Keeping a Dwarf Hamster As a Petdwarf hamster

Keeping a Dwarf Hamster as a pet is really not too difficult but there are a few things to keep in mind. Hamsters come in a variety of sizes from large down to the dwarf size. Choosing a size that would fit in well with you and your family is very important.

When having a hamster for a pet you will need to have adequate housing. Hamsters love tunnels and exercise wheels and will spend hours on this little gym. An owner is quite aware how much time a hamster spends awake until the exercise wheel can have an annoying squeak. When you have listened to two hours or more straight due to an exercise wheel you will know exactly what I am talking about.

Keeping a dwarf hamster as a pet also means that you will have to keep the hamster cage clean and dry. When choosing a hamster cage to look for one that is easy to clean. Although the bigger and better ones are so much cooler it is not cool when you spend hours trying to put is together after a washing. A good size cage that allows plenty of room and toys is more than enough for dwarf hamster to live comfortably and be happy. Having to buy the coolest looking cage may also get you a lot of work and scrubbing.

Keeping a dwarf hamster as a pet also means you will have to think of the expense of food. Hamsters are usually fed a pellet food. Some add some seed mixture to the pellet mix. For snacks the hamster can have fruits and vegetables. Also it is good to introduce a new food slowly to the hamster. An overload on something really good can cause stomach upset and a hamster with the runs. And this is not going to be fun if you have to pull apart the dwarf hamster condo.

When keeping a dwarf hamster as a pet it is perfectly fine to have the child watch from a distance and not try to pick them up. There are times when hamsters get scared and will bite. This is not a sign of aggression but telling you that he is scared and this is the only way he has to protect himself.

Earning the trust of a hamster does not take long. Sometimes when the hamster seems to be tired or nippy it is best to hold off the interaction. A hamster that doesn't want to be bothers will not be to responsive to new commands. When trying to hold your skittish hamster it is okay to use treats to win him over. This lets the dwarf hamster know that you are not there to hurt him but instead to feed him something good.

Remember to always have fresh water on hand in his water bottle. Because they are very active and so small it would not take too much time for him to fall sick and dehydrated.

Keeping a dwarf hamster as a pet include things you should know and are very basic. The answer is to find as much information as possible. Even the local vet can give you some pointers on handling and raising hamsters.

When choosing your hamster to bring home watch for any signs of illness. If the hamster seems lethargic and is smaller than his littermate's, chances are there is something brewing or going on. If you get him settled in and he still doesn't eat after a day a call to the vet is warranted. You may even be told it's from the car ride going home for the first time.

By heeding the warnings about what to watch for while keeping a dwarf hamster as a pet then all should be fine. Although they are tiny these little creatures have an awesome personality; they still need the right care and proper home. With a little know how and a good home, your new pet will be a joy to have.