Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Preparing and Equipping Your Hamster's Habitat
• Method 2 of 3: Buying a Roborovsky Dwarf Hamster
• Method 3 of 3: Taming Roborovsky Hamsters
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Roborovsky's dwarf hamsters are quite cheerful, fast and adorable miniature creatures that usually grow from four to six centimeters in length. They love to eat and sleep, but they are also very active. They have a reputation for being the most agile hamsters. In addition, on average, they live a little longer than three years, but some of their brethren live up to four years.If you want to have a pet like this, you should first learn about how best to take care of it.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Preparing and Equipping Your Hamster's Habitat

1. 1 Buy a suitable nursery. The area of ​​the cage should be at least 0.3 m, but it is better to choose a larger cage if possible. You should take care of your hamster's house before purchasing a pet. The bottom must be firm so that your pet does not injure its legs, and the gaps in the cage walls must be small enough so that it cannot get stuck in them or even escape. You can also use a 75 gallon aquarium, just make sure the top is covered with a mesh that allows air to enter.
   • Unlike other species, Roborovsky hamsters can live in pairs, but you still need to have two separate cages available, in case the hamsters do not get along with each other. You should separate them immediately if they start a fight. It is advisable to buy them from one brood, if you still want two. You will avoid many problems if they grew up together. You should also make sure that you buy hamsters of the same sex if you don't want offspring.
   • Be aware that even hamsters raised together can quarrel and fight. Try not to house hamsters in groups to avoid this.
   • Never settle Roborovsky hamsters with hamsters of a different species, or in general with other animals - there will be a struggle for territory.
2. 2 Build a place to sleep in the cage. They love to burrow, hide, and dig, so make sure the litter is suitable for this (a 10–12 cm layer is sufficient). But litter with a thickness of 12-15 cm will be better.
   • Laying soft white cellulose fiber or aspen sawdust is also a good choice for your hamster's bed. If you use sawdust, never use pine or cedar sawdust, as they contain resins that are poisonous to hamsters and can cause health problems for your pets.
   • Avoid synthetic and long-fiber matting, as hamsters' legs can often become entangled in them, which can result in poor circulation.
   SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

   
   
   Veterinarian, Royal College of Veterinary Surgery Dr. Elliot, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal care. Graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. Has been working in the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

   Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
   Veterinarian, Royal College of Veterinary Surgery

   Pippa Elliot, an experienced veterinarian, advises: "In bedding and long cotton fibers, the hamster can become entangled, which is fraught with pinching of the limb, poor circulation and more serious consequences."

3. 3 Place a canopy tray in the corner of the cage, and don't forget the odor-neutralizing litter. Many hamsters will be happy with this place and will not stain the cage. This is optional.
   • Clean the tray regularly, or your hamster will refuse to use it if it gets very dirty.
4. 4 Provide them with food and water. Your hamster will quickly gain weight on a monotonous diet of specialized rodent food and greens. Use different types of food to keep your hamster free of any nutrient deficiencies. Remember that Vitakraft specialty foods often lack protein, so this diet should be supplemented with eggs and other protein products. Seed / pellet mixes, grains, just seeds, dried vegetables work well for your hamster, but do not use seed mixes alone, as the hamster can selectively eat the tastiest foods, which will lead to an unbalanced diet.
   • The hamster should be given about 1.5 teaspoons of sawdust or grains, or as indicated in the instructions.
   • You can feed it 2-3 times a week with tiny servings of fresh vegetables or fruits (such as carrots, lettuce, spinach, or apples). Scatter them around the cage for the hamster to feed on.
   • Never feed your hamster onions, raw beans, chocolate, or any junk food, as these can be toxic to your hamster.
   • Change the water daily in an upside-down bottle with a small feeding attachment attached to the bottom so your hamster can reach the water. This design will prevent accidental contamination of the water by the hamster and, as a result, his illness.
5. 5 Place toys and spinning wheel in the cage. Choose a wheel only with a solid wall, as the hamster will damage its legs in the wire wheel. When the hamster is in the wheel, make sure that it is large enough so that the hamster does not arch its back while running, otherwise it will have problems with it in the future. Provide your hamster with a daily exercise, but watch out. When it is not possible to follow the pet, it is better to remove the wheel so that the hamster does not harm itself.
   • Toys can be in the form of tubes, tunnels, shelters, toilet paper rolls, wooden chewing gum for sharpening teeth and bridges. Avoid anything made of soft plastic, which can lead to suffocation.
   • Never use stuffed animals or toys with any kind of filler. The hamster will most likely try to hide the material behind its cheeks to build a nest, but the fluff is dangerous and can cause suffocation. Use toilet paper as a safe option for your hamster.
   • Change toys in the cage every few days to keep them interesting.
6. 6 Think about how to decorate the area around the cage. By nature, Roborovsky hamsters are very curious little creatures, and they really like to run out of the cage to explore everything outside of it.
   • The special jogging ball will allow your hamster to move safely around the house. The main thing is to put the ball on the first floor of the two-level house so that the hamster does not fall, chasing him up the stairs.
   • There are special hamster playpens on the market where you can place a variety of toys and treats, but regular large boxes will also work, just don't use cardboard ones as the hamsters will gnaw holes in them and run away.
   • Hamsters love to explore rooms, so make sure they are free of dangerous elements and cannot be escaped. Remember that they can penetrate holes the size of their skull, so watch out for them when they are out of the cage.
   • Whatever play area you use for your hamster, fill it with toys, shelters, and treats. You need playgrounds that keep your hamster active and cheerful.
7. 7 Buy swimwear. Robo hamsters love to run in circles in a container full of sand. Buy sand for chinchillas, but not fine sand, as it is very harmful to hamsters. Choose a deep dish or bowl, preferably plastic, and fill it before letting your hamster roll in it. Hamsters love sand baths, while they don't like water treatments that tire them out, so you shouldn't even offer them one.
8. 8 If you buy two hamsters, then you will need to purchase two units of all things:bottles, shelters, toys, bedrooms, and so on. This will reduce the risk of fights. Also, do not use the upper levels, platforms and additional cages that are attached with tubes in the nursery, because this will also lead to conflicts.
9. 9 Clean the cage once a week. Remove everything from the cage and wash with hot water, you can use vinegar to get rid of the smell, but do not forget to rinse each area thoroughly. Replace the bedding as well.
   • Remember to clean your toys and wheel thoroughly as well.

