- Sugar isn’t good for your Winter White, because they tend to develop diabetes.
- Hamsters especially love carrots, but since they’re high in sugar, they should only be offered once in a while.
- Avoid almonds, as they contain cyanic acid, which can be dangerous.
- If you have multiple hamsters, give them all treats at the same time so they don't become competitive.
- Never give your hamster anything sticky. It could get caught in their cheek pouch, causing an injury.
What treats do winter white hamsters like?
- Fruit Treats. Often prepared with yogurt, these sweet fruity treats are easy to digest and a solid source of calcium for your hamster.
- Chewy Treats. Hamster chew treats are actually prepared with fortifying ingredients such as apple wood, which your hammie can nibble and gnaw upon to their heart’s content; strengthening their teeth ...
- Treat Sticks. ...
Are winter white hamsters better than dwarf hamsters?
The Dwarf Winter White hamster is a little bit heartier than some of its other Dwarf hamster cousins. For example, experts agree that they are less susceptible to diabetes, unlike the Campbell’s Russian. But that doesn’t mean Winter Whites don’t have their fair share of illnesses. Hamsters are particularly susceptible to tumors.
Do hamsters gain weight for the winter?
When the nights start to draw in and there are fewer daylight hours, hamsters commonly gain weight. This is due to an increase of melatonin and is a natural result of your hamster “preparing” for winter. The opposite happens when summer returns, as hamsters tend to undereat allowing their weight to return to normal.
Is a winter white hamster hard to handle?
Yes, Winter White hamsters are friendly and quite placid, they’re very easy to tame and make good pets. They’re also more tolerant to being handled compared to other species of hamster but they are quick on their feet and aren’t recommended for very young children. With that being said, they can be tamed to sit in your hand and be petted gently.
What fruit can a winter white hamster eat?
We'll go through some of the best dwarf hamster foods, healthy treats as well as the foods you should avoid....List of the best fruits for a dwarf hamster:Apple (no seeds)Banana.Blackberry.Blueberry.Cantaloupe.Coconut.Cherry.Grapes (seedless)More items...
What do white hamsters eat?
He can have treats from time to time, like fresh carrots, lettuce or other vegetables. Feeding him treats by hand will help form a stronger bond of trust between the two of you. Avoid fruits, corn or dairy. These contain sugar, which could cause your pal to develop diabetes, which winter whites are prone to.
How do you keep a winter white hamster?
Cup your hamster gently with both hands once they climb in. You want to avoid squeezing the hamster too tightly. Instead, form a cradle with your hands just high enough so that your hamster won't fall out, and hold it so it is facing you.
Do winter white hamsters like to be held?
Does the winter white dwarf hamster like to be held? Many winter white dwarf hamsters can learn to tolerate gentle handling quite well, though they never will be fully tame animals.
Can winter white hamsters eat carrots?
Can Hamsters Eat Carrots? Yes, but in moderation or just as an occasional treat because they are high in sugar. Can Hamsters Eat Celery? Yes, celery can be fed occasionally, but not too much to prevent diarrhea.
Can winter white hamsters eat apples?
The short answer is yes. Hamsters can eat apples provided you follow some basic rules of feeding apples to your hamster. If your hamster likes the sweet taste of apple, it can even become one of the best treats for hamsters.
How often should I hold my hamster?
Hold Your Hamster Often Once a day is often enough, but you can hold them up to three times a day if they are handling it well. Don't stress your rodent out too much, but don't wait many days in between sessions either.
Do winter white hamsters need sand baths?
Because hamsters naturally clean themselves, they shouldn't need sand baths. However giving your hamster a sand bath can actually help it clean itself. Additionally, whilst sand baths are allowed for hamsters, dust baths are not recommended, as they could give your pet respiratory problems.
How long do winter white hamsters sleep?
Hamsters usually sleep for about 12-14 hours a day1 but, unlike humans who typically sleep once a day, hamsters have polyphasic sleep-wake patterns.
Will winter white hamsters bite?
Do Winter White Hamsters Bite? Yes, hamsters can bite – just like most animals!
Do winter white hamsters stink?
These are marvelous pets and are very friendly and sociable. Do Winter White Dwarf Hamsters smell? They do not have any body odor.
How do you know if your hamster likes you?
If the hamster likes you, they will be interested in the sound of your voice. Watch the hamster's behavior when you walk up to the hamster cage and place your hand near it. If they show interest in you by coming up to you or looking at you, they like you.
What foods are OK for hamsters?
Romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, cauliflower, carrot tops, broccoli spears, spinach, sweet potato, squash, artichokes and any other dark green veggies are great choices. Avoid iceberg lettuce and other veggies or fruits—such as watermelon—that are high in water content and have little nutritional value.
