lilac fawn dwarf hamster

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Dwarf Hamster Care

Basic Care: Exercise

| Housing | Bedding | Nesting Material | Cleaning | Exercise | Teeth | Food | Costs | Handling |

Advanced Care:

|Things to Consider | Gender | Pairing | Housing | Baby Care | Campbells Dwarf Hamster Genetics

Female black mottled dwarf running on a Comfort running wheel.
black mottled female dwarf running in a comfort wheel

Exercise Wheel Tips:

  • Offer a safer, solid plastic wheel (not plastic with rungs)
  • Wire or plastic wheels with rungs or holes can pinch your hamster or even break a leg if the hamster's foot falls through while the wheel is in motion.
  • Wodent Wheels or Comfort Wheels are safe choices .

Exercise

My favorite running wheel for my dwarf hamsters is the comfort wheel by Super Pet. This wheel is quieter than traditional metal wheels and very easy to clean since it is solid plastic. It also has the additional benefit of not having any rungs with spaces that might break a hamster's leg if he or she misstepped. You can also use "exercise balls" as they do come in a small size especially for dwarf hamsters. If you use the exercise with or instead of a wheel, there are a few guidelines you should follow.

  1. Make sure the lid is secure. Dwarf hamsters may not climb well but they are smart enough to figure out if the lid is not locked all the way.

  2. Allow a hamster to use one of these balls for about 20 minutes before giving it a break. Hamsters love these balls and will be happy to keep running around...but remember, they do not have any water or food while in them. Putting them back in their cages at least for a few minutes will allow them to get water and food if they need it. Also, some hamsters will go potty in the balls and if you do not check on them frequently, it may get all over them. It is easier to give them a break. Most of my hamsters will "hold it" until placed back in their cages but it really depends on the animal.

  3. Make sure you clean the ball after each use with soap and water or other appropriate disinfectant...then rinse well.

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