Dwarf Hamster

Give the same generous floor space as a Syrian, a minimum of about 5000 square centimetres of continuous floor and ideally more, with deep 20 to 30 cm bedding for burrowing. Add a solid silent wheel of at least 16 to 20 cm, a sand bath, hides and plenty of chews. Because they are small escape artists, choose a tank or a bin cage with very narrow bar spacing and a secure lid.

Feed a quality dwarf hamster seed and grain mix as the base, with small amounts of fresh vegetables and occasional protein such as a mealworm. Fresh water must always be available. Critically, Campbell's, Chinese and hybrid dwarf hamsters are highly prone to diabetes, so avoid all sugary foods, fruit and sweet treats and choose a low sugar mix. Feed small daily amounts and let them forage by scattering food in the bedding.

Keep them at about 18 to 24 degrees Celsius, away from direct sun, heat sources and draughts, and provide genuine daytime darkness since they are nocturnal to crepuscular. Maintain moderate humidity and good ventilation. Avoid sudden temperature swings, which stress these small bodies quickly.

Social needs vary by species: Roborovski, Winter White and Campbell's can sometimes live in same sex pairs or groups if introduced very young and given ample space, but fighting is common and separation is often needed. Chinese hamsters and many individuals do best solitary. All are quick and delicate, so handle low over a soft surface and build trust patiently rather than grabbing.

Deep bedding, a large wheel and multiple tunnels suit their busy, burrowing nature. Provide a sand bath, chew toys, cork bark, scatter feeding and safe clutter to explore. If kept in a group, offer multiple hides, wheels and food stations to reduce competition.