I would like to get a dwarf hamster. Some questions:

[MarthaX]

I think they are adorable. I saw a female dwarf hamster at the pet store yesterday and she was alone. She was so active just running around and running on her wheel-- it was adorable!

I'm wanting to know some things first:

From what I understand, some (or just one kind?) hamsters must be kept alone, but is this that kind?

Secondly, if not then how many to pair it with?

I thought the female looked so active and I liked that about it. But how are the males? Which are better to have? (such as which have less issues with possible fighting or this or that. Also, which is more active or if the activeness is out of hand?)

Any other things I should know first that I may not find out right away?


Thanks so much

[dwankrista]

i'll give your questions my best shot: :)

1. dwarves, unlike syrian hamsters, are social and it is recommended to keep them in same sex pairs or small groups. it is best to adopt littermates to reduce chances of fighting. however, don't be fooled by their small size. they need large setups, especially multiple hams, to ward off any chance of fighting for territory. the little ones will often squabble but the gener rule of thumb is no blood, no foul. if you see injury in your pair or colony it's time to separate.

2. i always keep trios as i find it is best should one pass. you do not run the risk of a lonely ham left with the passing of his/her tankmate.

3. i don't find any difference between males or females, but i can only go by my boys and the colony of girls a friend of mine has. both are sweet, active, and have their grumpy little moody moments. i don't notice a difference in activity, but each ham is different and has its own individual personality. out of my three boys not one is even close to the other in personality, activity, preferences, etc.

as for other things the main thing to know is the type of dwarf the hamster is. if you do a quick google search you will see there are campbell dwarves, winter whites, robos and chinese. each species should only be housed with members of the same species. also, campbells have a high risk of diabetes and cannot be fed corn, carrots, peas, fruits, or any other sugary treats including most storebought ones.

dwarves are darling and certainly wonderful little critters. i hope this helped some and if you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask. :)

[LMDH]

Some good info there by Dwan.

If you are housing multiple hamsters you must always have a 'stand-by tank' incase of fighting. This doesnt have to be big, just enough to keep a bullied hamster content until proper living arrangements can be sorted. I keep a few plastic stacking boxes for this, they are easy to store and can be prepared in an instant.

For me, males work best in all the dwarf species as for as colonies go. Obviously they are all individual so different hamsters react differently, but on average males seem to do better in groups than females.

One thing I did notice was that you mentioned this hamster was on her own. You may find it difficult to pair her up depending on how long she has been on her own. It would be best to introduce two young females to her. But you must remember that she may not like the hamsters you choose for her to live with. If she is happy on her own, then perhaps she may be better on her own with your company. Personally I try to keep all my dwarfs in groups but they can be ok on their own.

If she is indeed female, take into account she may be pregnant. If the pet shop havent been careful there is always a small chance of you ending up with pinkies.

[bubblz]

Before trusting a pet store to be competent in sexing hammies I would do some research and double check before taking anyone home. You do not want to breed pet store hammies, it's generally a bad idea as you do not know their backgrounds or if they're related (among many other things)

[TiaMaria]

I agree with Bubblz, also if you get one and you need diagrams on how to sex properly Moos and I have some excellent photos that will show you! :)