Method 2 of 3: Buying a Roborovsky Dwarf Hamster

1. 1 Don't buy online. Once you find a home for your pet, you can bring your hamster home. Make sure you buy your pet from a reputable store. Do not buy online as you must see the hamster with your own eyes. You can take a hamster from the nursery - this will give your pet a second chance for a prosperous life.
2. 2 Go shopping for your hamster in the afternoon or early evening. Robo hamsters are most active at night, so to get a good look at them, visit the store late at night just before it closes. If you go during the day, they will most likely sleep.
3. 3 Take a young hamster, ideally 4-6 weeks old, they usually do not exceed 5-6 cm in size.
4. 4 Look for signs of health in your hamster. A healthy hamster is roundish, lively, active and agile. The eyes are clean, the ears are erect and the fur is dry.
   • Do not buy a hamster if the hamster has wet fur around the rump. Perhaps the whole thing is in the "wet tail", and, most likely, he infected the rest of the hamsters in the store, it is better not to buy them at all.
5. 5 Make sure the store separates hamsters of different genders, otherwise you can bring a hamster home, and in a week you will have a huge brood. Reputable stores should guarantee the sex of the hamster so that you can buy Robo hamsters in pairs with peace of mind without fear of reproduction.
6. 6 Ask permission to stick your hand into the hamster's house. It is important to check his reaction and attitude towards people on his territory. Usually they immediately run away, but if one of them crawls out of hiding and begins to sniff at your hand, then this is a sign that he is less afraid of people and it will be easier to deal with him later.
   • Robo hamsters are nervous and shy, so they need to be given a little time to dare to come up and get to know you.
7. 7 Buy a hamster. Keeping the above guidelines in mind, you may well be able to choose the best hamster. Choose one who has all the qualities described above and who has sunk into your soul.
8. 8 Purchase a carrier. The pet store may offer you a carrier to transport your pet home. In case you're not asked, bring a box from home with a little bedding, food, and a couple of toys. The goal of all this should be the most relaxed journey for the hamster from the store to your house.
   • Do not take cardboard boxes, the hamster can gnaw a hole and escape.
9. 9 Bring your hamster home as soon and carefully as possible. For a hamster, it is quite stressful when it is taken from its usual habitat. Move your pet slowly to its new home.
10. 10 Don't bother your hamster for the first few days. He needs time to adapt to his new home and environment before you start taming or picking him up. Be aware that some individuals may take longer to get used to their new home. Therefore, make sure to provide your pet with enough food, water and toys for these days, although soon you will need to change everything on a daily basis.
    • Cover the aquarium with a light cloth so the hamster can get comfortable on its own. This is a rather important adaptation period for him - if you disturb the pet during this period, it will take longer.
    • If you have friends, guests, or children at home, make sure they don't come close to the nursery. You will probably want to watch how the hamster settles in a new home, but Robo hamsters are especially prone to worry - they start to hide and get very nervous if you disturb them, so do not take the pet in your arms for the first few days.

