Rotastak Hamster Cage FAQ – 3 Simple Tips on Introducing Dwarf Hamsters to Each Other

October 28, 2010 by  
Filed under Pet Talk

For the people who didn’t know, when you buy a new dwarf hamster and want to introduce it to those that you already have, it is not as simple as just putting the new hamster into it’s new home. Work has to be done to ensure that this newcomer is accepted and welcomed by the rest of the hamsters you already have. Thus I wrote this article, to share with you some steps and measures to take in order to prevent harm towards your new hamster. I mentioned dwarf hamsters because I’m not too sure about how to introduce the other breeds of hamsters. This is the method I’ve used for my own dwarfs.

1. The setup of the cage

(a) Essential steps have to be taken to setup the cage. You will need to get a separator of some sort (I’ve got a BBQ wire mesh) put it in between the new dwarf hamster and the existing ones that you have. This serves as a barrier to protect either sides of the cage. What I did was to stick tape across the mesh so that my hamsters can’t get over to the other side. I have a picture of this. Do leave me a note and your email address at my blog for me to send you a picture of how I did it.
(b) Because dwarf hamsters are territorial, they mark out their territory by this gland at the bottom of their belly. Therefore we have to make sure that the new dwarf hamster gets a fresh set of bedding to prevent it from feeling threatened with the scent of the other hamsters.
(c) Once done, you can put your hamster into the cage and make sure all the necessities like water, wheel, food etc. are readily available.

2. The getting used-to period

(a) The hamsters will be very curious to see who is on the other side of the cage. Mine tried to bite the the mesh and the good thing about BBQ mesh is that they can’t bite through it.
(b) If you hear squeaking sound made by the hamsters. Do not panic. They are just unfamiliar with each other and will stop after awhile. (Mine stopped after a week)

3. The follow up

(a) The job’s not done yet! For them to get used to each other we do it the passive way first. Every 2-3 days, swap their places. Meaning if hamster A is on the left now, bring it over to hamster B’s side and bring hamster B to hamster A’s side. This is for them to get used to the smell of the other hamster.
(b) When you do that, make sure that each hamster has enough food to eat. Best time to swap places is before meal time. This way, the hamsters will definitely not go hungry.
(c) After a week you noticed your hamsters stopped squeaking at each other, introduce them to each other. (ie. Taking the barrier away) Pay close attention to them as they might not be ready for each other. If they start scuffling, use your hand to separate them. This is a sign that they’re not ready to live with each other. Put the barrier in between them again and continue the swapping places for 3 more cycles.
(d) Hopefully by then, they will be able to live together harmoniously. If after 2 to 3 tries, your hamsters are still scuffling non stop, then my suggestion is that it is best not to let them live together.

Hopefully these 3 simple tips will be helpful to you in introducing your dwarf hamsters to each other.

Martin Sim is 23 years old and is the co-creater of http://RotastakHamsterCage.blogspot.com He is a proud owner of 8 roborovski hamsters, Hamsti, Hamoinee and their creations.

Get your very own Rotastak Hamster Cage or other pet supplies from http://RotastakHamsterCage.blogspot.com

Russian Dwarf Hamsters Vs Chinese Dwarf Hamsters

October 24, 2010 by  
Filed under Pet Talk

Russian and Chinese dwarf hamsters have been battling for ages. O.K. not really, but a battle of sorts has been happening. For a long time, pet owners have been battling with the decision between owning Russian dwarf hamsters or Chinese dwarf hamsters. I myself love both so much I would never be able to choose one over the other. In this article I’ll go over both kinds hamsters and a few of their differences and similarities.

The most noticeable difference between these two kinds of hamsters is appearance. Sure they are both very cute and very small, but they also look very different. The Chinese dwarf hamster looks more mouse-like than other hamsters. He actually has a tiny tail (about an inch long). He’s also more slender than the Russian dwarf hamster, who sometimes looks more like a small hamster-ball. They’re both around the same size, about four inches long, although there are species of Russian hamsters that are much smaller (the Robo Russian dwarf hamster only grows to about two inches long).

One of my favorite parts about both Russian and Chinese hamsters are their fur patterns. They both have oh-so-magnificent colors and patterns, but they are very different from each other. The Chinese hamster usually has a black line that runs down his spine and a belly that is white. Other Chinese hamsters have spots of color distributed across their backs. Russian dwarf hamsters, on the other hand, come in a whole slew of colors and patterns. This is because they’ve been bred specifically as beautiful pets for many generations. They range in colors from white to sandy brown to dark grey and have a number of different patterns that also including a dominant stripe down the back similar to that of the Chinese hamster.

Not only do Russian dwarf hamsters differ in appearance from Chinese dwarf hamsters, they also have a great difference in behavior as well. One major difference between the two is that Russian dwarf hamsters are more social while Chinese hamsters are sometimes a bit anti social and have trouble with their roommates (especially the females!). But although they may be a bit less social, the Chinese hamsters are also less problematic in that you shouldn’t have to worry about them nipping at you. This is something that the Russian dwarf hamsters tend to do more.

As you can see, Chinese dwarf hamsters and Russian dwarf hamsters are both very similar and very different at the same time. They are both great pets to own and I would suggest you give them both a chance (although Chinese hamsters are harder to find s

 

Now Pay Close Attention –

On the next page you will take a sneak peak at the upcoming release of this crazy $4,000 day system for driving herds of targeted traffic to any site, affiliate or product and dump wads of cash into your bank account using free traffic from the dark corners of the internet

[VIDEO] ==> $120k a month from this little method… Without paying a single cent for traffic.

