Choosing a cage for a dwarf hamster - tips for beginners

Are you planning to get a dzhungarika? It would be wise to familiarize yourself with the rules for keeping the animal in advance and understand how to care for it.

Already have a hamster and have doubts about how to properly care for it? Read the article to the end, and you will have virtually no questions left about the care, maintenance and nutrition of the Djungarian hamster at home.

Proper care means a happy hamster!

Feeding rules

Before you figure out what to feed your Djungarian hamster at home to keep it healthy and active, you need to remember some important rules.

This:

1. The dwarf should be fed at the same time every day, preferably in the evening.
2. Inedible food residues that may become moldy must be removed quickly
3. The diet of the dzhungarik should be as close as possible to the natural one.
4. The Djungarian hamster's main diet should be grain mixtures.
5. In order to maintain the health of your pet, in addition to grains, you should feed the animal with fruits, vegetables and herbs.
6. The size of one serving is determined experimentally, but on average - 1 tablespoon per day.
7. A hamster can hide food, so it is worth understanding that an empty bowl does not necessarily mean a lack of food.

Djungarians eat both grain mixture and granulated grains. However, if you bought hard grains, then for a sick or young hamster they must be crushed to a mushy state.

Where is the best place to put a hamster cage?

A person’s apartment or house is a noisy and stressful place for such a miniature animal as a hamster. To limit the animal from constant stress, the cage must be placed in a suitable place.

It should be a quiet, secluded corner, protected from drafts, open sun and loud sounds. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation or wind will negatively affect the hamster’s condition (colds, overheating).

Memo for owners of Djungarian hamsters

1. The furry's home should be at a distance from the music center, TV and other noisy devices.
2. Temperature stability. Suitable indicators are 18-21C. When the mark drops below 10 degrees, individuals hibernate.
3. Protection from cats. Djungarians are an easy target for mustachioed pets; cages should be placed out of their reach.

Ready-made dry food

Brands of food for Djungarian hamsters are distinguished by their diversity. We will look at the most popular ones separately, then we will give some useful tips on choosing the appropriate option.

Description of popular brands

The most popular brands of food for rodents of this breed among breeders are as follows.

This:

1. Versele-Laga "Prestige Mini Hamster Nature" is one of the best foods made specifically for this breed of rodents. The diet of the Djungarian hamster must be balanced and the manufacturer has taken this nuance into account. The composition contains fruits, vegetables, proteins, nuts and yeast. If your hamster is overweight, you should choose pineapple with raisins from the food.
2. Chika-Bio “Food for Djungarian hamsters” is a domestic analogue, which, contrary to stereotypes, is not inferior in quality to the original. The ratio of ingredients and the size of the pieces are selected specifically for hamsters of this breed. This brand stands out for its reasonable price and good quality.
3. JR Farm Hamster is a universal food for hamsters. It stands out for its high taste qualities. Hamsters eat all the food without selecting the most delicious parts. It is also worth mentioning the composition of this product, which contains various sources of protein, the prebiotic inulin, which improves digestion, and yucca extract, which reduces odor.
4. Vitapol and Lolo pets. This brand should be stored in a separate glass container with a tight lid, and not in a bag. The mixtures are distinguished by the vastness of their diet, which will have to be diversified only in case of pregnancy, lactation, growth period, or mating time. The animal can live for a long time eating only this food.
5. Padovan Grandmix Criceti. Complete food. Vacuum packaging makes it possible to preserve all properties. For a fairly low price, the buyer receives good quality rodent food. The disadvantages include a lack of protein.

How to choose the right one

A hamster is not an exotic animal and there should be no problems finding food. But in any case, you should read the composition before purchasing. Look for a food with the most balanced ratio of ingredients so as not to compensate for the lack of protein with tasty but harmful additives.

As mentioned earlier, food should be the basis of the dzhungarik’s diet. However, additional food outside of the mixture will only benefit. That's why we provide detailed information about what hamsters can and cannot do in the form of a list.

