Cages for Dwarf Hamsters - everything you need to know

Despite dwarf hamsters being smaller than other hamster species, they still need a large degree of space to live and run around in. 

The available floor space is very important when considering the perfect cage to purchase. 

According to regulations, the minimum size should be 24 x 12 inches, and the height of the cage should be a minimum of 12 inches tall.

Unfortunately, yes! Since dwarf hamsters are so small, they are known for their ability to squeeze through the bars of the cage and escaping. You should think about purchasing a cage with very small bar spacing to prevent the risk of escape.

Yes. As escape artists, the ability of the dwarf hamsters to escape wire cages is well-known. 

It is crucial that the spacing between the bars is as small as possible to prevent the risk of escape. As dwarf hamsters are so small, they are very vulnerable out in the open if they escape.

Very much so! Dwarf hamsters have a very similar enthusiasm to other hamsters when it comes to play and exercise. A good idea would be to provide them with a climbing frame or other play equipment to encourage them to climb.

The larger, the better, when it comes to dwarf hamsters. Otherwise, there is a risk of them fighting for space inside the cage (if you own more than one). 

A good rule to follow is to have a minimum of 20-gallons for a single dwarf hamster, and then there should be 10 gallons for every other dwarf hamster that joins the setup. This will give them all enough space to thrive.

In the great, big world of cages with a ton of options to choose from, you might have a difficult time deciding which is best. 

When it comes to dwarf hamsters, you'll have the option of choosing from

• A wire cage that is most likely based on a plastic foundation. This type of cage is often inexpensive, easy to clean, and you can easily watch the hamster as it goes about its daily business.
• A plastic modular cage that will come with compartments and tubes for your hamster to stay active. This type of cage will give your hamster a stimulating environment, and it allows you to watch your pet as it plays. The downside is that the cage can be a bit more expensive, and cleaning it will need to be done carefully. 
• An aquarium which will keep your dwarf hamster from escaping, but can be challenging to clean and move because of the weight and somewhat more expensive than wire cages. On the upside, you can easily watch your hamster through the glass.

Each type of cage can be the best option for your hamster - it comes down to your preferences. Just offer your hamster a clean cage with activities and a safe place they can retreat to, and they will be happy. 

No matter if you have a dwarf hamster or any other type—giving your hamster a bath is NEVER recommended. This can lead to a ton of emotional distress for the animal as well as possible health conditions later on.

Hamsters aren't used to getting wet in the wild, and bathing causes them stress because it goes against their natural instinct. They may also catch a cold after getting wet.

However, the dwarf hamster generally can always be in the mood for a sand bath, which can be set up with chinchilla sand. This sand can be stowed in a "bath," which is simply a container large enough to fit the hamster comfortably—and is unlikely to tip over—like a ceramic bowl. The sand bath can help eliminate odor from the hamster and prevent greasy fur on their bodies. They generally tend to enjoy it, as well, which can help you keep your pet happy.

Although it may need some time to adjust when you bring your dwarf hamster home, you'll be happy to know that in time, as your pet gets used to you and its new home, it will love to be held and petted. 

However, they can get a little touchy—they don't like to be petted all the time! Although it may be hard to resist since your hamster looks so cute and cuddly, you'll want to respect his or her space—especially in the beginning. It's recommended to give your hamster around a day or two to be able to get used to his new environment and feel comfortable again.

Generally, hamsters are solitary creatures. They evolved in the desert, where the scarcity of food and water taught them to protect their resources from other hamsters. Dwarf hamsters are definitely OK when kept alone, and they won't feel lonely.

However, although they generally tend to have a solitary nature or personality—especially if they are already adults—you can try them with another dwarf hamster if they are of the same young age and the same sex. When introduced as babies or very young, the transition period will be much easier.

However, if you already have an adult dwarf hamster, don't expect it to be so loving to its roommate. Also, it's extremely important to realize that different species of hamsters should definitely not be housed together (unless there is a rare occasion of having grown up together).

Since their fur isn't as thick or doesn't insulate as well as the fur of other species, the dwarf hamster tends to get cold when temperatures drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is placed in an environment—especially if the cage is located outside—where the weather drops, then this can threaten its health, and the hamster can fall ill. 

A stable temperature range for a dwarf hamster should be around 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Regardless of the type of dwarf hamster, whether you've adopted a "winter white" or "Djungarian", this temperature also is recommended. Even though you might have read that they are "cold-climate" hamsters, they still are temperamental when it comes to cold weather. 

Especially if you have a male dwarf hamster, you might have noticed this musky smell. If you are curious about where it comes from, don't be alarmed—it generally means that they are using their scent glands and making their mark.

Especially if it has just been placed in a new environment, your male dwarf hamster will want to mark his territory—and remark it if you clean the cage thoroughly. However, with time, their need to make their house a home will subside. 

If it is ultra smelly, however, you might want to check if the smell is coming from a more pressing problem like it sleeping in its urine (if the bedding is not as absorbable as you would have liked).

One of the more disappointing occurrences when first owning a hamster is placing a loving hand in to pet it and have it bite you! (Talk about biting the hand that feeds you). 

However, it's good to know that your hamster—like other hamsters of its species—generally don't like having a new pressure on their backs. If you just took your hamster home, as well, it may need some time to get used to its new environment, as well as the sensation of being picked up.

Some other reasons why your hamster is biting can be: 

• If it was sleeping and you've woken it up, leading to a bite reaction. 
• If you're trying to break up a fight between hamsters and you get caught in the crossfire.
• If it's hungry and your hand smells of food.

To avoid being bitten, pick up your hamster by letting it climb onto the palm of your hand and cup your other hand over its back to protect it from falling. Also, always wash your hands before handling your pet to avoid biting. If your hand smells like food, your hamster may mistake it for a treat and try to have a taste.

Generally, keeping hamsters of the same sex should be OK. However, if not done from a young age, they might have a territorial problem between the two of them.

Even if you have hamsters that have grown up together and have no problem living in the same cage, you always need to make sure they have enough space. Living too closely together will cause stress and anxiety for hamsters.

If you do notice fighting between the two of them, this can end up in a dangerous outcome, so it might be best to separate them!