What is the best food for hamsters?
The ideal hamster diet will include:Commercial hamster pellets (not a muesli-style mix). You can buy these in pet shops.Small amounts of fresh fruit, vegetables or herbs.Timothy hay. ... Occasional treats, like nuts, boiled egg or mealworms.You hamster will also need constant access to clean, fresh water.
Can hamsters eat bananas?
Bananas are not toxic for hamsters, and they can have bananas in moderation. However, the key word here is definitely “moderation.” Hamsters are very small animals, and they shouldn't be gorging themselves on any food. For a healthy hamster diet, they should only have good foods in small amounts.
What can hamsters not eat?
Foods You Should Not Feed HamstersApple seeds.Raw beans.Raw potatoes.Almonds.Citrus fruit.Garlic.Onions.Rhubarb leaves or raw rhubarb.More items...•
What Do Winter White Dwarf Hamsters Eat & Drink?
For your pet's primary diet, pick a commercial hamster food that's specifically formulated for dwarf hamsters. Follow the label and your vet's instructions for how much to feed. Hamsters should always have some of this food available, as they tend to graze. Many owners put a full day’s worth of food in a small ceramic bowl in the enclosure and discard any uneaten food after 24 hours before refilling the bowl.
How to buy dwarf winter white Russian hamster?
To be sure that you are buying a dwarf winter white Russian, get your hamster through a reputable breeder. Many reputable breeders belong to local or regional clubs (or to less formal groups) with members that breed and show hamsters in a particular geographic area. You can often meet breeders and buy hamsters at the exhibitor tables of hamster shows or pet expos.
How much does a dwarf Russian hamster cost?
They usually sell from $15 to $25.
How to keep hamsters happy?
Hamsters need activity and exercise wheels are a great way to keep your pet fit and happy. You can also provide climbing structures and tubes, but do not create a structure from which your hamster can take a significant fall. Tubes, while fun, can be tricky to clean. Also, make sure you choose a type that provides ventilation. Offer a little house or nesting box inside the cage for your pet to hide or sleep.
What should a hamster look like?
It should have bright eyes, a shiny coat, dry tail, and no nasal or eye discharge . Check the quality of the bedding to be sure it's clean, and be sure that your potential pet's cage-mates are in good health.
How to keep a pet warm in a tank?
Cover the bottom of the tank with 2 to 3 inches of soft bedding. Your new pet may enjoy burrowing into the bedding to stay warm, especially during the winter. The substrate can include woods shavings, shredded paper, or a commercial brand of bedding. Avoid cedar or pine wood shavings, since they release volatile compounds which may harm your pets. 1
How big should a hamster cage be?
Your best option is an aquarium-type tank for housing. While a minimum size is 24 inches long and 12 inches wide (about the size of a 20-gallon aquarium), a bigger tank is preferable. Be sure that the top allows for ventilation, and make sure it is secure.
How many hours of daylight does a hamster need to be in the winter?
Studies have also shown that the length of daylight, rather than temperature changes, causes the cross-over. There needs to be fewer than 14 hours of daylight for the fur to change color. While a domestic Winter White Hamster’s fur coat can change in the winter, the degree of change varies.
Why do you need to buy a small food dish for a hamster?
You’ll probably want to buy a small food dish for your hamster in order to prevent it from overeating, and to free up floor space.
Why do hamsters chew?
As we mentioned earlier, hamsters love to chew and gnaw. They need to do this because their teeth never stop growing!
How big is a hamster?
The better known Syrian, or Golden, Hamster reaches up to 7 inches long. In contrast, the Djungarian hamster is about half this size.
What do you need to provide your furry bundle with?
Besides food and drink you need to provide your you furry bundle with an environment that will keep him happy and healthy.
Why do hamsters turn white?
The switch over is nature’s way of protecting these little guys and gals. Once the color change takes place , they’re able to blend into the snow all about them , fooling potential predators.
Where do winter white hammies live?
The Winter White hammie is native to Russia . It’s is commonly found across its native habitat – including the wide open spaces of Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Manchuria, and shivery Siberia. Here they hide away in cosy burrows up to three feet deep.
What to use for winter white hamster?
The alternative is a glass aquarium for your Winter White. This is just as good as a wire-top cage and can make a great home for your pet. Just be sure to provide enough ventilation for the hamster inside.
Where do winter white hamsters come from?
Winter White hamsters originate from Asia. You’ll find these hamsters inhabiting China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. The natural habitat of a Winter White hamster is usually covered with snow which is why they have adapted the ability to change fur color as winter approaches.