Choosing a house for a dzhungarik

It is most convenient to keep and care for a Djungarian hamster in:

• cage
• dune
• large aquarium (with good ventilation)
• terrarium
• rack

Let's look at each option in a little more detail.

Cell

A cage is one of the most convenient homes for keeping a hamster. Most importantly, when purchasing, pay attention to the following points:

• The pallet is preferably plastic. Wooden is chewed, and it absorbs odors.
• For ease of maintenance, it is better to take it with a removable tray.
• Choose higher plastic sides: less filler will fly out of the cage.
• The rods must be metal (again, so as not to be chewed).
• Choose a cage with small distances between the bars. Djungarians are so small that they crawl between them, and it is impossible to keep them in such a house.
• The recommended bottom size for one animal is approximately 30x50 cm.
• Inspect the entire structure: there should be no burrs, sharp edges or protruding ends of the wire anywhere. The baby is easy to hurt.

Dune

Dunes for keeping rodents are becoming increasingly popular. And for good reason. The advantages of such houses:

• the sides are solid: no matter what games the Djungarians play, there will be no filler on the floor;
• even the smartest hamster will not be able to open the door in the “ceiling”;
• the upper part is transparent, you can clearly see what the animals are doing;
• small dunes can be used as portages;
• very easy to clean thanks to its simple and well-thought-out design.

There are also mixed options for keeping, which can be called “cage dunes”. Typically in these dunes, more sections of metal cage are inserted between the tray and the lid. This way you can increase the height and provide ventilation.

You can buy ready-made houses of any variety here (there are both budget options and luxury “villas” for keeping a pet).

Dune, cell and their hybrid.

Aquarium

Keeping hamsters in an aquarium is not recommended. The fact is that they are usually narrow and poorly ventilated. In addition, if the aquarium is glued together and not solid, poisoning from the glue is possible (rodents taste everything).

The advantage of keeping it in an aquarium is that you can clearly see how your pet plays. Children especially appreciate this. If you buy an aquarium that does not contain harmful substances and provide a flow of fresh air (forced ventilation), then there will be no harm to your Djungarian pet.

Terrariums and glass shelving

This is a good option for keeping (subject to a minimum bottom size of 30x50 cm). Everything is visible, very spacious and (in the case of shelving) takes up little space. The only drawback is that care is not very convenient. An excellent choice for breeding Djungarian hamsters, but for one individual there is probably no point in such a large house.

Houses made from scrap materials

Based on the size requirements (30x50 for one rodent) and ventilation, tiny options such as a jar or cardboard box are immediately eliminated: high-quality care and maintenance of a Djungarian hamster in them is impossible. Otherwise, complete freedom for your ideas. The main thing is to ensure sufficient size and air flow.

Not that I'm complaining, but isn't there something bigger?

Authorized Products

Fruits, vegetables, berries

Must be present in a hamster's diet. They will allow your pet to receive all the necessary nutrients naturally.

Your hamster can eat the following fruits, berries and vegetables:

• peaches;
• apples;
• apricots;
• bananas;
• pears;
• plums;
• blueberry;
• cherries;
• strawberry;
• rose hip;
• grape;
• gooseberry;
• currant;
• broccoli;
• eggplant;
• zucchini;
• radishes;
• carrot;
• turnip;
• not sugar beets;
• pumpkin;
• Jerusalem artichoke.

Greenery

It should also be included in the animal’s diet. It is important that it is fresh.

You can feed the rodent:

• nettle;
• salad;
• knotweed;
• wheatgrass;
• leaves of plantain and dandelion, young burdock;
• clover and wormwood, but in limited quantities.

Protein food

It is of particular value for the health of a furry baby, so you need to pay special attention to the amount of protein in its diet.

Include in your animal's diet:

• one percent cottage cheese;
• low-fat yogurt;
• boiled eggs;
• lean boiled meat.

Nuts, dried fruits, seeds

This is perhaps perhaps the most favorite food of hamsters. Therefore, do not deny him it.

