Russian dwarf, aka Djungarian hamster

The Dzungarian hamster is a very playful creature, which is good for children, they get used to hands very quickly, and like to tickle their shoulders and outstretched arms. The only thing is that you will have to get used to the eternal noise at night.

Two Djungarian hamsters

Need to know before buying

If you want your hamster to live a long and happy life, it is important to follow a few rules:

1. They quickly get used to the hands, but also quickly wean. Play with them, squeeze them, in general, do not keep them only in an aquarium, where they quickly run wild to the point that, at the sight of a human hand, they will rush at it and bite until it bleeds;
2. This is a kind of "family" animal, that is, it must have a pair of the opposite sex. Of course, a hamster can live alone, but this is wrong. In addition, in a pair they will never run wild, in any case, it will not come to bites.

Home preparation for hamsters

You should also take care of housing for rodents in advance. The Djungarian hamster does not require care in such large sizes as, for example, cats, but still.

Both cages and spacious aquariums are suitable for housing. But it is worth noting that they are not so stupid. A couple of months of watching you open the door, and one morning you will find an empty cage.

Although if the aquarium has tall buildings, they can easily jump over the edge. If this happened in your absence, then there are two scenarios:

1. Look for an animal under furniture that has low legs. They try to avoid open spaces, for their instinct there are more dangers. Rodents are very fond of paper and cardboard - if you have books hidden under your bed, you will most likely find them there;
2. The second option is much easier and faster - just turn off the light and freeze. After a maximum of five minutes, you will hear the rustling and clatter of claws. A couple more moments, and they will start to run out onto an open surface - then catch them. Don't worry, they won't get a heart attack from fright.

Let's go back to their house. The floor should be completely covered with sawdust, this is a general rule for all rodents. If sawdust cannot be used, we use paper, but sawdust is more preferable. Hamsters will then make nests from them and breed.

The next important rule is that they must have a shelter, whether it be a small house or a clay cave, which can be purchased at a pet store.

They will be able to hide there if the mood is bad, and just sleep during the day so that the light does not interfere.

And the last thing on the housing issue - be sure to install playgrounds, hamsters are very mobile animals. Necessarily ladders, a wheel for running, rope bridges, etc. So the life of a hamster will be much more fun, this is important for a caring owner.

If you are ready to follow these rules, then you can go to the pet store for a purchase.

Pet food

Of course, the Djungarian hamster eats as much as it lives. And they live neither more nor less - up to three years. There are cases up to four years, but the old hamster is very inactive, they just lie and look, so longevity among them is not welcome.

The hamster should eat in a strictly defined place, and not scatter food throughout the cage. A bowl is set in the corner, next to it is a bowl of water.

It is necessary to fill the feeder once a day, the drinking bowl - as needed, but the water should not stagnate, in the morning it is necessary to pour out the old one and pour in fresh water.

The hamster loves to eat the following items:

• Sunflower seeds, but only unsalted;
• Corn, but not canned;
• All types of legumes;
• Almost all kinds of fruits and vegetables. But there is an exception, we will dwell on this in more detail.

Products that our hamsters are strictly prohibited:

• Nothing sweet or salty! Honey, chocolate, biscuits are all in this category;
• Cow's milk and its derivatives - butter, cream, sour cream, etc.;
• Some vegetables - cabbage, onion, garlic;
• Some fruits - all citrus fruits, apricots, cherries, pineapples, pomegranates, kiwis and avocados;
• Watermelons and melons;
• Mushrooms;
• Mint, sorrel;
• And some human food - sausages, sausages, pasta, and most importantly - bread.

Of course, if a child feeds your pet something from the prohibited list, then nothing bad will happen to the rodent at a time, but regular feeding with these products, but problems will begin. No need to experiment with them.

Diseases of Djungarian hamsters

Although an unpleasant topic, but still no one is immune from sores, which hamsters have a lot of.

• The most common of the problems is dislocations, and sometimes even fractures of the limbs. As a rule, this happens while playing with a person, but it happens that the animal stumbles in the wheel at high speeds, and it is simply thrown out of there. If this has befallen you, then be sure to go to the veterinary clinic, self-medication is unacceptable;
• Cold and flu. Symptoms - sniffling, sneezing. Oddly enough, he can infect his master with this virus, and vice versa. Treatment - only fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins to boost immunity. There are no drugs, as such, in pet stores there are only vitamin dietary supplements;
• Eye disease. Symptoms, as in humans - stick together eyelids, conjunctivitis. In this case, it is necessary to wash the infected eye with slightly salted water. If at the same time the lens becomes cloudy, then a cataract has developed, this can no longer be cured;
• Sick teeth. Symptoms - the animal suddenly stopped eating. In rare cases, the front teeth simply grew too long. There is such advice that they can be trimmed with simple nail clippers, but still it is better to contact a veterinary clinic. If he just broke the incisor - do not worry, they will quickly grow new ones. They do not have caries;
• Hair problems. Symptoms - wool falls out in shreds. Perhaps the hamster has contracted eczema. It is also possible to be allergic to something in the cell. Professional help from a veterinarian is required, he will prescribe a course of antibiotics.

Hamster breeding

At home, this type of rodent breeds all year round. From 1 to 11 cubs of various colors can be born. Here he is, a Djungarian hamster, the photo will not let you lie.

As a rule, with age, the color of children may change, but basically it will remain so forever.

Pregnancy in a female lasts about 3 weeks, and the mother herself can be only 4 months old.

It is very important after giving birth to the female and offspring to provide calm and comfortable conditions until the children begin to run and play on their own! Otherwise, if the mother is stressed, she will eat all the offspring!

An interesting fact is that after giving birth, the female is ready for the next pregnancy in 24 hours! Yes, their life is short, but there is so much to do.

And remember - we are responsible for those we have tamed!

Djungarian hamster, cage escape