How to Care for a Russian Dwarf Hamster

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Russian dwarf hamsters, also known as Campbell’s Dwarf Hamsters, are relatives of the Syrian hamster. [1] Although not as common as the Syrian hamster, Russian dwarf hamsters are becoming pretty popular pets, since they are easy and relatively inexpensive to care for. [2] Learning how to care for your Russian dwarf hamster will help him live a happy and healthy life, and will help you become close friends with him.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Housing Your Russian Dwarf Hamster

PDF download Download Article
  1. A good cage for your hamster is one that keeps him safe and is easy for you to clean. A wire hamster cage with solid flooring is generally the best choice.
    • The bar spacing in a wire cage should be less than one-half inch to prevent him from escaping. The wires should also be covered with a substance called PVC to prevent rusting.
    • Make sure the cage flooring is smooth. Your dwarf hamster could get his feet stuck in wire flooring and possibly break one of his leg bones. If you have a cage with wire flooring, cover the flooring with a smooth material, such as cardboard or laminate flooring (available at a hardware store).
    • Cages with colorful plastic tubes and tunnels are fun to look at, but can be very difficult to clean. In addition, your dwarf hamster could chew through the plastic.
    • Clean your hamster’s cage and its components once a week with hot water. [3] His bedding should also be replaced with each cleaning.
    • Glass aquariums do not always circulate fresh air very well, which could lead to a high level of ammonia in the cage, which can be toxic to your hamster. Clean the aquarium regularly to prevent an ammonia buildup. Glass aquariums also lack good ventilation and may heat up rapidly if placed in direct sunlight.
  2. The fact that your Russian dwarf hamster is small doesn’t mean you should put him in a small cage. In fact, the larger the cage, the better. Your dwarf hamster’s cage should be at least 60 cm (24 inches) long and 40 cm (16 inches) deep. [4]
    • A larger cage will not get dirty as quickly.
    • With a large cage to call home, your dwarf hamster won't be as likely to get bored or agitated. When your dwarf hamster is happy, he's less likely to develop compulsive behaviors, such as bar chewing, that are bad for him.
    • If you have more than one dwarf hamster in the same cage, a large cage will keep them from being aggressive towards each other.
    • If you have chosen a glass aquarium to house your dwarf hamster, it should be at least 10 gallons. [5]
    Advertisement
  3. Cage bedding has several benefits. It helps keep the cage clean by soaking up your hamster’s urine. Cage bedding also helps your hamster feel more at home. He'll be able to forage and burrow as much as he likes. [6]
    • Pine shavings would be a very comfortable bedding for your hamster. [7]
    • Do not use cedar bedding. Cedar oil can cause your hamster’s fuzz to fall out and his skin to crack. If his skin cracks, he can become dehydrated and very sick. [8]
  4. Place your hamster’s cage in a comfortable room (65 to 75 °Fahrenheit/18 to 24 °Celsius) where the temperature stays constant and there are no drafts. Within the room, do not place the cage near a heat source (e.g, fireplace, window with lots of sunlight) — this could warm up the cage too much, especially if it is a glass aquarium.
    • A room that is too cold (below 60 °Fahrenheit/15 °Celsius) could make your hamster very sluggish, possibly to the point of hibernation.
    • Because hamsters like to play at night, your bedroom would not be a good place for your hamster’s cage. The noise of his activity could keep you from getting a good night’s sleep.
    5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Feeding Your Russian Dwarf Hamster