Fluffy will like:

• sunflower;
• pumpkin;
• linen;
• sesame;
• cashew nuts;
• peanut;
• hazelnut;
• Walnut;
• dried apricots;
• raisin;
• dried pears and apples;
• banana chips.

Tree branches

It is also useful for dzhungarika to sometimes gnaw on branches of fruit trees. This is necessary not only for general health, but also for teeth.

Buy a Djungarian hamster, price

When choosing and purchasing a Djungarian hamster, you should pay special attention to important aspects:

• the age of the purchased pet should be approximately five to six weeks;
• the animal should not be apathetic and lethargic or overly excited and nervous;
• You cannot purchase a rodent if there is even the slightest doubt about its health status;
• The pet's coat must be dry and clean, without bald patches or bite marks;
• the rodent must have clean and shiny eyes without pus or discharge;
• there should also be no mucous or purulent discharge from the nasal cavity;
• The fur around the anus should be clean and dry.

Inexperienced breeders may make a mistake when determining the sex of an individual that is too young, so it is advisable to learn to distinguish a female from a male on your own. The average cost of an individual, regardless of gender, starts from 250-350 rubles . Dwarf Djungarian hamsters of very rare or colorful colors may cost a little more.

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Favorite treats

One of the main activities of a hamster is eating everything. Accordingly, if you want to pamper your animal, prepare him something tasty. I would like to warn you right away that many people offer recipes for treats containing cabbage, milk and cheese. But these products are included in the list of prohibited foods, so such delicacies will only harm the jungaric. So, what treat can you prepare for your Djungarian hamster at home?

Fruity

You will need fruits, various seeds, nuts and one teaspoon of honey and one grape. It is worth remembering that all food must be served without seeds. Also remove the peel from the fruit.

Combine honey with fruit pulp and roll in chopped nuts.

Banana

For this delicacy you will need oatmeal, raisins, nuts and, of course, bananas.

First you need to mash the banana, then add raisins. Then we form balls from the prepared mixture and roll them in chopped nuts and oatmeal.

Honey cookies

To make honey cookies you will need one teaspoon of honey, two tablespoons of muesli, one oatmeal cookie and 3 sunflower seeds, chopped carrots or cucumber.

The cooking process itself is extremely simple. Oatmeal cookies should be coated with honey. Then muesli is placed on top of the honey. We cover all this with crushed seeds and vegetables.

Djungarians are susceptible to diabetes, so you should not abuse this sweetness.

Cereal cookies

To make grain cookies you will need any cereal, chopped nuts, protein and seeds.

First of all, you need to mix all the dry ingredients, then pour the whipped egg white over everything. We form cookies from the resulting mass and place in the oven at a temperature of 60 degrees. You can also add protein to the grain mixture.

It is important to remember that hamsters are used to eating raw food, so you shouldn’t pamper them with cookies often.

The Dzhungarik is a rather whimsical animal, so some food is not recommended for consumption, and some can kill the hamster.

Feed with caution

The following foods are not healthy for your hamster. However, they are not mortally dangerous, which means that they are given to the animal in very limited quantities:

List of relatively dangerous products:

• rice;
• buckwheat;
• lentils;
• cucumber;
• tomato;
• radish;
• asparagus;
• celery;
• cauliflower;
• apricot;
• plum;
• nectarine;
• peach;
• grape;
• parsley;
• dill;
• boiled shrimp;
• boiled white fish;
• daphnia;
• gammarus.

Completely prohibited

Do not give dzungaria under any circumstances. If you break the ban, it will lead to the death of your pet.

Prohibited products:

• pasta and other flour products;
• legumes;
• almond;
• Brazilian nut;
• Pine nuts;
• apricot and cherry pits;
• chestnuts;
• acorns;
• melon;
• watermelon;
• potato;
• onion;
• cabbage;
• garlic;
• citruses;
• Exotic fruits;
• persimmon;
• elder;
• honeysuckle;
• branches of coniferous trees;
• sorrel;
• raw meat;
• sausage, frankfurters;
• cheese;
• milk;
• mushrooms.

