If you are looking for a cute and low maintenance pet, the Winter White dwarf hamster might be perfect for you.These tiny hamsters hail from Russia, and when they live in the wild, their coat becomes snowy white during the cold winter months.Although their coat may not change in captivity, they are still adorable, and often have charming personality that makes them great pets.
Step 1: Choose a cage that is at least 2 sq ft and 12 in (30 cm) tall.
The bigger the cage that you can provide for them, the happier they will be.A 20 US gal aquarium is a good size for a hamster cage since hamsters need at least 450 square inches of flat land to run around on.It is not possible to use a wheel as a substitute for a secure mesh top for your hamster.Add 1 sq ft (0.093 m) per new member of the cage if you want to have more than one hamster.Hamsters like a lot of floor space, so a cage with an open floor is better than a modular cage.If cages are too expensive, use a clear tote storage bin.Attach wire mesh to the hole after cutting an area for air at the top.
Step 2: If you want to be safe, opt for a plastic or glass cage over a wire one.
The bars are too far apart to keep a dwarf hamster.Even if your hamster can't get all the way out, it could squeeze between the bars to get stuck.Smooth sides will prevent that from happening.You should never use a cage with a wire floor for your hamster as it could hurt his legs and feet.It's a good idea to spot clean the plastic or glass cage daily.ammonia levels from the hamster's urine can build up quickly because the cage isn't very good.Fresh bedding should be replaced with dirty bedding.Many cages for hamsters are made with plastic sides and a wire insert at the top.If you choose a cage with wire bars, make sure they're not more than 10 cm apart.Place a wire climbing frame against one of the walls if you choose a cage that is solid plastic.It is important for your hamster to be able to climb.
Step 3: It is a good idea to put your hamsters cage in a quiet place.
If you want your Winter White dwarf hamster to feel safe, don't place it near noisy appliances, the TV, or anywhere with a lot of traffic during the day.hamsters are sensitive to heat and should be kept away from windows with strong sunlight.Your hamster cage should not be near where you sleep.While you are trying to sleep, your hamster will be chewing and exercising.
Step 4: There is a layer of bedding that is 2–3 in deep.
Spread a generous layer over the bottom of the cage after purchasing a soft bedding at your local pet store.Some hamsters may be allergic to pine or aspen, so don't use these materials in your bedding.hamsters burrow into the ground to stay warm during the winterYour pet will be able to burrow and stay comfortable if you provide a thick layer of bedding.
Step 5: There is a food bowl and a water bottle for your pet.
If you put your hamster's food directly onto its bedding, it will be harder to dispose of old food when you add more.If you want to avoid this, place a shallow tray inside of the cage and place the food on it.You can put a water bottle on the side of the cage for dwarf hamsters.If you have more than 2 hamsters, add extra food bowls and water bottles.
Step 6: A plastic exercise wheel can be placed in the cage.
Your hamster's feet and legs can be damaged by metal rungs.A solid plastic wheel is the safest option.A wheel that is at least 8 in (20 cm) will allow the hamster to run more naturally, instead of having to arch its back on a smaller wheel.All you have to do is put the wheels inside the cage, because they come attached to a secure base.
Step 7: There is a tray in the corner.
If you want to make it easier to clean your hamster's cage, encourage it to go to the bathroom in the same spot every time.Place the tray in the corner of the cage.Put a small amount of the damp bedding in the tray when your hamster soils its bedding.When your hamster needs to leave, it will go back to this spot.When you change the bedding, make sure you wear gloves.
Step 8: A place to hide is what your hamster needs.
When they feel threatened in the wild, hamsters hide underground or in a den.To make sure it feels safe in its new home, include a hideaway or a hamster house.It is possible to find your hamster napping here during the day.If you use plastic in your hamster's cage, be sure to check it regularly for signs of damage.Remove the item if the hamster chews it.
Step 9: There are a lot of wooden chew toys for the hamster.
Hamsters can be a health hazard if they don't have something to chew on.In the wild, they have a lot of snacks and sticks.There are wooden chew toys in your hamster cage.The toys will give your hamster tons of entertainment and keep it healthy.You can swap out extra toys when they need to be cleaned.Make sure that your toys are not treated with pesticides.You can give your hamster a piece of cardboard to chew on.
Step 10: It's best to give your hamster at least a day to get used to it.
It is likely that your hamster will be stressed out when you bring it home.Put it in its new home and shut the door for 24 hours.It will be able to explore its cage without being stressed.For the first day, try to keep the environment quiet.Your Winter White will be sensitive to loud noises during this time.If your hamster is still hiding after the first day, give it a few more days to get used to its new home.
Step 11: Before they're 12 weeks old, introduce several hamsters.
If you plan to have more than one hamster, make sure they are the same sex and introduce them as early as possible.Men are less likely to fight than women.If you see your hamsters fighting, separate them.The hamsters may bite.
Step 12: After the first day, introduce your hand slowly and offer a treat.