Method 3 of 3: Taming Roborovsky Hamsters

1. 1 Make sure your hamster is awake before attempting to sneak into his home. Approach a hamster only if he is awake during the taming period, and indeed, after your pet has already got used to you. A sleepy hamster is disoriented and may bite if he is feeling angry or annoyed.To help the hamster get used to you, place a treat on your hand and give it to the hamster. If he runs away, try again later. After a few days of such feeding, place the treat on the palm of your hand. When he gets used to your hand, lift him 10-15 cm and put him back. After a few days, when he gets used to climbing, keep him up for longer, higher, and then take him out of the cage altogether. Robo hamsters are quite shy, so don't be surprised if the training process doesn't go well.
   • Always wash your hands before handling your hamster. They have poor eyesight and can accidentally bite your finger due to the smell of food.
2. 2 Train your hamster to do your daily chores in the cage. After a few days, you can start cleaning or repairing your pet's home. Speak gently to alert the hamster of your presence. Start cleaning daily - replace old food, toys, bedding and water. Also change the water in the bottle (bowl).
   • Daily cleaning will allow the hamster to get used to your hand in his home. Use slow and careful movements at first.
3. 3 Let the hamster sniff your hands as you clean up his home. Sniffing your hand and then running away again is typical for hamsters. Do not try to pick him up at this moment. Try offering him treats, but be patient and let the hamster get used to you at his own pace.
   • Alternatively, while training your hamster, place it in an empty box, place your palm flat next to it and let it sniff it. When your hamster has nowhere to hide, chances are he will climb onto your hand.
   • If the hamster runs away and hides, squeaks when you touch it, or rolls onto its back and shows its teeth, it means that it is nervous and it is better not to touch it for now.
4. 4 Respect your hamster's personality. Remember, all hamsters have different personalities. If after a couple of days the hamster is interested in you - great. If after a month of training he does not show any interest in you, this means that he will never have love for communicating with people, and you need to respect that. You can still enjoy your hamster by watching him play in the arena or run around inside the wheel.
5. 5 Play with your hamster. When your pet is no longer afraid of you, you can bring it to a specially designated play area in your house. Roborovsky hamsters love to play outside their home, they will be very happy if you let him run around the territory.
   • Keep an eye on the hamster if you give it a chance to explore the room. Your hamster should spend at least one or two hours outside his home, whether inside a wheel or in an arena, or just in a safe area, but under your supervision. Always arrange toys in the same way as in his house.
6. 6 Sit down while holding the hamster. If he is not unhappy, you can safely hold the pet and play with him. Since they have poor eyesight, they may accidentally jump off your hands. You should be seated so that the distance to the floor is close in the event of a fall.
   • In addition, you should keep both hands in the boat to prevent accidental falls.
7. 7 Keep your hamster away from other pets such as cats or dogs. Even if he is safe in his cage, he will still experience stress at the sight of them, and this leads to illness. Keep other animals away from your hamster's room.

Tips

• Don't bother your hamster when he sleeps. If you still need to wake the hamster, stroke it gently so as not to scare the pet and so that it does not bite you.
• Do not yell or speak in a raised voice next to your hamster. He will be very scared, which will lead to stress and illness.
• Roborovsky's hamsters are the smallest and fastest of their fellows, and due to the fact that they are very shy, they are difficult to train. Be patient.
• Make sure your hamster has a place to climb and hide.
• If you find a hole in the cage (about the size of a hamster's face), seal it up as soon as possible. The hamster can make a larger hole and escape.
• Before filling your hamster's bowl, look to see if its cheek pouches are full and if there is any food left in the cage. Do not overfeed your hamster!
• Be careful when handling your hamster. Give him time to settle in his new home. You wouldn't want anyone to poke at you and force you to do something in your new home, would you?
• Roborovsky hamsters are very mobile and active: provide him with entertainments like chewing toys so that your little friend does not have to be bored.
• Putting treats between toys is a great way to keep your pet entertained!

Warnings

• Roborovski hamsters are very difficult to catch if they escape due to their small size and high speed, so be careful and alert when playing with them.
• Ultimately, you will have to split up the couple who lived together because of the fight.
• Do not buy these hamsters for children under 10 years old, as these animals are very fragile and fast. They can also harm children and vice versa.

What do you need

• Suitable cage / aquarium
• A place where a hamster can hide, houses and pipes
• Litter
• Wooden chew toys
• One or two Roborovsky hamsters of the same sex
• Good specialized rodent food
• A clean tank of water (bottle or bowl)
• Lots of toys for social and physical development (no wire wheels or stuffed animals)