The dwarf hamster are endearing, easy to care for and require little space. They're one of the most popular pets among families, thanks to their small size, sociable nature and relatively simple needs. So, are you ready to welcome a new furry friend into your home?
The different species of dwarf hamsters
There are several species of dwarf hamsters. These pets originate from various regions of Asia and Eastern Europe. Each species has its own particularities, both in terms of size and behavior.
Russian hamsters
Russian hamsters, which belong to the genus PhodopusThey are the most popular among dwarf hamsters. They are also called hamster russe nain. Ils mesurent généralement entre 7 et 10 centimètres et pèsent entre 30 et 50 grammes. Leur espérance de vie est d’environ 2 ans. Leur pelage est doux et épais, et peut varier en couleur, allant du gris au blanc en passant par le doré. Les hamsters russes sont généralement calmes et dociles, ce qui les rend plus faciles à manipuler que certaines autres espèces de hamsters nains.
Roborovski hamsters
Also called hamsters roborovski nainsare the smallest of the dwarf hamsters, generally measuring between 4 and 5 centimeters. They are native to the desert regions of Central Asia and have a life expectancy of around 3 years. Their coats are thick and sandy, with white markings on their faces and around their eyes. Roborovski hamsters are extremely lively and active, which can make them more difficult to handle than Russian hamsters. They are also less tolerant of handling and tend to prefer the company of other hamsters to that of humans.
Campbell hamsters
Campbell hamsters, also called Campbell's dwarf hamstersThey measure around 10 to 12 centimeters and weigh between 30 and 50 grams. They are native to the steppic regions of Central Asia and have a life expectancy of around 2 years. Their coat is generally gray or brown, with white markings on the belly and around the eyes. Campbell hamsters are also very active and can be difficult to handle due to their liveliness. They are social and like to live in groups, but can sometimes be territorial and aggressive towards other hamsters.
The Chinese hamster
Bien que souvent classé dans la catégorie des hamsters nains, le hamster chinois est en réalité une espèce distincte, légèrement plus grande (12 cm) et avec des caractéristiques physiques différentes, notamment une queue plus longue que celle des autres hamsters.
The dwarf hamster's needs as a pet
The material investment required to welcome a dwarf hamster into your home is relatively modest.However, it is important to ensure that a few conditions are met
The cage
The cage should be large enough to allow your hamster to move around freely and stretch at will. Dwarf hamsters need at least 0.5 square meters of space to live comfortably. Choose a metal or plastic cage, with bars spaced at around 1 centimeter apart to prevent your pet from getting trapped. Plexiglas cages are also a viable option, but they must be well ventilated to prevent moisture build-up.
Ideally, you should opt for a cage large enough to provide space and a variety of design options: hiding places, tunnels, platforms, exercise wheel, etc. The floor should be covered with absorbent, comfortable bedding, such as hemp or corn litter. The floor should be covered with a comfortable, absorbent bedding, such as hemp or corn litter.
Housing and development
To fit out your dwarf hamster's cage, you'll need the following:
- A litter absorbent bedding, such as hemp or corn litter, spread on the cage floor to a thickness of at least 5 centimetres.
- A wheel adaptée à la taille de votre hamster pour lui permettre de faire de l’exercice. Veillez à choisir une roue pleine et non à barreaux, afin d’éviter les accidents.
- From tunnels and caches to allow your hamster to rest and play. You can use plastic tubes, upturned clay pots or cardboard boxes.
- From toys to stimulate your hamster's intelligence, such as ladders, swings or bridges.
- A bottle for water and a canteen which you attach to the cage to prevent spillage.
Feeding your dwarf hamster
The dwarf hamster's diet should consist mainly of seeds specially designed for rodents, supplemented by fresh vegetables and occasional proteins (insects, eggs, etc.). Be careful not to give too much sweet fruit, which can cause digestive problems and promote diabetes.
Granules
Pellets form the basis of a dwarf hamster's diet. They are specially formulated to meet their nutritional needs, and contain cereals, animal proteins, vegetables, vitamins and minerals. You can feed your hamster about a teaspoon a day.
Fruits and vegetables
Dwarf hamsters also appreciate fresh fruit and vegetables, which you can feed them in small quantities (around a teaspoon a day) to supplement their pellets. Green leafy vegetables such as lettuce or kale are particularly popular. Fruit should be given sparingly, as it is rich in sugar and can cause health problems if eaten in excess.
