dwarf hamster supplies

Now that you have picked out the perfect hamster type for your family it is time to set up his or her home.

First of all you must decide where your new pet will live - a dwarf hamster doesn't need a lot of room, but they do need a space of their own. This space should allow Hammy enough room for burrowing, exercise, and separate areas for food and for a litter box.

There are plenty of options for hamster homes, from cages to aquariums, to specialty tube designs by various manufacturers. A quick online search will turn up many types of cages/homes made specifically for dwarf hamsters and other pocket pets.

In nature, a hamster burrows and digs tunnels to create a safe place to hide from danger and to raise babies. By placing a layer of bedding material in his home, you will allow your pet to do what comes naturally! You can use shredded tissue paper, wood shavings, or purchase a packaged bedding material from a local pet store. Be sure NOT to use cedar or pine as they can cause respiratory problems for dwarf hamsters.

A dish for food and a bottle that attaches to the side of your hamster's cage for water are two of the most important supplies you will need. Of course, in their natural habitat, hamsters don't use dishes - but since you'll be feeding the little guy, using a dish helps you know just how much food you're giving him each day. Hamsters like to store some of their food so even when the dish is empty, it doesn't necessarily mean that your hamster has eaten it all! You'll discover his food stores each time you clean his cage. When choosing a dish, stainless steel or ceramic is the only way to go - your hamster will chew on any other material and might get sick.

A water bottle is much better than a water dish for a few reasons: hamsters live a messy lifestyle and a dish can be tipped over quite easily, as well as contaminated by food and waste. Hamsters really do prefer clean water, so a water bottle with daily fresh water guarantees that your pet will be drinking all the water he needs. A glass water bottle with a stainless steel sipping tube is recommended.

People might think only of cats when they hear about litter boxes, but hamsters (and other small pets) can be box-trained. It makes a much nicer home for your hamster when there is a litter box that can be cleaned daily rather than trying to clean out messy bedding that has been used - not to mention how much easier it will be for you to keep Hammy's home clean and fresh! Just watch where you little guy chooses to do his business and place his litter box in the area where you see the most droppings. Straw, shredded newspaper or pellet cat litter is the best choice for your pet's health - once again, the dust from clay or 'clumping' litter can cause respiratory issues.

Exercise equipment can be a simple as a wheel to run on and as complex as a system of tubes and tunnels to climb and explore.
If you decide on a running wheel, be sure it's made for smaller hamsters, so your pet's feet don't get caught between the rungs. There are small wheels made for dwarf hamsters that have a solid running surface rather than rungs. This type of running wheel will ensure adequate exercise, as well as safety.

And don't forget toys! Chew toys are an incredibly important part of the supplies you will need for your pet. Hamster teeth don't stop growing so the little guys chew on things in their environment to keep their teeth filed down. Buying toys that are made to chew on will keep your pet's teeth healthy and prevent him from trying to chew things he shouldn't.

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