What is a hybrid hamster?
These are Campbell’s, Winter Whites and hybrids. If Winter White and Campbell’s hamsters are bred together, their offspring is called a ‘hybrid’. These hamsters can be quite controversial in the pet industry.
How long do winter white dwarf hamsters live?
As mentioned, the average lifespan for a Winter White dwarf hamster is 1.5-2 years. Hamsters have fairly short lifespans in general and Winter Whites have one of the shortest lifespans of the hamster family. That being said, a shorter lifespan can sometimes be ideal for new pet owners or children.
What is the most popular hamster?
The Winter White dwarf hamster is one of the most popular hamster breeds out there and makes a perfect first pet. They are very closely related to the Campbell’s dwarf hamster and are often confused with this species but there are a few small differences that we will touch on. Keeping a Winter White hamster is pretty simple ...
How big should a hamster cage be?
The minimum is usually considered as 24 inches long and 12 inches wide . A 20-gallon aquarium is the equivalent of these measurements.
What to do with a hamster house?
A ceramic hamster bowl is also a must. The only other thing to remember is weekly cage cleaning! A weekly clean and bedding changeover is all that’s needed to maintain cleanliness in your cage. Try to avoid placing your hamster cage in direct sunlight and you’re good to go.
What to feed a hamster in the winter?
A few times a week, offer your hamster a few bites of a healthy snack like cauliflower, broccoli, diced pears, or banana. Sugar isn’t good for your Winter White, because they tend to develop diabetes.
How to keep a winter white dwarf hamster safe?
Also, hamsters are sensitive to heat, so keep it away from windows where the sunlight will be strong.
How big should a hamster cage be?
Choose a cage that's at least 2 sq ft (0.19 m2) and 12 in (30 cm) tall. Hamsters love to run and climb, so the bigger the cage that you can provide for them, the happier they’ll be. A 20 US gal (76 L) aquarium is typically a good size for a hamster cage, since at a minimum all sized hamsters need at least 450 square inches of flat land to run around on. A wheel can't be used as a shortcut for that, make sure it has a secure mesh top so your hamster can’t escape.
What is the best pet for a cold winter?
If you want a pet that’s relatively low-maintenance but still cute and cuddly, a Winter White dwarf hamster might be right for you! These tiny hamsters hail from Russia, and when they live in the wild, their coat turns a snowy white during the cold winter months. Although their coat may not change in captivity, they’re still adorable, and they often have charming personalities that make them great pets!
How to keep a hamster from getting stuck?
Opt for a plastic or glass cage over a wire one for safety. Some wire hamster cages are made with the bars too far apart to keep a dwarf hamster. Even if your hamster can’t get all the way out, it could squeeze its way between the bars enough to get stuck. A cage with smooth sides will prevent that from happening. Also, make sure you never use a cage with a wire floor, as your hamster’s delicate legs and feet could be injured.
What does it mean when a hamster squeaks?
Remove your hand from the cage if the hamster hisses or squeaks. This is a sign that it is afraid.
How to dispose of old hamster food?
Include a food bowl and a water bottle for your hamster. If you put your hamster’s food directly onto its bedding, it will be harder to dispose of old food when you add more. To avoid this, place a shallow tray inside of the cage, and place the food on the tray whenever you feed your hamster.
How big is a winter white hamster?
It measures 2 – 4 inches, weighs about an ounce, and has a life expectancy of 2 years.
What time should the winter white be fed?
Most hamster owners feed in the mornings or evenings. What’s important is that feeding should be done 24 hours apart.
Do winter white hamsters eat food?
Like us humans, winter white hamsters require their daily dose of a balanced diet to keep healthy. Finding food mixes that have been created with dwarf hamsters in mind is of the essence, as these mixes tend to be more beneficial when compared to regular Syrian mixes. A spoon of food mix is the recommended daily requirement for a hamster, together with an appropriate amount of treats at intervals. These treats are in a variety of plants, seeds, nuts, insects, and fresh fruits.
Do winter whites like to be around you?
Winter whites are generally friendly; however, if you’ve never come across one, handling it for the first time might seem a bit da unting. But not to worry, we’ve got you covered. Below are all the tips you need to get your little cutie comfortable around you and to create a trusting bond with them.
What to feed a hamster?
Be patient, as the time it takes each hamster to feel comfortable varies. Treats might include bananas, cabbage, carrots, dried fruit, or spinach . Do not give them any acidic snack, such as citrus fruit.
How to get hamster to eat treats?
