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Old 05-25-2017, 08:42 AM   #1
FluffyHamsterButts
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Smile Dwarf Hamster

I am currently debating if I should get another hamster (Probably Russian Dwarf). Probably in a couple of months as it doesn't feel like we have had Vanilla (My most recent hamster) that long. Please mention Russian Dwarf hamster tips as, if I am honest, I am still new to the hamster world! I also need to know if it is alright to keep them as pairs or more as a beginner. Thanks.
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Old 05-25-2017, 08:51 AM   #2
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Default Re: Dwarf Hamster

Keeping pairs regardless of experience level is not a good idea.It isn't natural,and in the end the overwhelming majority of pairs require separation To truly thrive,solitary living is ideal,regardless of species.

Make sure they'll be housed in an appropriately sized cage.It would be best to get a cage between 80 cm x 50 cm and 100 cm x 50 cm,as this is most commonly a size range that truly lets Russians(including hybrids)thrive rather than the bare minimum for survival.You could certainly start with a smaller transition cage,which along with an appropriate setup will help to have a more confident hamster.

Make sure that you're going to feed a diabetes friendly diet as well,or at the very least dwarf friendly.There is only one food that completely covers nutritional needs(including animal protein),and that would be Burgess dwarf hamster food.

As with any species,stick to the highest quality most natural treats.No propylene glycol,artificial dyes or flavors,unspecified biproducts(digest,derivatives,generic liver of any sort,meat and bone meal,biproduct meal,etc),no processed sugars or artificial sweeteners(maltodextrin,dextrose,sorbitol,etc however diabetes prone species must not have added sugar at all).Nothing should be from China,irradiated,or from a sketchy company either.
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Old 05-25-2017, 08:52 AM   #3
BorisPasha
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Default Re: Dwarf Hamster

You can't introduce a new ham to one you already have, they must be kept separate. Even if you were to buy a pair there is no guarantee they will get on. If you wanted to keep a pair (or more together) I would strongly advise you to wait until you have more experience and do some research. Fights can escalate very quickly so you would need to be prepared with a spare cage etc.

Diet is also extremely important for Russian dwarfs as they are prone to diabetes, if you are in the UK then Burgess Dwarf hamster food is the best. A variety of fresh veg is always welcome but no fruit.

Let us know if you have any specific questions and we can do our best to help.
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Old 05-25-2017, 09:17 AM   #4
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Default Re: Dwarf Hamster

I agree with BP, although Russian hybrids can be kept in pairs or groups it's not really advisable for beginners, far better to have just the one & get to know the species really well before you even consider keeping a pair.
Also as BP said diet is important so ask any questions you might have or do some research into that too.
It's hard to know where to begin with tips but ask away if you do have specific questions, they do make lovely pets & are generally easy to tame & most really enjoy interaction & out of cage time.
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Old 05-25-2017, 09:45 AM   #5
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Default Re: Dwarf Hamster

Quote:
Originally Posted by BorisPasha View Post
You can't introduce a new ham to one you already have, they must be kept separate. Even if you were to buy a pair there is no guarantee they will get on. If you wanted to keep a pair (or more together) I would strongly advise you to wait until you have more experience and do some research. Fights can escalate very quickly so you would need to be prepared with a spare cage etc.

Diet is also extremely important for Russian dwarfs as they are prone to diabetes, if you are in the UK then Burgess Dwarf hamster food is the best. A variety of fresh veg is always welcome but no fruit.

Let us know if you have any specific questions and we can do our best to help.
Thanks for the tips, but you slightly misunderstood, the new hamster would be kept away from my current one. I have done enough research to know that. I meant adopting them (I don't like saying buying for animals) together. Making sure they had known eachother since a young age and are already housed together. If they do fight, I have a spare cage.
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Old 05-25-2017, 09:50 AM   #6
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Default Re: Dwarf Hamster

Is there any particular shops (In the UK) that sells the best food or is it best to order online? Also, is this food more expensive than usual?
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Old 05-25-2017, 09:55 AM   #7
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Default Re: Dwarf Hamster

Quote:
Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams View Post
Keeping pairs regardless of experience level is not a good idea.It isn't natural,and in the end the overwhelming majority of pairs require separation To truly thrive,solitary living is ideal,regardless of species.

Make sure they'll be housed in an appropriately sized cage.It would be best to get a cage between 80 cm x 50 cm and 100 cm x 50 cm,as this is most commonly a size range that truly lets Russians(including hybrids)thrive rather than the bare minimum for survival.You could certainly start with a smaller transition cage,which along with an appropriate setup will help to have a more confident hamster.

Make sure that you're going to feed a diabetes friendly diet as well,or at the very least dwarf friendly.There is only one food that completely covers nutritional needs(including animal protein),and that would be Burgess dwarf hamster food.

As with any species,stick to the highest quality most natural treats.No propylene glycol,artificial dyes or flavors,unspecified biproducts(digest,derivatives,generic liver of any sort,meat and bone meal,biproduct meal,etc),no processed sugars or artificial sweeteners(maltodextrin,dextrose,sorbitol,etc however diabetes prone species must not have added sugar at all).Nothing should be from China,irradiated,or from a sketchy company either.
I have been told by numerous recourses that dwarf hamsters are okay to live together as long as in equal and small groups? I am not too sure, but it doesn't matter too much right now as I am getting one as I am still a beginner.

Thanks for the ideas!
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Old 05-25-2017, 10:03 AM   #8
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Default Re: Dwarf Hamster

Burgess tends to be fairly inexpensive especially keeping quality in mind in the UK

http://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pe...2Burgess%2522#

With an online order there is potential for getting free or lower cost shipping,depending on where you order.Just keep in mind the same guidelines as I've posted previously with any treats,as well as making sure that anything to be shared with dogs or cats has no corn or wheat in any form

As for many resources saying it is okay to keep dwarf hamsters together,that's kind of inaccurate on their part.There has been more than enough experience on this forum alone not to mention many other places(in some parts of the world with hamster forums,even discussing the keeping of multiple dwarf hamsters is essentially banned due to how dangerous and potentially cruel it is).
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Old 05-25-2017, 10:44 AM   #9
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Default Re: Dwarf Hamster

Thanks, It looks good! I imagine they need plenty of veggies as well. But not as many sugary ones.

I am still not sure about the dwarf hamsters. I will take your advice and just stick to one for the meantime. But I don't mean to be rude, but I must be looking at the wrong sites and recourses since yours is the only I've heard with it being wrong. I'm only aware Syrians have to be kept solitary.
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Old 05-25-2017, 12:19 PM   #10
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Default Re: Dwarf Hamster

Yes, you are correct, Syrians must be kept separated but Chinese hams are also generally solitary and shouldn't be kept in pairs.

I'll have to agree with Amity, for hamsters to truly thrive and be happy it's best that they live alone. I had a pair of roborovski dwarfs who were cagemates from a very young age, I took all of the necessary precautions for keeping a pair, I had a large enough cage, two of everything yet they still fell out. For a few days before they fell out I was afraid I would wake up to an injured or dead hamster. The sensation of relieve once they were separated was wonderful. One of the boys was bullying the other. Once I separated them, the one who was getting bullied became so much more playful and he seemed so happy. Pairs are a risk and I wouldn't really recommend it. Not trying to be hypocritical or anything but once you experience a pair fall-out you don't really want to wish that sort of stress on somebody.
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