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Dwarf Hamster Care Guide
Did You Know?
- Dwarf Hamsters (also known as genus Phodopus) have pouches inside of their cheeks that they use to store and carry food.
- The word Hamster derives from German word hamstern, meaning “to hoard” which might help explain their cheek pouches!
- In the wild a Hamster’s diet would consist of seeds, fruits, vegetables, and even insects.
- A Hamster’s teeth grow constantly, just like our fingernails.
Species Information
LIFE SPAN
Approximately 3 years
AVERAGE SIZE
3-4 inches long
CAGE TEMPs
Average room temperature
NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION
Dwarf hamsters are happiest living alone once they reach adulthood as they become territorial around other hamsters, even if they grew up together. The more you handle and work with your pet the tamer it will become.
FEEDING
Omnivores/grain eaters. Commercially prepared hamster diets are available at all pet stores, they are made of pellets, seeds, grains and dried vegetables. Fresh vegetables and fruits may be offered as treats as well.
WATER
Clean, fresh chlorine-free water must always be available. Change it daily.
HOUSING & ENVIRONMENT
Dwarf Hamsters love to exercise and explore so the bigger the habitat the better for your pet. Plastic and wire or glass tanks both make suitable enclosures, but whatever cage you choose, make sure it is secure.
HIDE HOUSE
The hide house is extremely important to hamsters, and will most likely become your pet’s main “bedroom.” Offer at least one to your Dwarf Hamster.
BEDDING
We recommend an aspen bedding or soft recycled newspaper bedding.
TOYS
Several types of toys must be available to your Hamster. Chewing toys such as wooden hamster toys, hide houses, wheels and hamster balls are all good options.
HABITAT MAINTENANCE
Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate, cleaning water bowls and bottles thoroughly and wiping glass clean. The entire cage should be cleaned thoroughly at least once every week.
GROOMING & HYGIENE
It is not necessary to clean or bathe your Hamster. They are extremely neat and will groom themselves!
RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES
- Plastic hamster cage or glass tank with locking top
- Aspen or paper bedding for bottom of enclosure
- Water bottle or bowl
- Food bowl
- Prepared Hamster food
- Several toys & chews
- 1 or 2 hide houses
- Hamster wheel with solid running surface
- Play time items like enclosed exercise balls
Vet Approved
Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.
For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.
Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.
For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.
Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.
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