Newbie...in need of advice! =)

PandaBaby · 07-17-2012, 05:42 AM

Hey all

So glad to have found an awesome active forum!

Anywho, my husband an I have always loved hamsters, but never actually ventured into getting any. But nows the time!

We love the dwarf hamsters. But are unsure as to what breed to get. Some recommend Chinese Dwarf, some Winter White. We are looking for a friendly breed, easily tamed, exciting personalities. Any advice?

Also home wise. We want something nice looking. Neon colours etc are a no no!

Any one any recommendations?

I have thought about converting a fish tank. Or what about purchasing a vivarium?

I love the size of the Zoo zone etc, but really don't like the plastic look. The Ikea hacks look great, but wouldn't know where to start lol Looking for something modern/contemporary but ideal or can be made ideal for the wee furry!

Appreciate the help! =)

crazygal330 · 07-17-2012, 12:06 PM

Hiya, welcome to HC

I can't comment about dwarf hamsters as I only have a syrian. I have heard that winter whites can be quite cuddly but I have no personal experiences with any dwarves yet.

Converted Aquariums or fish tanks do make brilliant cages. And you can often pick up a huge tank second hand which makes it a bargain too!
Regarding normal cages I know you need smaller bar spacing for dwarves typically speaking. I can't think which ones are ok. I know the Savic Mickey 2XL is meant to have narrower bar spacing. I'm not sure where you can buy it from these days though.

hoepfully more dwarf owners will be along soon!

PandaBaby · 07-17-2012, 12:33 PM

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah I am defo swaying in the direction of a tank, vivarium or terrarium.

I have seen these:

http://www.seapets.co.uk/products/re...45x45cm-h.html

http://www.seapets.co.uk/products/re...0x45x45cm.html

http://www.gumtree.com/p/pets/exo-te...5x45/105285546

I wonder is there anyone in Northern Ireland who breeds Winter Whites =/

**Silver** · 07-17-2012, 12:46 PM

Hello PandaBaby,

Welcome to Hamster Central.

If you buy a dwarf hamster other than a Robo or Chinese from a pet shop then it will be a hybrid hamster. This means two different species of hamster bred together. This can cause lots of health problems from physical to neuro.

To get a pure Winter White or Campbell hamster that has been bred for health & temprerament you need to buy one from a National Hamster Council Breeder. There is a website that has information on the different species of dwarfs & has a list of a few of the breeders on Northanhamsterclub website. There is also a list of shows so ahve a look if there are any near you as the breeders take the hams they want to sell there also.

Plus there is Vectis Hamestry who is on this forum she is a NHC breeder & would know if there are any near you.

Silver xxx

PandaBaby · 07-17-2012, 01:14 PM

Thanks for that. Shall look into it =)

Any feedback on Chinese Dwarf?

Someone told me that Robo's are too quick for handling etc and Chinese would be better. Is this the case? =)

**Silver** · 07-17-2012, 01:30 PM

I have not had a robo, but they are very fast & more of a watching ham than a cuddling ham.

I have not had Chinese either Vectis is a NHC breeder who breeds Chinese only so she is the one with the most info on them.

I have had NHC Pure WW's, they are/were adorable. Very tame & bond with you, they love cuddles & one sleeps on my tummy!

I have not yet had a Campbell but hope to some time soon

I am not sure about glass vivs for hams there might not be enough ventilation. Perhaps someone else will have a idea. But I agree on tanks are best for dwarfs in my opinion. I have a perfecto glass tank with two shelfs. You can find them second hand on Ebay they are not being made anymore. Or the Critter choice glass cages are the new version of the Perfecto glass tank, they are also coming up on ebay now. If you search

Hamster tank
Hamster glass
Gerbilarium
Gerbil Tank
Gerbil glass
Rodent tank
Glass tank

Then they usually come up

Silver xxx

**Silver** · 07-17-2012, 01:39 PM

This is the tank I have Perfecto two glass shelf's you can get three shelf's

glass tank | eBay

And this is the new version the critter choice

Large Glass Hamster/Gerbil Tank with accessories | eBay

You can get two shelf's as well as three

Silver xxx

PandaBaby · 07-17-2012, 02:09 PM

Ah awesome, ty, yeah did see those glass ones before but any I seen were collection only

Do you have a picture of your setup? =) Would love to see it ^^

Charley101 · 07-17-2012, 02:31 PM

Welcome to the forum

Sandti · 07-17-2012, 03:23 PM

Welcome to the HC!!

Looking forwards to pictures of you hams when you get them ;D