PDF download Download Article
  1. Russian dwarf hamsters eat like other hamsters. [9] Hamster food comes in pelleted form or as seed mixes. Your dwarf hamster should eat either one tablespoon of pellets or one to two teaspoons of seed mix per day. [10]
    • Pellets are very healthy and give your dwarf hamster something to chew on. Chewing on pellets helps your hamster keep his teeth filed down. [11]
    • Be careful with feeding a seed mix to your dwarf hamster — he may pick out and eat only the tastiest seeds in the mix, causing him to miss out on important nutrients. [12]
    • Seed mixes tend to be high in fat.
    • A good quality commercial hamster food should contain at least 15 to 20% protein. [13] Read the ingredient label to see how much protein is in the food.
  2. Your dwarf hamster needs to eat more than just pellets and seed mixes. He should also eat some fresh vegetables that add variety and vitamins to his diet. [14] Wash the vegetables thoroughly to remove pesticides. Give him fresh vegetables daily and make sure you remove the old ones so they don't molder in the cage.
    • Leafy greens (spinach, Romaine lettuce) are great additions to your dwarf hamster’s diet. Other vegetables to feed your dwarf hamster include broccoli, cauliflower, and cucumbers.
    • Add vegetables to your hamster’s diet very slowly — one small piece of vegetable once or twice a week. This will prevent him from getting diarrhea.
    • Work up to feeding one small piece of a vegetable once a day.
  3. Protein is an important component of your dwarf hamster’s balanced diet. Good protein sources include boiled chicken or turkey, hardboiled egg whites, [15] and canned and drained tuna.
    • Vegetarian protein sources include tofu, flaxseed, and roasted soybeans.
    • Add extra protein to your dwarf hamster’s diet once a week. [16]
    • Whichever protein source you choose, feed it to your dwarf hamster in one small piece at a time.
  4. Whole grains (whole wheat toast, cooked rice, cooked pasta, unsweetened cereal) make great, healthy snacks for your dwarf hamster. Make sure the cooked rice or pasta is completely cooled down before feeding it to him.
    • Crunchy toast and cereal would be good for your dwarf hamster to chew on.
    • As with the other foods, feed the grains in small bits to your dwarf hamster.
  5. Treats are another good way to add variety to what your dwarf hamster eats every day. Commercial hamster treats are available at your local pet store.
    • Your pet store may carry “yogurt drops” for hamsters. These are very fattening, however, so your hamster should not eat them very often.
  6. Russian dwarf hamsters are prone to developing diabetes, so high-sugar foods, such as fruits, should be avoided. [17] Other high-sugar foods to avoid include corn, white bread, and white rice.
    • Some foods—raisins, potatoes, onions, garlic, sprouts—are toxic to dwarf hamsters and should be avoided.
  7. Your Russian dwarf hamster will need constant access to fresh water. Place a water bottle with a stem and ball bearing in your hamster’s cage, and replace the water every day. Attach the bottle to a side of his cage at a height where he can easily reach the stem with his mouth.
    • Do not put the water in a bowl. Your hamster would eventually turn his cage into a watery mess by drinking water from a bowl.
    8. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Enriching Your Russian Dwarf Hamster’s Environment

PDF download Download Article
  1. Environmental enrichment is an important way to keep your Russian dwarf hamster mentally and physically active. The more enriched his environment, the happier and healthier he will be, and the easier it will be to tame and handle him. [18] Examples of toys include empty toilet paper and paper towel tubes. [19]
    • Plastic portable tubes also make great toys for your dwarf hamster. You can purchase them at your local pet store. Keep in mind, though, that he could chew through the plastic—replace the tube when he’s chewed enough to cause damage.
    • You can also make your own hamster toys . Examples of homemade toys include ladders, hamster houses, and obstacle courses.
  2. When it is time to feed your dwarf hamster, hide or sprinkle some of the food morsels deep in his bedding or within another object in his cage. [20] This will encourage him to forage like he would in the wild.
    • You may notice that your dwarf hamster will stash food in different areas of his cage as a snack for later. [21]
  3. Chewing not only keeps your dwarf hamster busy, but also keeps his teeth filed down. [22] Your dwarf hamster would love to chew on wooden cubes. To add more fun, the cubes have holes on multiple sides that he can crawl through. [23]
    • Your hamster could also chew on a bendable wooden toy, which is made of rounded pieces of wood that are banded together. You can also twist this toy type into different shapes to create walls, platforms, and houses that your hamster could play on or in.
    • Give your dwarf hamster small, soft rawhide chews to chew on. [24]
    • Dwarf hamsters also like to chew on mineral blocks, which can last a long time.
    • You can find chewing materials at your local pet store.
  4. Exercise helps your dwarf hamster stay in shape and mentally alert. An exercise wheel will allow him to get plenty of exercise within his cage. Make sure the exercise wheel is solid—your dwarf hamster could get his feet stuck in wires and potentially break a leg bone.
    • If the exercise wheel starts to sound squeaky after a while, grease it with Vaseline where needed. [25]
    • An exercise ball will allow your dwarf hamster to exercise outside of his cage. Let him play in the ball for up to 30 minutes — not only will your hamster need a rest after about 30 minutes, but he may also need some fresh air.
    • Let your dwarf hamster run in the hamster ball in different rooms, but never near a set of stairs or open water, like a pool. [26]
    • Plastic flying saucers are also good for your hamster. [27] He can run on them like he runs on an exercise wheel.
    5. Advertisement
Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Handling Your Russian Dwarf Hamster

