Newbie to Dwarf hams

Pinkyboo · 11-29-2015, 11:33 AM

Hi everyone

I've had Syrian hamsters for years but after my last one passed I'm thinking of getting a Russian Dwarf. Obviously I want to do my research first which is why I've come here. Being an experienced Syrian owner is there a big difference having a Dwarf? Can you keep just one or do they have to be in pairs/groups? What's the best cage?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give. ☺

Wisper · 11-29-2015, 02:31 PM

There are a few differences with dwarf species and Syrians but the general care is very similar. They have a slightly different diet, dwarves really shouldn't have fruit as they really shouldn't eat sugary things.

In terms of keeping them together some people have success with keeping dwarves in same sex pairs but often the hamsters fall out and end up living alone, they are not a animal that needs company and do fine alone. Probably worth just going for one if you are a first timer with dwarves.

You can keep dwarves in barred cages but many owners go for things like bin cages and tanks for dwarves as they like to have deeper substrate than syrians. Floor space rather than height is important, something like a Zoozone cage or even a converted glass shelving unit from Ikea such as the Detolf or Billy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qy-GKabRQdY) make great cages for dwarves. They like to dig and have lots of places to hide, they can be more shy and skittish than Syrians but are more active and can be great fun to watch.

All the best for your new ham, I am sure more people will add more useful things.

Pinkyboo · 11-29-2015, 02:36 PM

Thanks for the advice. Do you think something like this would be suitable? The dimensions of the one I was looking at was 70x40x50cm

Wisper · 11-29-2015, 02:41 PM

A tank about that size (wider if possible) would be fine I would just be worried about a small ham falling from the shelves. Plenty of interesting things at ground level would be fine for a dwarf.

Scargirl · 11-29-2015, 03:48 PM

Welcome to HC!

Yes. I agree with Whisper. I would be so totally worried about falling. As we know how curious hams can be

So, U would go with a 10 - 15 gallon tank, maybe? I don't k now for sure, as I have never owned a dwarf.
I don't know about the diet though. Like I said, never even been interested in a dwarf because I would be worried about hurting it when I handle it. I'm a worry-wart, aren't I

Now the wheel should probably be slightly smaller than a Syrain. I don't know what size for sure, but I know that the head has to be in a straight line with the back. If it has a curved back, then it is time to get a bigger wheel. A curved back can cause back problems in the future.
You should fill it's cage with chew toys, hammocks, and maybe a hideout. I don't know if it's okay for dwarfs, but I give Scarlet (A Syrian) a little greenie.

It doesn't hurt to give a few treats also. I don't know what treats are okay for them but maybe veggies?
You can also check out our DIY section and make your own toys! Don't be shy to post any questions you have!

cypher · 11-29-2015, 11:49 PM

If this is going to be your first experience with dwarf hams I would definitely go for one, russians & robos can live in pairs but do often fall out, setting up the cage to minimise the risk means two of everything, no levels, scatter feeding & houses with more than one exit, even with the best set up they may still fall out at any time so that means having a second cage ready just in case.
If you go for a russian pet shop ham it will be a hybrid so you will need to give a little extra thought to diet as they are prone to diabetes.
I've seen cages like that in pet shops & they look really dangerous to me, too easy to fall from the shelves & not really designed for furry feet that tend to slip easily on plastic & glass!
I've kept all my dwarf hams (russian & chinese) in barred cages, anything from 80x50 to 100x50cm, if you want a barred cage rather than a tank style cage you need a narrow barred cage no more than 1cm max spacing.
You also need to think about the height of the cage with russian hams particularly as they can climb up but not down so you have to make things safe so they can't fall on any hard surfaces.
Good barred cages are the Alaska, Barney or Hamster heaven all available from zooplus.
I haven't used tank style cages but many people go for the Maxi duna multy or the Zoozone 2, I think you need to mesh the lid on that one though.
Hope that helps a bit.

Piebald · 11-30-2015, 01:17 AM

I don't think that set up in the picture is suitable. Not only are those levels too high, the connecting ladders with the wide rungs are dangerous for clumsy hams! As the others have said more one level space with deep substrate is what will keep your ham happy and safe.

Pinkyboo · 11-30-2015, 05:24 AM

Thanks for the advice guys. One thing I was wondering.... every Syrian I've had has not become active until around 10pm and I've read that Dwarves are more active than Syrians. Does this mean they tend to be up and about earlier or does it just mean more active in general?

cypher · 11-30-2015, 05:33 AM

I've never had a syrian so I can't compare but my dwarfs have all been active to some extent during the day, they all have their own routines though so no guarantees!