Owner reviews

Despite the fact that experts do not recommend keeping several individuals of dzhungarikas in one cage, many owners of such pet rodents do not agree with this opinion. As practice shows, experienced breeders quite successfully raise Djungarian hamsters in “family pairs” in a common home. A domestic rodent quickly gets used to the hands of its owner, but in the absence of attention, it is also capable of quickly weaning itself, going wild and reacting aggressively to its owner.

To prolong the life of your pet, as well as save him from the risk of serious diseases, you need to be very careful about your diet, completely eliminating chocolate, sweet and salty foods, mushrooms, mint and sorrel, sausage and sausages, pasta and baked goods. . At the first signs of the disease, you should not make a diagnosis yourself, since a significant part of the diseases of the dzhungarika can only be correctly identified by a specialist.

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Diet preparation

Basic principles

The basis of the dzhungarik's diet is a grain mixture and water. With such a diet, a hamster can live for a very long time, even without any treats.

Fruits: should make up no more than five percent of the animal’s diet.

Vegetables: can be fed no more than once every two days.

Berries should be given no more than once a week

Any innovation must be introduced carefully and gradually. The same applies to changing the brand of food.

Watering

Water is a key component of the animal’s diet. Must be freely available. The water should not be boiled, much less distilled.

Vitamin and mineral water

Vitamin-mineral water is not contraindicated for dzungaria, but it should be added only if you make your own grain mixture. Such homemade food usually does not contain all the necessary components.

Is it possible to give gammarus

Hamsters sometimes ignore all protein supplements, but love gammarus.

Gammarus can be given to picky little ones once a week, a teaspoon. If possible, buy dried gammarus instead of fresh.

Is it possible to give food to cats and guinea pigs?

Cat food is usually given to hamsters as an additional source of protein. In addition, with its help, animals grind down their teeth. But cat food contains too much fat and too little fiber. A hamster may have problems even with a one-time meal; with prolonged feeding, problems with the liver may arise. The result is a categorical no!

Guinea pig food does not cause such catastrophic consequences, but the diets of guinea pigs and hamsters differ too much. Bottom line - guinea pig food can only be used as a supplement.

Reproduction of Djungarian hamsters

So how can dzhungarikas reproduce if they cannot be housed together? They need to be kept in separate dwellings, placed together only for the duration of mating (this can be done as soon as the female starts estrus). We perform mating on neutral territory or in the male’s house. To avoid making a mistake in choosing gender, read a detailed “manual” on its definition here. Otherwise, it may turn out that you looked after Khomka like Pushinka.

The ideal age for the first mating is 4-5 months. The period between matings for a female is at least 2.5 - 3 months. In total, a healthy hamster can give birth to up to 6 litters of small rodents; subsequent pregnancies are fraught with health problems for both the mother and the little hamsters.

When the female becomes pregnant, we seat the “newlyweds” back in their cages. A week before giving birth (maximum 5 days), we completely stop caring for the pregnant female’s cage and do not handle it. We just add food and water (do not forget to increase the content of animal protein in the diet of a pregnant Dzungarian female).

The birth of small hamsters will most likely take place at night and unnoticed. After a couple of weeks, add a separate water bowl and a smaller food bowl - small hamsters may be high up to "adult size". Babies can be placed 4 weeks after birth, boys and girls in different housing.

Try to guess where Khomka is and where Pushinka is...

Special cases

Weak, elderly animals

Sick and elderly hamsters should receive similar diets.

For weakened animals, grain feed, baby purees and cereals, ground to a mushy state, are suitable. It is convenient to hide medicine in such food.

Young hamsters

Young hamsters need more food, since their energy is spent not only on active games, but also on body growth. Baby food is perfect for newborn hamsters: fruit, meat or vegetable purees, dairy-free porridge. You will have to feed the baby with a pipette.