Choosing a hamster
Make sure that the cage you find your hamster in is clean and isn't overcrowded. Make sure the hamster you choose doesn't have greasy or matted fur,has bright clean eyes, and is clean under the tail and in the ears.
Hamster Habitat
Tip: Before you bring your buddy home, set up her habitat so she can have an easy transfer. Your habitat must be atleast 12"x 12"x 12" and the wire bars only about 1/2 in apart so your dwarf hamster doesn't choke:( You can choose from; an aquarium container, a wire cage, or a plastic-wire mix. Your habitat must ALWAYS have;bedding-not cedar, heavy food bowl, water bottle, exercise wheel-if squeaky add a drop of olive oil, a hidey house, chew toys- many varieties like wooden blocks,cardboard roll, etc, nutritious food- probably should buy it from a pet store, and ,usually, hay- timothy, brome, botanical, oat, etc. Tip: Don't put your hamster's habitat near an open window or in direct sunlight.
Everyday Care
Hamsters are nocturnal so they will probably be sleeping in the middle of the day, wake up in the early evening, and go to sleep in the morning. Therefore, you should feed your hamster at about the same time every afternoon. Keep the bowl about 2/3 full and feed her minimal amounts of fruit and veggies every other days. The water bottle should be filled everyday with fresh,clean water.
Taming
In the first few weeks, your hamster will be a little weary of you and might bite if you try to pick her up too early. First, try sticking your hand in and letting her sniff it, she will most likely run away afterwards. Eventually, you can try gently picking her up, don't squeeze her too tight, but don't let her get out of your hands which is ESPECIALLY easy for dwarf hamsters.
Playing
Once you earn the trust of your hamster, it will love to climb around on you. You can also put your hamster in a hamster ball and let her roll around inside- but ALWAYS supervise them!
Cleaning
Hamsters generally do their business in 1 or 2 certain spots in their habitat. Therefore, every week or two, spot clean her habitat. Every month you should completely replace her dirty bedding.
Grooming
The best part about your hamster is that she won't require much maintenence! Everyday she will groom herself and it's really fun to watch them rubbing their faces with their little paws! If her coat starts to look dirty or matted get the corner of a towel wet and rub her with it.
LOVE *; your hamster