, use aspen or seek advice from your local pet store.
You will need to buy chinchilla sand so your hamster can "bath". No matter how dirty the hamster is, a water bath is not necessary. Immerse them in chinchilla sand (not dirt) for a few minutes to make them shiny and clean.