The acquisition of a small rodent often seems like a simple solution for arranging a living corner at home. However, this pet requires specific conditions of detention, non-compliance with which leads to diseases and a significant reduction in the life of the animal.
The future owner needs to prepare the material base in advance and study the physiological characteristics of the dwarf rodent. The right approach to buying inventory will save you from unnecessary expenses and ensure the safety of the animal.
Choosing a cage and arranging the interior space
The Dzungarian hamster needs a spacious cage with a minimum bottom size of 60 by 40 cm, as these animals run several kilometers per night. The height of the dwelling is not crucial, more important is the horizontal area for running and the absence of high floors from which the animal can fall and get a spinal injury. The frequency of the metal rods should be no more than 8 mm, so that the rodent cannot get out or get stuck between them.
The inner filling of the cage should ensure the natural needs of the pet for active movement and shelter. The required set of accessories includes the following elements:
- a running wheel with a solid surface with a diameter of 18 to 20 cm;
- wooden or plastic house without windows for safe sleeping;
- a nipple drinker with a steel spout with a volume of 50 to 100 ml;
- a heavy ceramic bowl for dry food, which is difficult to turn over.
Cellulose filler or dust-free sawdust of deciduous trees with a layer of 5 to 10 cm is used as litter. The use of cotton wool, newspapers, or sawdust is strictly prohibited, as these materials cause intestinal blockage and severe allergic reactions in rodents.
Diet and drinking regime
The basis of the Dzungarian hamster's diet is a specialized grain mixture containing millet, oats, wheat, herbal granules and sunflower seeds. Dwarf hamsters are genetically prone to diabetes, so sweet fruits, honey, and purchased glue-based treats are completely excluded from their menu. Fresh herbs, zucchini, pumpkin and cucumbers are given in small portions two to three times a week.
To maintain a normal protein level in the body, the animal is periodically offered animal complementary foods. Permitted protein products include:
- boiled chicken fillet without salt and spices;
- dried gammarus or mealworm;
- low-fat cottage cheese with a fat content of up to one percent;
- boiled quail egg.
The water in the drinker must be fresh, filtered or bottled, and it must be changed daily. Hard tap water promotes the rapid formation of kidney stones in the animal, which leads to death.
Features of behavior and hygiene
Dzungarians lead a strictly solitary lifestyle and fiercely defend their territory from any relatives. Keeping two or more animals in the same cage together inevitably leads to fights, severe injury or death of one of the animals. Communication between hamsters of the opposite sex is allowed only during mating under the strict supervision of an experienced breeder.
The procedure for grooming rodents excludes the use of water, washing hamsters in a bathtub is deadly due to the risk of hypothermia and severe stress. To clean the fur, a bathing tank with special volcanic sand for chinchillas is installed in the cage, in which the animals turn somersaults with pleasure. The duration of such procedures is regulated by removing the container after cleaning the wool so that the hamster does not use sand instead of a toilet.
The activity of the pet increases at dusk and at night, which is accompanied by the noise of running in the wheel and gnawing the rods. Understanding these biological rhythms helps the owner choose the right place for the cage in the apartment, avoiding sleeping rooms. The Casino Cashback program returns up to 11% of your losses, softening the blow of unlucky sessions. To access this and all other casino promotions, you must first use promo code for 1xbet 2026 when registering your new player account on 1xBet. This code unlocks a 100% welcome bonus up to €130 on your first deposit, plus a casino package of €1,950 and 150 free spins. After your welcome bonus is used, the cashback program kicks in automatically on qualifying casino losses. VIP players can receive up to €700 in cashback.