Once your hamster is used to its new environment, open the cage and let your hand in.Put your hand on the hamster's bedding by holding a treat in your open palm.Staying as still as possible will allow it to explore you on its own terms.After about 5 minutes, take out your hand.If the hamster hisses, remove your hand from the cage.This is a sign that it is afraid.It may take a few sessions for a timid hamster to approach you.Since you are trying to build trust, be patient.If you want to pet the hamster, you should wait a few days before you try to pick it up.
Step 13: When you think the hamster is ready to be held, scoop it up.
Pick the hamster up with both hands.Try to keep control over your Winter White by cupping your hands.If the hamster jumps or falls, keep your hands close to the floor or a table so it won't get hurt.When handling your pet, be gentle.Don't make any loud noises.Don't try to get your hamster from above.It may bite you if you try to escape.
Step 14: Once your hamster is comfortable, you should spend at least 30 minutes a day with him.
You should spend time with your hamster every day in order to keep it happy.If you want to keep your sessions short, work your way up to 30 minutes or more as your hamster starts to enjoy your company more.Once your hamster is comfortable, you can introduce it to an exercise ball or playpen.
Step 15: You have to check your hamster's health every time you handle it.
Make sure your hamster is alert and healthy when you play with it.Take your Winter White to the vet if it suddenly changes its behavior.A wet tail, bald patches, loss of appetite, and discharge around its nose or eyes are some of the signs of poor health in a dwarf hamster.Make an appointment if you notice any of these.Changes in your hamster's eating, drinking, or bathroom habits can be signs of illness.The hamster's cage should be moved to a warm place if it isn't moving.It's possible that your hamster went into sleep.
Step 16: It's a good idea to place your hamster in a playpen or ball a few times a week.
Make sure your hamster gets all the exercise it needs by having a safe place to play.Give it a playpen or exercise ball and let it play for 15-20 minutes at a time, 3-4 times a week.Your hamster could become stressed from longer or more frequent play periods.One option for a playpen is to put a thick towel on the floor of your bathtub, along with a wheel, chew toys, and a food and water bowl.There is a cover over the drain if there is no water in the bathtub.The exercise ball should only be used on the carpet or rug.On hard floors, your hamster could get injured.Don't try to force your hamster into a ball.When your hamster is sleepy, don't put it in an exercise ball.When your hamster is out of its cage, always watch it.
Step 17: When you put the hamster back in the cage, make sure the door is locked.
Your Winter White is a cunning escape artist.When you close the door, double-check it.If you don't, your hamster might take an overnight trip around your home, where it could get lost or hurt.The cage should be replaced as soon as possible if it gets damaged.
Step 18: Feed your hamster a small amount of seed mix each day.
Where hamster supplies are sold, you can find a suitable seed mix.It is important to look for one that is high in fiber and fat.You can either feed your hamster all of it's food in the evening, or you can give it a small amount during the day.hamsters wake up for snacks during the day
Step 19: Small cubes of fruit or vegetables can be offered a couple of times a week.
Fruits and vegetables are high in sugar, so they make occasional treats.A few times a week, give your hamster a few bites of a healthy snack like cauliflower, broccoli, diced pears, or banana.Sugar is bad for Winter White because it can lead to diabetes.Since carrots are high in sugar, hamsters should only be offered them once in a while.Almonds contain cyanic acid, which can be dangerous.If you have more than one hamster, give them all treats at the same time.Don't give your hamster anything sticky.It could cause an injury if it gets caught in their cheek pouch.
Step 20: Offer snack items like mealworms or boiled eggs.
If you want your hamster to get the vitamins and minerals it needs, you need to give it a snack once a week.Mealworms can be placed in the hamster's food tray, or you can give it bite-sized crumbles of boiled eggs.Remove any leftover food from the morning before it rots.
Step 21: Your hamster has water.
Make sure your hamster's water bottle is full and fresh by checking it at least once a day.If you notice the water is cloudy, empty the bottle and wash it out, then refill it with fresh water.If you live in a place with high levels of chlorine in the water, you should use bottled water.
Step 22: The hamster can be placed in a carrier for cleaning.
If you want to take your hamster to the vet, you should pick it up and place it in an animal carrier.Your hamster will not get stressed out during the cleaning.There is a pet store where you can find a carrier.If it isn't designed for small animals like dwarf rodents, it might have gaps that allow your hamster to escape.
Step 23: Droppings should be removed from the cage every day.
Put on a pair of latex or rubber gloves and remove any droppings from the cage.It could cause your hamster to become very sick if you allow these to stay in the cage.Hamster droppings look small.Gloves keep you from falling asleep.
Step 24: It's a good idea to clean the whole cage once a week.
The wheel, food bowl, bathroom tray, and chew toys are included in the cleaning of the cage.Next, empty out the rest of the bedding.Throw away the rest if you reserve a little of the cleanest bedding.It's easy to forget when to clean your hamster cage, so try to do it at the same time every week.You could choose to play video games on Saturday mornings.
Step 25: When you are done cleaning, put a little of the old bedding back in.
Add the old, clean bedding that you reserved when you add the new bedding.It will return to a familiar scent when you put your hamster back in its cage.