Basic setup for a Dwarf Hamster
This basic setup is intended for one dwarf hamster, so not for dwarf hamsters that are kept together in a pair or group (Campbelli, Roborovski). We understand better than anyone that you sometimes can't see the forest for the trees, that's why we're happy to lend a helping hand. Below you will find products that we recommend as a good basis for dwarf hamsters. Of course... tastes differ, that's why we kept it as natural as possible. Below we will explain our choices.
Dwarf hamster cage
We have chosen a glass enclosure with sliding doors at the front for the dwarf hamster. Because dwarf hamsters are prey animals, they do not like to be approached from above, which is why we have chosen an enclosure where the animals are approached from the front. This will also help a lot with taming new animals because they are not easily frightened by you when you come from the front. The terrarium also has very good ventilation thanks to the two grids (top and bottom).
The minimum dimensions for a dwarf hamster enclosure are 100 x 40 cm.
Ground cover
As a substrate we have chosen below for the Cotton N Cotton , this is a very pleasant substrate that is very well accepted by all dwarf hamsters. Thanks to the good absorption this substrate also saves a lot of time and money for the owner!
Sleeping houses
Dwarf hamsters prefer one sleeping house and multiple shelters. We have chosen the corner house because it is very practical to place in a corner. This saves space in the enclosure. However, dwarf hamsters like multiple houses, which is why we have added this natural-looking igloo house to the basic equipment. Your dwarf hamster will thank you!
Nesting material
Dwarf hamsters are real nest builders, so the animals always need nesting material to be able to show their natural behavior. We have chosen kapok as nesting material, but cotton or hemp nesting material would also work. Kapok is nice and warm and dwarf hamsters like to line their nest with it.
Running wheel
As an exercise wheel, we have chosen the popular Forest exercise wheel. This exercise wheel actually fits into any natural interior and is large enough for dwarf hamsters. The disadvantage of wood is that it gets dirty faster, but fortunately we have solved that problem with the CSI Spray . It is also possible to varnish a wooden exercise wheel, which makes it water-repellent. Unfortunately, not every type of varnish is suitable for this, but fortunately we have one that is 100% safe for animals -> Clear varnish
Nice bonus! The nails wear down well through a wooden running wheel
Dwarf hamster food
Of course your dwarf hamster also needs food, but not just any food, the best food! We have researched for you which food this is. We have listed all the foods and compared the compositions with each other. The Bunny Nature Dwarf Hamster Expert has come out on top and therefore it should not be missing in the basic equipment.
Harvest
In the wild, dwarf hamsters spend a large part of their time gathering food. They often go into the fields and take different types of seeds with them in their cheek pouches. Gathering (also called harvesting) seeds is part of the animals' natural behavior. We have looked very specifically at which plant species promote this behavior and the linseed plant is one of them, so let the harvesting begin!
Rodent material
As gnawing material we have chosen responsible gnawing material consisting of 100% natural hazelnut wood sprinkled with dried vegetables and herbs. The animals like to nibble on it and can also frame their teeth in this way.
Snack
As a snack we have dried mealworms. Dwarf hamsters love dried mealworms! Dwarf hamsters are mainly granivores (seed eaters), but in the wild they also eat proteins in the form of worms, beetles, snails etc. It is therefore good to supplement their diet at home with dried mealworms for example. The worms also work very well with new animals to attract them to you.
Drinking bottle
They are the simplest bottles, but they work the best!
Drinking bottle holder
Nowadays we mainly keep dwarf hamsters in glass enclosures and it is a nightmare to put a bottle in there, which is why we have developed special drinking bottle holders that you can easily attach to the glass with a magnet.
Moss
Almost finally we added moss. You are probably wondering what added value this has. It looks beautiful in an enclosure and the animals like to walk over it. In addition, you can use the moss part very nicely as a solid surface for a food bowl or to put something tasty on.
Sandbox
Dwarf hamsters love sand bathing, so we have added a ready-made natural sandbox plus sand to this basic concept.
If you really want to Hamsterscape, more is needed, which we will show in the other articles that can be found in the inspiration category. But now you have the basis from which you can build further. Below you can view the products and easily order what you like! If you have any questions or need help, we are of course happy to help you!