Here we can see, “How to Care for a Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster as a Pet”
Campbell’s dwarf hamsters are little, round-bodied hamsters with small ears and greyish-brown fur with a dark stripe down the back. They make low-maintenance, friendly pets, though they require socialisation and may be prone to pinching. They are also one of the fastest hamsters, making it tough to keep them under control at times. Nonetheless, Campbell’s dwarf hamsters are quite simple to care for, requiring only a simple diet and frequent enclosure cleaning.
Behaviour and Temperament of the Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster
Campbell’s dwarf hamsters are low-maintenance, quiet pets. They enjoy digging, tunnelling, and exploring throughout their waking hours. They are nocturnal but may be active for brief periods throughout the day. Most are pleasant and don’t mind being handled, especially if handled gently from a young age. However, if they feel threatened, some may nip. Furthermore, they might be difficult to handle because they are little and fast.
These hamsters will not bond with a person the same way that a cat or dog would, but many may come up to the edge of their enclosure if you’re close. In addition, unlike several other hamster species, Campbell’s dwarf hamsters are social with their kind. Therefore, they should be kept in same-sex pairs or small groups and introduced to each other at a young age. However, keep an eye out for any signs of hostility since they can become territorial. Also, they are so small and delicate that they should be kept separate from other household pets, including other hamster species.
Size Specifications
The Campbell’s dwarf hamster is only 2 to 4 inches long on average, and it weighs between 1 and 2 ounces. It will reach maturity at roughly 2 months of age.
Housing
As this will be your hamster’s central location for exercise and mental stimulation, provide it with as large a cage as you can fit and afford. The two major enclosure alternatives are a glass/plastic aquarium with a tight mesh top for ventilation or a wire cage with a plastic foundation. If you use wire, make sure the bars are close enough together that the hamster can’t fit between them, as these small creatures are notorious escape artists.
Include a nest or other structure in the enclosure for your hamster to sleep and hide. To avoid injury, include chew toys and an exercise wheel with a flat surface (not wire).
You can also include hamster tubes and sections for your pet to investigate. However, ensure they don’t take up too much space in the enclosure, especially if you have numerous hamsters. Tight spaces might increase the likelihood of territorial behaviour or fights.
Specific Substrate Requirements
A 1- to 2-inch layers of bedding, such as aspen wood shavings or unscented natural cellulose fibres, should be placed at the bottom of the enclosure. Wire flooring should be avoided since it can cause hamster feet to become inflamed. Avoid cedarwood or pine shavings since these can be toxic to rats. Remove moist patches from the bedding daily. And, once a week, completely change the bedding when you wash the entire enclosure with mild soap and water.
What Food and Drink Do Campbell’s Dwarf Hamsters Consume?
Food and water should be available at all times for hamsters. A little ceramic meal bowl is ideal because it is too hard to chew and too weighty to topple over. In addition, many owners prefer to keep a water bottle linked to the cage to keep the water sanitary. First, however, provide a water dish until you are certain your hamster is drinking from the bottle, and inspect the bottle regularly to ensure the nozzle is functional. Then, every day, fill it with fresh water.
Choose a commercial hamster meal developed specifically for dwarf hamsters. Consult your veterinarian about the appropriate amount to feed, depending on factors like age and size. After 24 hours, throw away any uneaten food. You can also offer your hamster other diets, but ask your veterinarian about the right sorts and quantity. Oats, carrots, and greens are a few examples. Feed fresh foods in the evening when your hamster is awake and hungry; remove them after a few hours to avoid spoiling.
Common Health Issues
Campbell’s dwarf hamsters are prone to a variety of health issues. Diabetes is prevalent in the species. Increased thirst and urination are symptoms, as is a pleasant odour to the urine. Furthermore, glaucoma is a prevalent problem in this species.
Furthermore, hamsters are prone to wet tail, which is diarrhoea caused by bacterial overgrowth in the digestive system. It is highly contagious to other rodents and must be treated with antibiotics as soon as possible, or the hamster may die.
Finally, hamster teeth develop indefinitely. And they can become overgrown, especially if the hamster’s surroundings lack chewable things to wear them down. Overgrown teeth can make it difficult for a hamster to eat, and you may notice it losing weight. A veterinarian can trim overgrown teeth and then advise you on how to avoid this problem in the future.
Training
The most common type of training for pet hamsters is hand-taming. When handling your hamster, always sit on the floor because even a few feet drop might be fatal. Also, make sure the space is secure in case your hamster escapes. When holding a hamster, never pressure or jolt it. If it becomes agitated, return it to its enclosure. Holding a favourite goodie might help your hamster create a positive relationship with handling.
Exercise
Exercise is essential for hamsters to avoid health problems such as obesity. A spacious enclosure and an exercise wheel should be enough to keep the hamster physically busy. You may also buy a hamster ball for it to roll around outside of its cage. Make sure the ball is the right size for your dwarf hamster, and constantly keep an eye on your pet while it’s in it.
Grooming
Hamsters groom themselves and normally do not require your assistance. However, if they have dirt or debris lodged in their fur, you can gently wipe the area with a damp cloth if they’ll let you.
Costs of Maintenance
Food and bedding will be the most expensive monthly expenses for a hamster. Expect to spend between $20 and $40, depending on your diet and bedding choice (plus the enclosure size). You’ll also need to regularly replenish chew sticks, nests, and other toys, which will cost roughly $10. Also, remember to budget for a yearly veterinary visit and emergency medical care.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Owning a Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster as a Pet
Hamsters are interesting, quiet pets that don’t take up a lot of space. They also do not necessitate a great deal of upkeep. However, because they are usually active at night, you may miss them when they are most active. They can also be challenging to manage due to their small size, quickness, and fragility.
Similar Hamsters to the Campbell’s Dwarf
If you’re looking for dwarf hamsters, go to:
Otherwise, look into other hamsters that could become your new pet.
Getting or Adopting a Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster
If you’re positive you want a Campbell’s dwarf hamster, find a trustworthy breeder or rescue group. Unfortunately, pet retailers frequently sell hybrids or misidentify this species with its relatives. Expect to pay between $15 and $25, though this can vary depending on age and colouration.
Look for a pet with sparkling eyes and a lustrous coat when selecting a pet. In addition, it should have a clean and dry tail. It should also be kept in a clean area where none of the other hamsters has any health problems.
Reproduction/Breeding
Local exotic vets may be able to direct you to a reputable breeder or rescue organisation where you can obtain your hamster. The main advantage of using breeders is that they frequently have a larger selection of younger animals, albeit their prices are often higher than rescues. If you purchase one from a pet store, the store operators may not correctly sex your pet. You could end up with a pregnant woman by accident. To avoid becoming a breeder by accident, always keep hamsters alone or with members of the same sex.
User Questions
What do Campbell dwarf hamsters eat?
Campbell’s hamsters are herbivores (folivores and granivores), meaning they eat seeds, nuts, foliage, and small invertebrates and insects. They also eat corn, oats, sunflower seeds, peanuts, dried fruits, dehydrated vegetables, alfalfa, minerals, and salts.
What do dwarf hamsters require in their enclosure?
Dwarf hamsters require a large cage with plenty of space, proper bedding, and entertaining toys. They require a complete hamster mix once a day and freshwater daily. They must be handled with care and cleaned at least once a week.
Do hamsters require a wheel?
Hamsters require a wheel to receive their daily activity. Therefore, a hamster cage must have a wheel. It is detrimental to your hamster’s health if you do not provide a wheel. Your hamster will be stressed and will not receive enough activity, leading to obesity.
Do hamsters require hay?
Every day, fresh hay can be offered. This encourages foraging and stimulation. Hay can also be used to supplement your hamster’s diet with fibre. Give your hamster a variety of grass hay, such as timothy, oat, orchard grass, or brome hay.
Do hamsters enjoy the dark?
Hamsters feed and exercise primarily at night. The darkness energises them and prepares them to face their “days.” As a result, hamsters require that the lights be turned off at night.
Conclusion
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