PDF download Download Article
  1. Having clean hands will keep your dwarf hamster from biting you when you pick him up. If your hands smell like food, then he will essentially see your hand as food and bite it to try to get a taste. [28] Wash your hands with unscented soap before handling your dwarf hamster.
  2. Creating a scoop with your hands will keep your dwarf hamster supported as you lift him up. In addition, by placing your hands underneath your dwarf hamster, he will probably walk onto them. [29]
    • Do not reach down into your dwarf hamster’s cage to pick him up. Your hand will remind him of a large bird of prey swooping down to snatch him up — he will be terrified by this.
    • Use slow and gentle movements when putting your hands in his cage.
    • Always speak to your dwarf hamster before putting your hands in his cage. Your voice will help keep him calm as you go to pick him up. [30]
    • Do not chase your dwarf hamster around his cage to get him to step onto your hands. Let him come to you instead of the other way around.
  3. There are important differences between your dwarf hamster’s nibbling and biting when you pick him up. His nibbles are friendly and are his way of exploring your hand. [31] Nibbles generally do not hurt.
    • Bites are usually not friendly. They are your dwarf hamster’s way of telling you that he is stressed, scared, or just upset that you haven’t handled him enough.
    • Hamster bites are usually faster than a nibble and are accompanied by a sound of distress, like a squeak. Bites can be painful.
    • Whether your dwarf hamster bites or nibbles, do not jerk your hand away. This could frighten him and make him wary of you. Gently blowing in his face and saying a firm "no" should stop the biting behavior.
  4. Russian dwarf hamsters have short memories, [32] so your dwarf hamster may not remember that you just held him the day before. Handle him each day so that he will not become distressed or upset with not being held enough.
    • Dwarf hamsters enjoy being handled. [33]
    • Do not let your dwarf hamster fall out of your hands when you hold him. [34] Prevent this by supporting his body and keeping him close to you when you lift him out of his cage.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Do you ever give a dwarf hamster a bath?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    No, it's better not to bathe hamsters unless it is 100% essential to do so (such as he fell into something toxic).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 81
  • Question
    What can cause two male Russian dwarf hamsters to fight?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    It is not uncommon for two male Russian dwarf hamsters to fight. However, you should separate them to prevent them injuring each other.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 18 Helpful 39
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Reader Videos

