Some Questions About Dwarves...

[yummy321pop]

As many of you know I'm considering getting a dwarf pair and I just have a few questions...

1. I have a CT2 and I just wanted to make sure that the bars aren't to far apart for a dwarf to swqueeze though. Are they? Imput from someone with a CT2? (I kept my syrian in there without any issues...)

2. I know that dwarves are prone to diabetes. What can I do to prevent that? What do you do if they have/get diabetes and how do you know if they have it (of course they'll be going to the vet but still)?

3. What are some real differences between syrians and dwarves? I've never kept a dwarf before but have a good amount of syrian experience.

Thanks ya'll!

[PetLuver21257]

1. Not sure about that, what are the measurements of the cage bars?

2. You can limit the intake of sugary, fatty, and oily foods in the diet. Like sift through the seed mix and take out the sunflower seeds, or most of them. You will know if they have it when their weight increases, when they drink a lot of water, and when they urinate a lot.

3. SYRIANS:
* The most obvious difference between Syrians and dwarfs is the size. Syrians average about 8 inches in length.
* Syrians come in a multitude of colors compared to the dwarf. They range from solids to calico. They can also be short-haired or long-haired.
* Syrians are loners. They cannot be housed together unless they are young.
* Syrians, when tame, remain that way, even if neglected.

DWARVES:
* Dwarfs often don't get longer than 3 to 4 inches.
* Most dwarfs (unless they are albino) have a dark dorsal stripe running from the head down to the tail.
* Dwarfs come in far fewer colors than Syrians.
* Dwarfs can live together or in small groups.
* Dwarfs tend to be more active than Syrians, but that activity level varies from hamster to hamster.
* Dwarfs, when not kept hand-tame, will become wild.

Good luck! :) :D

[yummy321pop]

Yes, I knew all the info on syrians but thanks for sunflower tip! I'll do that if I get a dwarf!

[PetLuver21257]

Yep! Good luck! :)

[LMDH]

A CT2 is fine for dwarves.

With diabetes, the hamster will usually lose weight not gain. They drink excessively and their urine has a very strong unpleasant smell. It can be controlled with a careful diet but not cured. It is also something that you cannot prevent as it is usually a genetic defect passed on from parents. Also is has been know to show up in a none-diabetic lne for no apparent reason. Its not a nice disease to experience, I have only had one cambell with it and it was heartbreaking. You will need to test the hamster urine regulary to minitor glucose levels to keep them at safe levels. Just try to ensure you buy a healthy hamster and hopefully you wont have any problems.

[Caitandcritters]

On the diabetes note... Unless you live in Canada, you don't have to be a freak about diabetes. Just be cautious, but never paranoid, you know? I make my own mix, therefore don't have to pick anything out, but even when I had store bought mixes, I didn't pick anything out.

If you get them from a reliable source, you should be ok. Just watch for increased water intake. And leave the sunflower seeds in. They have no affect on the developement of diabetes. Just make them chubby, LOL. I would however, remember the staple rule for any treats: moderation. They can have fruits and veggies, just remember, small portions. :)

The CT2's bars are just fine in size. You could fit a pair in one just dandy. :)

[Caitandcritters]

Hey, Sarah got there before me, LOL

;)

[LMDH]

If you get them from a reliable source, you should be ok. Just watch for increased water intake. And leave the sunflower seeds in. They have no affect on the developement of diabetes. Just make them chubby, LOL. I would however, remember the staple rule for any treats: moderation. They can have fruits and veggies, just remember, small portions.

Good call, as like I said diabetes is usually genetic therefore isnt normally triggered by diet, but can be controlled by it if the hamster does get diabetes.

[yummy321pop]

Thank you everyone for the helpful info about the food!

I really appreciate it. I think I probably will get a pair soon as the CT2 works out fine!!!

[yummy321pop]

Thank you everyone for the helpful info about the food!

I really appreciate it. I think I probably will get a pair soon as the CT2 works out fine!!!

[animalmagic]

Good luck getting a pair- make sure you're 100% definite on their sex before bringing them home (obviously!) and be sure to post pics! I'd love a dwarf pair, I really would. Jealous! :)