So if you want to take a behind the curtain pre-release look at the free traffic secret that is about to shake the internet to its core then I strongly recommend you read everything on the next page before it’s too late!

Watch This Video ==> $120k a month from this little method… Without paying a single cent for traffic.

Seriously. You really need to see this. Don’t worry, there’s nothing to buy. Just an educational video :) It’s rare you get to meet a real super affiliate, someone who doesn’t sell this stuff for a living. … But is actually out there “in the trenches” doing it everyday. You just gotta watch it… $120k a month from this little method… Without paying a single cent for traffic.

Sexing Dwarf Hamsters – Part 1

October 8, 2010 by  
Filed under Pet Talk


www.AnimalLoversWeb.com Some footage to help in sexing dwarf hamsters, including both of our parent hamsters and some of their baby hamsters. We compare and contrast the male and females to help you determine the sex of your hamsters. To learn more about sexing hamsters visit: www.animalloversweb.com

Dwarf Hamsters running around

September 30, 2010 by  
Filed under Pet Talk


My hamsters getting playful while I was cleaning their cages.

Dwarf Hamster Toys That Should Be Avoided

September 22, 2010 by  
Filed under Pet Talk

Pet stores are filled with hamster toys of all shapes and sizes. While some of these toys are meant for dwarf hamsters other toys are meant for larger hamsters. Most pet stores sell a mixture of toys out of which some toys are not suitable for dwarf hamsters or even larger hamsters. This article will help you understand which dwarf hamster toys should be avoided when you go shopping for your dwarf hamster.

Tunnels and tubes definitely make great hamster toys but majority of these toys are made for large hamsters. Tunnels and tubes that are very large will scare your pet dwarf hamster once he goes inside them and he may not understand how to come outside it. Extremely large tunnels and tubes dwarf hamster toys should be avoided.

Many pet stores sell metal and acrylic ladders as hamster toys but the truth is that these toys are not suitable for hamsters. Hamsters definitely like to climb but they need flat lofts to climb and not ladders. Metal and acrylic ladders are suitable for birds and they should not be bought for dwarf hamsters since dwarf hamsters can get hurt while trying to climb on these toys.

Exercise balls are considered as the number one toy for hamsters of all sizes and this is true. There are various types of exercise balls in the market and some of the exercise balls available are not suitable for dwarf hamsters. Exercise balls that are too large are useful for dwarf hamsters since dwarf hamsters have tiny feet and they will not be able to use the exercise ball. Hamster exercise balls that have metal bars are not suitable for dwarf hamsters and larger varieties of hamsters since these balls often hurt the tiny feet of hamsters. Exercise balls with metal wires can cause your pet hamster’s feet to go red or get blisters.

Many people prefer buying acrylic exercise balls that can move on the floor. The truth is that most dwarf hamsters do not like these balls since these balls are basically a large dome with holes. Most dwarf hamsters get extremely scared when they are placed inside these balls since they feel trapped.

Hamster toys that are made using a lot of glue or small beads should be completely avoided since these toys can harm your dwarf hamster. Glue is toxic for hamsters even in small quantities and beads can be ingested by dwarf hamsters. Edible toys that have too much sugar should also be avoided since these toys are very unhealthy. Edible toys like wooden toys can be purchased provided the wood is safe for pet hamsters. Before purchasing edible wooden toys you should find out what kind of wood is used to make the toys and you should purchase only hamster safe edible wooden toys as many types of wood are toxic to the hamster little bodies. There are so many dwarf hamster toys available on the market you should have no problem finding suitable and safe toys for your hamster.

For the most complete and up to date information on the care and raising of your pet dwarf hamsters. Go to www.friendlydwarfhamster.com

~Cute Baby Dwarf Hamsters~

September 10, 2010 by  
Filed under Pet Talk


Give animals a loving home by adopting pets in need! And, support animal rights :)

How long do you keep baby hamsters with the mom and how long is the gestation period for a Dwarf hamster?

August 1, 2010 by  
Filed under Pet Talk

We just had and unexpected litter of hamsters they are at least 2 weeks old.How long do they need to be in the same cage as mom?They are eating regular food and drinking water and running up and down the ladders of the cage.
Also how long is the gestation period for the momma?We didnt get the daddy out of the cage until at least 2 days after we noticed the babies.We believe the momma may be pregnant again she has gotten very big , the first batch of babies are 2 weeks old.How old are they when they start to mate?

What treats are good for dwarf hamsters?

July 24, 2010 by  
Filed under Pet Talk

I’m getting a hamster and I just need to know everything. I already know what cage I’m gonna get, and ball, and bedding, and stuff. All I need to know now is what treats dwarf hamsters like. And it has to be from Petco or Petsmart.

Is a Campbells Dwarf Hamster different from a russian dwarf or are all dwarf hamsters the same?

March 30, 2010 by  
Filed under Pet Talk

I ask because I read that campbells dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes so should not be given fruit. Wondering if the same holds true for russian dwarf.

What is the difference in attitude in golden hamsters and dwarf hamsters?

January 13, 2010 by  
Filed under Pet Talk

I am trying to decide what hamster I should get and the Petco near me does not have golden hamsters but it has dwarf hamsters. I have heard that dwarf hamsters bite, but they are cute. So are golden hamsters, but I have herd that they escape! Help!