      Tips

      • Russian dwarf hamsters tend to be more docile than Syrian hamsters. [35]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Introduce new foods to your dwarf hamster’s diet one at a time. A gradual introduction reduces the likelihood of digestive upset. [36]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Unlike Syrian hamsters, Russian dwarf hamsters can be housed together. If you would like to have multiple Russian dwarf hamsters, either place them in same-sex groups or with one male and two females. Establish the group as early as possible to prevent aggressive behavior. [37]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Hamsters are prone to injures on wire flooring or in wire exercise wheels.
        Thanks
        Helpful 79 Not Helpful 8
      • Your hamster may bite you when you handle him. Over time, though, and with increased handling, he should stop biting.
        Thanks
        Helpful 76 Not Helpful 11
      • Cedar bedding can cause your dwarf hamster’s skin to crack. Do not use cedar bedding in your dwarf hamster’s cage. [38]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Take your hamster to your veterinarian if he develops diarrhea. Diarrhea could lead to dangerous dehydration in your dwarf hamster that could be fatal. [39]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Russian dwarf hamsters have a high risk of developing diabetes. Do not feed sweet foods to your dwarf hamster.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Determine the Sex of a Dwarf Hamster
      How to
      Convince Your Parents to Get You a Hamster
      How to
      Care for a Hamster That Bites
      How to
      Care for Winter White Dwarf Hamsters
      How to
      Care for a Hamster
      How to
      Hold a Hamster
      How to
      Make Your Hamster Trust You
      How to
      Feed Hamsters
      How to
      Get Rid of Mites on Hamsters
      How to
      Trim Hamster Nails
      How to
      Bury a Hamster
      How to
      Care for Dwarf Hamsters
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://netvet.wustl.edu/species/hamsters/phodopus.txt
      2. ↑ https://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-sheet/
      3. ↑ https://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-guide-for-russian-dwarfs/#Cleaning
      4. ↑ https://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-sheet/
      5. ↑ https://netvet.wustl.edu/species/hamsters/phodopus.txt
      6. ↑ https://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-sheet/
      7. ↑ https://netvet.wustl.edu/species/hamsters/phodopus.txt
      8. ↑ https://netvet.wustl.edu/species/hamsters/phodopus.txt
      9. ↑ https://netvet.wustl.edu/species/hamsters/phodopus.txt
      1. ↑ https://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-guide-for-russian-dwarfs/#diet2
      2. ↑ https://pethamstercare.com/food-diet/
      3. ↑ https://netvet.wustl.edu/species/hamsters/phodopus.txt
      4. ↑ https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=679
      5. ↑ https://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-guide-for-russian-dwarfs/#diet2
      6. ↑ https://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-guide-for-russian-dwarfs/#diet2
      7. ↑ https://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-guide-for-russian-dwarfs/#diet2
      8. ↑ https://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-guide-for-russian-dwarfs/#diet2
      9. ↑ https://russiandwarfhamster.org/dwarf-hamster-accessories-top-10/
      10. ↑ https://netvet.wustl.edu/species/hamsters/phodopus.txt
      11. ↑ https://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-sheet/
      12. ↑ https://netvet.wustl.edu/species/hamsters/phodopus.txt
      13. ↑ https://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-guide-for-russian-dwarfs/#diet2
      14. ↑ https://russiandwarfhamster.org/dwarf-hamster-accessories-top-10/
      15. ↑ https://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-guide-for-russian-dwarfs/#diet2
      16. ↑ https://netvet.wustl.edu/species/hamsters/phodopus.txt
      17. ↑ https://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-guide-for-russian-dwarfs/#diet2
      18. ↑ https://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-guide-for-russian-dwarfs/#diet2
      19. ↑ https://netvet.wustl.edu/species/hamsters/phodopus.txt
      20. ↑ https://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-guide-for-russian-dwarfs/#Handling
      21. ↑ https://netvet.wustl.edu/species/hamsters/phodopus.txt
      22. ↑ https://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-guide-for-russian-dwarfs/#Handling
      23. ↑ https://netvet.wustl.edu/species/hamsters/phodopus.txt
      24. ↑ https://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-guide-for-russian-dwarfs/#Handling
      25. ↑ https://netvet.wustl.edu/species/hamsters/phodopus.txt
      26. ↑ https://netvet.wustl.edu/species/hamsters/phodopus.txt
      27. ↑ https://russiandwarfhamster.org/russian-dwarf-hamster-care-guide-for-russian-dwarfs/#diet2
      28. ↑ https://netvet.wustl.edu/species/hamsters/phodopus.txt
      29. ↑ https://netvet.wustl.edu/species/hamsters/phodopus.txt
      30. ↑ https://netvet.wustl.edu/species/hamsters/phodopus.txt

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To care for a Russian dwarf hamster, keep it in a large cage that's at least 2 feet long and 16 inches deep or in a glass aquarium that's at least 10 gallons. You should also provide your hamster with fresh water and a balanced diet, including commercial hamster food, fresh vegetables, protein, and whole grains. Just avoid feeding your hamster high-sugar foods, like fruit, as well as foods that are toxic to hamsters, like raisins, potatoes, onions, garlic, and sprouts. For more advice from our Veterinary co-author, like how to safely handle your Russian dwarf hamster, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 282,562 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Nikki Wright

        Jan 1, 2018

        "I am surprised to learn that small pieces of chicken and egg white are appropriate. I have also found that handling ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement