Characteristics , Housing , Diet , and Other Information
Campbell’sdwarf hamstersare diminished , pear-shaped - corporate hamster with distinctly small ears and greyish - brown pelt that has a dark chevron flow down the back . They make fairly blue - maintenance and affectionate pets , though they do require socializing or might be prone to nipping . They are also one of the fastesthamsters , sometimes making it hard to keep grip of them . Still , Campbell ’s dwarf hamster are comparatively prosperous to care for , require a passably straightforward dieting and even enclosure cleansing .
Species Overview
Common Name : Campbell ’s dwarf hamster
Scientific Name : Phodopus campbelli
pornographic Size:2 to 4 inches long on average , weigh around 1 to 2 troy ounce
Credit: Westend61/Getty Images
Lifespan:2 to 3 years
Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster Behavior and Temperament
Campbell ’s dwarf hamster are in the main low - criminal maintenance , quiet pets . During their waking 60 minutes , they like to dig , tunnel , and explore . They are nocturnal but might be active for poor clock time during the solar day too . Most are well-disposed and do n’t mind being handled , especially if you start gently plow them from a young age . But some might twinge if they feel threatened . Plus , they can be a challenge to handle because they are so small and quick .
These hamster wo n’t adhere with a person like a cat or wienerwurst would , but many will descend up to the side of their enclosure if you ’re nearby . And unlike some other hamster species , Campbell ’s dwarf hamsters are social with their species . They can be keep in same - sex pairs or small group , ideally introduced to each other from a young old age . But always monitor them for any signs of aggression , as they can become territorial . Also , because they are so minor and fragile , it ’s best to keep them away from other family pets , including other hamster species .
Size Information
The Campbell ’s dwarf hamster only stretches around 2 to 4 inch long on medium , and it in the main librate between 1 and 2 ounces . It will mature at around 2 calendar month sure-enough .
Housing
Provide your hamster with as large of a John Cage as you could fit and afford , as this will be its primary spot to exercise and get mental arousal . There are two main options for an enclosure : a glass / plastic aquarium with a unafraid mesh top for ventilation or a wire John Cage with a plastic base . If you go with a wire option , check that the bars are close enough that the hamster ca n’t squelch through them , as these little creature tend to be escape artist .
Within the enclosure , include a nest or other structure in which your hamster can sleep and hide . Also , add chew toys and an usage wheel with a flat airfoil ( not telegram ) to prevent any injury .
You also can include hamster tubes and compartments for your pet to search . But verify they do n’t take up too much quad , specially if you have multiple hamsters in the inclosure . rigorous spaces can lead to a mellow chance of territorial behaviors or fighting .
Specific Substrate Needs
The bottom of the enclosure should have a 1- to 2 - in layer of bedding , such as aspen woodwind shavings or unscented raw cellulose character . Avoid conducting wire flooring , as it can damage tender hamster foot . Also , keep off cedar Ellen Price Wood or pine grazing , as these can be harmful to rodents . bump off wet stain in the bedding daily . And fully change the bedding weekly when you wash the whole enclosure with balmy grievous bodily harm and water .
What Do Campbell’s Dwarf Hamsters Eat & Drink?
Hamsters should have unremitting accession tofood and water . A small ceramic food roll works well , as it ’s too tough to chew and too heavy to pink over . Many owners prefer using a water bottle attached to the cage , as it helps to keep the pee more sanitary . But also provide a body of water cup of tea until you ’re trusted your hamster is drink in from the bottleful , and look into the feeding bottle regularly to verify the nozzle is run . replete it with impertinent H2O daily .
choose a commercial hamster food that ’s formulated for dwarf hamsters . Consult your veterinarian on the right measure to feed , as this can vary based on factors such as age and sizing . Discard any uneaten food for thought after 24 hours . You also can give your hamster some subsidiary food , again consulting your vet on the appropriate types and amounts . Some pick let in oat , Daucus carota sativa , and greens . It ’s good to run fresh foods in the evening as your hamster is waking up and hungry ; murder them after a few hour to prevent spoil .
Common Health Problems
Campbell ’s dwarf hamster are prone to some health problem . Diabetes is coarse in the specie . Symptoms include increase thirstiness and urination , as well as a scented smell to the urine . Moreover , glaucoma is another common condition within this mintage .
Furthermore , hamster are prostrate towet tail , which is diarrhea contribute on by an overgrowth of bacteria in the digestive system . It is highly transmittable to other rodents and must be treated with antibiotic quickly or else it might kill the hamster .
Finally , hamster tooth naturally develop continuously . And sometimes they become overgrown , especially if the hamster does n’t have enough cuttable materials in its environment to endure them down . Overgrown teeth can impede a hamster ’s ability to use up , and you might notice it lose weight . A vet can trim down overgrown tooth and then suggest you on how to prevent this trouble .
Tip
Not all veterinarians do by hamsters . So before even acquiring a Campbell ’s dwarf hamster , ensure there is a veterinary nearby who will see this animal .
Training
Hand - taming is the most vulgar training the great unwashed do with their pet hamsters . Always ride on the floor when palm your hamster , as even a drop from a few feet can in earnest harm it . Also , ensure the space is unattackable in vitrine your hamster unexpectedly gets slack . Never hug or jolt a hamster as you contain it . If it ’s sire antsy , set it back in its enclosure . It can be helpful to hold a favourite treat , so your hamster forms a positive association with handling .
Exercise
Exercise is vital for hamsters to aid prevent wellness issues such as obesity . allow a large natural enclosure and an usage steering wheel should give the hamster what it needs to be physically active . You also can buy a hamster Lucille Ball for it to ramble around in outside of its inclosure . assure that the glob is the right size for a nanus hamster , and always monitor your positron emission tomography when it ’s in the ball .
Grooming
hamster ego - bridegroom and broadly speaking do n’t need any help from you . However , if they get some dirt or debris stuck in their fur , you’re able to gently rub the expanse with a damp textile if they ’ll permit it .
Upkeep Costs
On a monthly fundament , food and bedding will be your essential cost for a hamster . Expect to spend around $ 20 to $ 40 , depend on your choose diet and bedding type ( plus the size of the enclosure ) . Every so often , you ’ll also have to replace mastication sticks , nest , and other toys , which will be around $ 10 on norm . Plus , make certain to budget for an annual veterinary checkup and emergency medical concern .
Pros & Cons of Keeping a Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster as a Pet
hamster are interesting and generally quiet pets that do n’t take up a lot of space . They also do n’t require an excessive amount of maintenance . However , they are mostly up at night , so you might miss them when they ’re at their most active . And they can be difficult to handle as small , agile , and flimsy animals .
Similar Hamsters to the Campbell’s Dwarf
If you are interested in dwarf hamsters , check out :
Otherwise , see outother hamstersthat can be your new favorite .
Purchasing or Adopting Your Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster
If you ’re sure you want a Campbell ’s dwarf hamster , go to a reputable breeder or rescue organisation . Pet stores often carry hybrids or misidentify this coinage with its similar relatives . Expect to pay between $ 15 and $ 25 , though this can variegate based on factors such as age and coloring .
When choosing your pet , look for one with bright eyes and a shiny coat . Its tail should be clear and dry . And it should be house in a unobjectionable environment where none of the other hamsters seem to have wellness issues .
Reproduction/Breeding
Local alien veterinarians might be able-bodied to point you toward a secure stock breeder or saving to get your hamster . The main benefit of breeder is they often have a wider option of younger animate being , though their cost are often high than saving . If you buy one from a preferent store , store owners might not accurately sex your pet . You also might inadvertently wind up with apregnant female person . To avoid accidentally becoming a breeder yourself , always keep hamsters unaccompanied or with member of the same sex .
These hamsters can be good darling for older small fry who are capable to deal them lightly and interpret that they are modest , quick , fragile beast .
Campbell ’s gnome hamster are comparatively low - maintenance with their primary guardianship needs necessitate daily feeding and regular cage cleanup .
These hamsters can learn to be comfortable with blue handling , though they do n’t always like to sit still for long .
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