New to the forum!

[kparham]

Hi all, I came across this forum while doing research on hamster care. My family had two dwarf hamsters when I was younger and now that I've moved out I've been interested in getting another. I bought a 40gal tank but I haven't gotten much else yet. It seems big for a dwarf hamster but I've read that it's a good size. Is there anything I may not come across easily that I should get for the habitat? Thanks

[Kui]

The size really depends on your specific hamster.

I would say definitely don't go lower than that, and yes it could be a great size for some dwarves. But I know my dwarf (robo) would not be happy in that size. So just be careful when assuming it's great. That's not to say it won't be, just there really isn't a way to know/tell before you get your hammy.

For things you may not come across easily, I recommend a multi-chamber hide! The only commercial ones I know of that ship to the USA are Niteangel. I have one myself and I love it Or you can DIY one.

[cypher]

Hi & welcome to the forum

A 40 gallon tank may seem big but it’s not that big really & you may be surprised at how small it will seem once you have everything you need in there.
Things have changed with time so the basics a good depth of substrate (kaytee clean & cosy is good if you can get it) at least 15cm deep, more if possible, you will need an 8” wheel, all my dwarf hams have silent runner wheels (not silent spinners) you will need a good size house, something about the size of a shoebox is good, a sand bath is really important too, you can use chinchilla sand (not dust) or childrens play sand (dried out in the oven).
I don’t know if you will be able to get a dwarf specific food where you are, I can’t remember off hand which are the best foods in the US now but someone will know if you need to ask.
Hope that helps a bit, if you have any questions just ask.

[AmityvilleHams]

A properly set up 40 gallon(assuming breeder) would not be too large for a dwarf hamster of any species.

Higgins Vita Garden will be the proper food in the US. Sunburst has lots of added dried fruit which just isn't appropriate for hamsters in general(not really part of their natural diet) but with diabetes prone hamster species it also increases the overall sugar content of their diet which is best avoided. Add Pure Bites(found in the dog/cat section - stick to freeze dried meats and shrimp) and flax seed and you'll have a pretty good base diet.

For substrate, Small Pet Select paper bedding is going to be the best quality overall. It isn't available in store and must be ordered online, but the comparable storebought substrate would be Oxbow Pure Comfort although that is more expensive long term. Kaytee Clean & Cozy does seem to have quality control issues - lots of people, myself included, have experienced issues with it whether in past years or even more recently(dust levels, hard pieces, etc).

I know they're not everyone's favorite but a Kaytee Comfort Wheel can be a perfectly suitable option as long as they're properly sized. Silent Runners would be considered the best wheel option of course but they have to be ordered online.

Kaytee also make terracotta hideouts that are suitable. I believe the medium version would be properly sized, and you should be able to at least find those in some pet stores for example Pet Supermarket. Whimzees are also a really good natural chew found in the dog section of pet stores - just don't use the veggie sausage/veggie strips as those have clove oil which is considered unsafe for hamsters.

[kparham]

Thank you so much all, I appreciate the responses! Everything you all said is super helpful. I've been watching a lot of videos and reading forums to educate myself the best I can