We have some questions :)

MeganAndMisty · 12-23-2016, 12:00 PM

So my cousin may be getting a hamster soon and we just wanted to make sure she was 100% sure she knew what she was doing.

First she will most likely be getting it from Pets at Home and since it's a dwarf will it most likely be a hybrid? We were wondering what different characteristics it would have from robos and Syrians?

Also I wanted to lend her Mistys old cage and wheel ect. What would be the vest way to clean them to make sure her new hamster doesn't get sick?

Are there any main illnesses that dwafs can get that she should be aware of?
Thank you!

**Cinnamon Bear** · 12-23-2016, 12:04 PM

I've lost 3 Russian hybrids this year and 2 last year due to all kinds of sicknesses, tumors, diabetes, infections, the list is endless. I'd strongly discourage you from buying a Russian hamster. But that's just because I haven't bought any without major deadly problems.

I have Chloe who is 2 1/2 yr old WW hybrid who has always been healthy, no problems at all with her. So far so good

Hope you make the right choice for you, but the problem of being diabetes prone is serious & 5 out of 6 of my hybrids were diabetic. But it's very sad to see your hamster slowly die every day from diabetes.

Edit: I'm real sad this time of year so this is an emotional post, hope you buy or adopt a beautiful little hamster whichever one you decide!

pinkneon · 12-23-2016, 12:14 PM

You can clean the cage with a pet safe disinfectant, but make sure you rinse well after to get it all off.

I believe hybrids are prone to diabetes but am not sure about other illnesses though ...

cypher · 12-23-2016, 12:33 PM

The cage & any plastic or metal is fine just cleaned with disinfectant, anything made from wood can't be cleaned really so it's best not to pass those things on.
Russian hybrids can be prone to diabetes, that doesn't mean they will necessarily develop the condition but does mean that you need to take care over diet, no sugars including fruit sugars, most are fine but it is best to bear that in mind when feeding & be aware of the signs that might indicate a problem.
Other than that they aren't especially prone to diseases any more than other hams.
They are easier to tame & handle than robos, some people say more difficult than syrians but I haven't found them to be hard to tame personally.
They are a lot faster than syrians but not quite as much as robos are!
Females more than males can be a bit cage territorial sometimes (but not always by any means) & may need handling & taming out of the cage in a safe area rather than in the cage.
Characteristics depend as much on the individual as the species so some are cuddly some not, most are very active & enjoy out of cage time & interacting.
Hope that helps a bit.

Gemma_xo · 12-23-2016, 12:39 PM

I used a Pets at Home small animal cage disinfectant when I used an old cage of Pixie's to give to Tinkerbell, it's not their own brand but it's green liquid. I cleaned it thoroughly with warm water after and let it dry on it's own for a day to make sure EVERYWHERE was safe.

I know people say to avoid buying Russians (or any animal for that matter) from P@H, I got both of mine from there, yes they breed hybrids and they're prone to diabetes etc but they, much like every other hamster just needs a loving home. I brought them both knowing there were potential risks involved but much like any other breed of any other animal, any one of them can get sick at any given point, I give my two Dwarf Hamster food and no sugar whatsoever. Diet is a big part in a hybrids keeping, but again, I chose to adopt them so of course I chose to give them the appropriate diet. I would LOVE to buy hamsters from a breeder but there are so few and where I live, seem to be impossible to come by and the ones in P@H deserve a home just as much as breeder babies.

I've heard if people just stop buying them from P@H the demand will disappear, maybe this is the case but for now I love my babies, hybrids or not, they need homes too, they need love too.

AmityvilleHams · 12-23-2016, 12:48 PM

There are hybrids who are fairly healthy who just need extra caution when buying treats!It can be easy to see only one side of things,but really there is nothing wrong with pet store hamsters as long as they're getting proper care and are loved

Even if it were a rescue hamster chances are at some point it would've been a pet store hamster anyways,so that can be just as risky of an option.It all comes down to personal preference and it is awful to think that anyone would be shunned or shamed for making one choice over another when one single option does not suit everyone

Just make sure the right diet is given,and that appropriate treats instead of those high in sugar are avoided.Not all hybrids are diabetic,but it is better safe than sorry,plus it never hurts to be picky with food and treats!

MeganAndMisty · 12-23-2016, 01:20 PM

So what type / brand of treats or food would be best for them?

Gemma_xo · 12-23-2016, 01:29 PM

I use Burgess Dwarf Hamster Harvest and JR Dwarf Hamster Farm Feast.

P@H Sell Burgess Dwarf food and I get the JR one off of Zooplus.
The treats I feed my two are also from P@H, they do sell sugar free treats, pretty sure Rosewood brand is the one I'm thinking of, they're amazing for sugar free treats, I get them herby treats where possible, I've also got them Markies Minis which are dog treats but safe for hamsters. Whimzees are good, the dog tooth brushes. crocs/ hedgehogs (P@H sell them for not too expensive, I know Amazon do sell them but I prefer to see what I'm buying when it comes to my hamsters).
Obviously amongst the Pumplin & Sunflower seeds (sparingly).
Viovet do a lot of treats too, it's just about checking for sugar contents, my two very RARELY get Niblott Treats (but get them from anywhere BUT P@H, they're far over priced from there, again, Viovet has them for insanely cheap) even then they only get the Carrot ones, again, very rarely. So far one bag has lasted me over a year.

I know there are a few premade dwarf mixes, I've never used any others so I wouldn't be able to advise on any different. My two seem to enjoy the above two also.

AmityvilleHams · 12-23-2016, 01:41 PM

Burgess would be the best in terms of what is easiest to access in most places,and it is extremely popular for its quality.

For treats,aim for things like extra grains or seeds or even nuts here and there.These are usually cheap and easy to find,and much better than the majority of storebought treats.Any shape Whimzee as mentioned will be a great choice as well,since there is nothing bad or unhealthy in those,and in certain shapes you can hide seeds in them as well.Occasional pieces of fruit can be fine,but moderation is key as well as making sure to only use pure fruit preferably freeze dried with no preservatives or added sugar

Individual pieces from a mix can be hand fed as a treat too,and this makes it more enriching for hamsters along with scatter feeding.

Gemma_xo · 12-23-2016, 02:45 PM

Oh, I forgot meal worms. As far as I'm aware most (if not all) dwarf hams LOVE meal worms. They're a great source of protein, I give my two 2 to 3 a day in their bowl, sometimes they'll eat them, sometimes they wont, if they don't I don't add any more, but they do love them and very rarely actually leave them. I think they come in Burgess Dwarf food too? Could be JR but I'm 99% sure it's Burgess.

I get mine in a large tub from B&M for £4.99, I've seen them in Pound Stretcher too, well the ones that have pets corners.