Sweets
From time to time, you can offer your pet hamster treats such as pieces of walnut, sunflower seeds or carrot sticks. Be careful not to overdo it, though, as treats are usually high in fat and calories.
The water
Always provide your dwarf hamster with a fresh, clean water source. Fill the bottle daily and clean it regularly to prevent the formation of bacteria.
Dwarf hamster care and maintenance
Pour assurer le bien-être et la santé de votre hamster nain, prodiguez-lui des soins réguliers et de maintenir son habitat propre et sécurisé. Voici quelques conseils pour prendre soin de votre petit compagnon au quotidien.
The cleanliness of the cage
Clean your dwarf hamster's cage at least once a week to prevent the build-up of ammonia and bacteria. Remove soiled litter and replace it with clean litter. Clean cage accessories such as tunnels, toys and bowls with warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse and dry thoroughly before returning them to the cage.
Handling
Learn to handle your dwarf hamster gently and carefully to avoid causing it stress or injury. At first, let him get used to your presence by moving your hand towards him slowly and speaking softly to him. When he seems comfortable with you, you can try holding him in your hand, gently supporting him under his body. Avoid grabbing him by the tail or squeezing him too hard.
Socialization and behavior
Dwarf hamsters are rather nocturnal and solitary animals. They like to explore their environment and can be quite active at night, which may disturb some people. On the other hand, they are generally docile and not very aggressive towards humans, provided they are handled with care and respect.
Make sure you respect the dwarf hamster's natural rhythms, and don't try to force it to come out of hiding or play if it doesn't want to. Interactions should be progressive and gentle, so that the animal feels confident and agrees to communicate with its owner.
By following these tips, you'll be able to provide your dwarf hamster with a suitable environment and the care it needs to lead a happy, fulfilling life. With a little patience and attention, your little furry companion will bring you much joy and affection.
The reproduction of dwarf hamsters
The reproduction dwarf hamsters is a fascinating process and can be a rewarding experience for pet lovers. However, it's essential to understand the specific needs of each species in terms of mating and newborn care.
The reproductive cycle of dwarf hamsters
The reproductive cycle of dwarf hamsters varies according to species. The Russian hamsters have a reproductive cycle of around 18 to 20 days, while the Roborovski hamsters and Campbell ont un cycle de 24 à 30 jours. Les femelles entrent en chaleur environ tous les 4 jours et sont réceptives à l’accouplement pendant une courte période de quelques heures.
Mating and gestation
Pour favoriser l’accouplement des hamsters nains, placez le mâle et la femelle dans une cage neutre et laissez-les interagir sous surveillance. Si l’accouplement est réussi, la femelle donnera naissance à une portée de 4 à 12 petits après une gestation de 18 à 22 jours, selon l’espèce. Pendant cette période, fournissez à la femelle une alimentation équilibrée et riche en protéines pour assurer la santé des petits.
Newborn care
After the cubs are born, the mother will look after them by breast-feeding and keeping them warm. It's crucial not to disturb the mother and newborns for the first few weeks, as this may cause stress that results in the pups being abandoned or cannibalized. After 3 to 4 weeks, young dwarf hamsters start to feed on solids and can be weaned. At this stage, separate them from the mother and place them in cages according to their sex, to avoid unwanted mating.
Health and disease prevention in dwarf hamsters
Like all living beings, the dwarf hamster requires special attention in terms of health. Here are some key points to watch out for:
The weight
Un hamster nain en surpoids peut développer des problèmes de santé tels que le diabète ou des affections articulaires. Il est donc essentiel de contrôler régulièrement son poids et de veiller à ne pas lui donner trop de friandises sucrées.
The teeth
Hamsters have incisors that grow continuously. It is therefore necessary to provide them with something to gnaw on (branches, special wood) to prevent their teeth from becoming too long and causing dental problems.
Signs of illness
Here are some signs that your pet hamster may be ill:
- Loss of weight or appetite
- Runny eyes or nose
- Difficulty breathing
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Apathy or unusual behavior
- Dull or disheveled coat
If you observe any of these signs, promptly consult a veterinarian specializing in pets.
Disease prevention
To prevent disease in dwarf hamsters, follow these tips:
- Maintain a rigorous cleanliness of the cage and its accessories
- Provide a balanced diet adapted to the species
- Avoid draughts and extreme temperatures
- Handle your hamster with care and wash your hands before and after each contact
- Make sure your hamster gets enough exercise and mental stimulation