Care for Campbell's Russian Hamsters

The Campbell's Russian hamster is a friendly dwarf hamster that can be an enjoyable pet and companion. These hamsters are great for children over the age of 10 years. They are also a lot easier to take care of then a Syrian or any other hamster. They do better living alone as they do fight a lot.They do not smell like other hamsters. Here are tips for keeping your hamster happy and healthy.

Steps

  1. Purchase a suitable habitat for your hamster. Campbell's Russian hamsters are best housed in glass aquariums or tanks.Be sure there is a top that allows air in so the hamsters don't asphyxiate
    • Make sure the aquarium is at least {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}. long (0.9 m) and has an ample amount of "floor area." In addition to having space to exercise and burrow, your hamster must have ample bedding, food, water, hideouts, nesting boxes, wheels, and toys.
    • Secure the tank with a wire mesh lid to prevent escape.
    • Avoid cages that are sold for normal-sized hamsters. The Campbell's Russian hamster may be able to squeeze through the bars. Additionally, cages marketed specifically for mice and Dwarf hamsters such as CritterTrail are often too small, so the aquarium is the best choice.
  2. Place fresh, safe, and clean bedding into your hamster's living space. A 3-in. layer should suffice. If you wish, you can provide up to 4 or 5 in. of bedding. There are several brands of bedding available in pet stores. Shredded paper can also be used.
    • Do not use pine or cedar wood shavings. Wood shavings can contain harmful oils and cause a number of health problems for your hamster. The safe kind is aspen shavings which can be used without problem.
  3. Have all your supplies ready and place them inside the cage/aquarium. Make sure you have:
    • Water bottle. Place it in a corner of the aquarium using some sort of stand.
    • Nesting boxes.
    • Food. Tip: To occupy your hamster, scatter the pellets or blocks around the habitat for your hamster to forage for instead of placing food in a regular hamster bowl.
    • Toys. Provide at least some of the following: wheel, tubes, tunnels, ladders, wooden chews, sticks, hideouts, toilet paper rolls. A sufficient number of toys are essential to your pet's stimulation, health, and overall happiness.
    • Change out the toys in the habitat frequently to keep your hamster interested. Introduce new toys and bring back old ones.
  4. Limit the number of hamsters you keep from 1 or 2. Some Campbell's Russian hamsters can be housed in pairs if introduced to one another at a young age. For two hamsters, provide two water bottles, enough food for both hamsters, two nesting boxes, and enough toys to prevent territorial disputes.
  5. Obtain a playground or a playpen if you are interested in giving your hamster a space for "out-of-tank" excursions. A plastic storage bin would work as well.
    • If you would like, you can let your hamster explore a room. Remove all dangerous items (such as electrical cords) and block escape paths (vents, airways, spaces under the doors).
    • Make sure there are no cracks or holes in the walls.
    • Keep toys and food in their play areas.
  6. Purchase your Campbell's Russian hamster. They should not be bought from pet stores as you will almost always end up with a hybrid, not a Campbell's Russian hamster. Responsible breeders can provide you with a specific color or coat-type, if desired.
    • Avoid buying hamsters online.
    • If you are purchasing them from a pet store, go in the afternoon or early evening when they are most active.
    • Confirm with the seller that the hamsters are separated by gender. Responsible sellers will do this to ensure that female hamsters are not pregnant at purchase.
    • Ask your seller about the age, size, gender, and the temperaments of the hamsters. Aim for a hamster who is 4-6 weeks old (less than 3 in. long).
    • Healthy hamsters have a round shape and are alert and active. Dry fur, clear ears, and erect ears are other indicators of health. Be wary if any hamster has wet fur around its rump -- this indicates a disease called "wet tail," which can be spread to others in a living space.
    • If possible, place your hand inside the tank to test the hamster's temperament. Avoid buying hamsters that bite aggressively.
    • Bring your hamster home as quickly as possible to minimize stress and confusion.
  7. Leave your hamster alone for the first 3 to 5 days. Allow it to adjust and explore its new surroundings. Cover the aquarium with a light cloth, if desired. Provide the hamster with enough food and water for this period of time.
  8. After 4 to 5 days, lift the light cloth from your hamster's enclosure, alert your hamster of your presence, and start the daily chores.
    • Remove old food and spoiled bedding.
    • Change the water, put in fresh food, and change out some toys.
    • Acclimate your hamster to your physical presence. Begin "taming sessions" during the evening, when the hamster is most awake. Place your hand in the habitat and allow your pet to investigate. Be patient if it bites the first few times. Once your pet is comfortable with your hand in the habitat, invite your hamster to take treats out of your hand. Slowly encourage your hamster to sit on your hand, then try slowly lifting your hand up. Each step of the taming process may take a few days or a week. Let your hamster run away and explore. Never chase it around the tank. Leave it alone if it rolls on its back and bares its teeth.
  9. Once you have successfully tamed your hamster in its main habitat, you can introduce it to its new play area. Introduce it to the storage bin, the hamster playpen, and/or the safe room. Always supervise your hamster in any of these play areas to prevent escape or injuries.
  10. Clean the hamster's habitat every two to three weeks. Avoid cleaning the hamster cage every week. This can cause stress for your hamster. Move your hamster to a safe play area first. Soak toys in warm, soapy water. Clean the habitat with warm water and soap as well. When dry, place fresh bedding, food, water, and toys into the habitat for your pet to enjoy. Return your hamster back to the habitat.
  11. Keep your hamster away from other household pets.

Tips

  • Be patient with your hamster; taming takes time and patience.
  • Your hamster will need fresh food pellets or blocks and plenty of fresh water every day. Seed mixtures should be used as treats only -- hamsters may select the tastier portions and leave behind important nutrients. Follow feeding directions on the package.
  • For occasional treats, give your hamster pieces of pistachios, peanuts, bread, lettuce, or pieces of fully cooked meat or fish. Avoid sugary treats like apples, carrots, and sugary packaged treats. Introducing fresh fruits and vegetables slowly to avoid diarrhea.
  • Never grab or squeeze your hamster.
  • If your hamster becomes ill or injured, call your veterinarian.
  • If your hamster is dirty, dampen a toothbrush and brush him off. No special brush needed. Works for all dwarf hamsters.
  • DON'T FEED JUMPING BEANS TO HAMSTERS! This can cause injury and in the future it may almost kill them.

Warnings

  • Campbell's Russian hamsters are fast, so be on guard when they are playing outside of their habitat.
  • Separate fighting hamsters.
  • Do not house a male and a female together.

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