Put the treat on the cage floor if it won't take it from your hand. It may take a few tries before your hamster will eat the treat directly from your hand. After it sniffs your hand, let it sniff the treat and then gently place the treat on the cage floor a few inches away from the hamster.
How to get a hamster to sniff your hands?
Put your hands in the cage and let your hamster smell them. Move slowly to avoid startling the hamster. Hold your cupped hands toward the hamster and let it sniff them. If it doesn't climb into your hands, you can try nudging it a little.
How to make a hamster trust you?
Feed your hamster a treat daily to build trust. Your hamster will start trusting you a little more each time, and eventually it will feel comfortable enough to take the treat from your hand. If your hamster remains anxious, continues to hide when you approach, or bites you when you attempt to handle it for several weeks, consider trying a different strategy. Or take it to a veterinarian to see if it’s agitated because it’s sick.
How to get a hamster to talk?
Begin to familiarize your hamster with the sound of your voice. Take a few moments each day starting with the first day you bring your hamster home to go by your hamster’s cage and talk gently to it. This will help it associate you with your voice and get used to the way you sound.
How long does it take for a hamster to reach your hand?
If your hamster does not approach your hand after 7 to 10 minutes, leave the food in the cage and try again the next day.
How to get a hamster to jump out of your hand?
Instead, form a cradle with your hands just high enough so that your hamster won’t fall out, and hold it so it is facing you. Lift your hamster 1 in (2.5 cm) or 2 in (5.1 cm) inches off the ground. If your hamster gets nervous and begins to jump out of your palm, you don’t want it to be high enough to injure itself.
What to feed a hamster?
You’re also going to want to provide your hamster with treats, fresh fruit and other hamster-safe foods (maybe even insects). This keeps meal time interesting and creates a balanced diet for your pet.
What is the best food for a picky dwarf hamster?
The Tiny Friends food mix is perfect for a picky dwarf hamster. It’s a great tasting mix of seeds, mealworms and other healthy treats. Having mealworms incorporated into the food mix really packs some extra protein and it’s the perfect way to get a dwarf hamster eating healthy without any fuss – all hammies love their mealworms!
What do dwarf hamsters eat?
Dwarf hamsters love their natural foods which is why sweet fruits are perfect for treat time. You can also provide safe insects, seeds and any other foods your hamster loves to eat!
How often do hamsters wake up?
The truth is, dwarf hamsters are active during the day, waking up every few hours for a stretch, drink and a bite to eat. In the wild, hamsters will forage for food during the night and wake up throughout the day to enjoy their findings. Morning feeds or evening feeds are perfectly fine, just keep each feed around 24 hours apart.
How to keep hamsters interested in food?
Mix it up! Keep food time interesting for your pet by providing different types of fruit veg and nuts on a regular basis. It’s always fun watching a hamster chow down on its favorite foods. Also, don’t be scared to reduce portion sizes if your hamster is on the larger size, or increase portions to fatten him up!
Why are dwarf hamsters so vulnerable?
Dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes. Their small bodies struggle to cope with high sugar levels which is why they’re so vulnerable. The main cause of diabetes is poor feeding habits and high-sugar treats that are provided by the owner.
How to keep dwarf hamster healthy?
The best thing you can do to keep your dwarf hamster healthy is provide a balanced diet. Use a mixture of the food suggestions listed above to create a nutrient-rich diet that’s packed with energy.
What vegetables should I feed my hamster?
Even if they’re the veggies your hamster should be eating, like cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, or chicory, if they’re not clean, your hamster shouldn’t have them.
What do hamsters eat?
A wild hamster's diet is made of vegetables, roots, some nuts, insects and even small lizards when they can catch them. In other words, hamsters are omnivorous and need a varied diet to stay healthy.
What to do if hamster is dehydrated?
The best thing you can do is take your hamster to an exotic animal vet if you notice your hamster is showing signs of dehydration, as by the time it is clinically apparent, it is very severe and your hamster likely needs fluid support. Read more about dehydration in hamsters in our health guide here.
What does almond do to hamsters?
These almonds contain emulsin, an enzyme, that produces essential oils, cyanide, and glucose. Compared to sweet almonds, bitter almonds have 42x the cyanide. If your hamster eats too much cyanide, it will kill them.
Why is chocolate bad for hamsters?
It’s also in the kola nut and tea plant leaves (so keep your hamster away from those, too). In hamsters, theobromine can lead to circulatory issues.
Can hamsters have diarrhea?
Instead, the hamster will come down with diarrhea. When severe enough, all that diarrhea can cause dehydration. In hamsters, excessive dehydration can kill. Your hamster’s eyes will look sunken, they’ll be weak and slow, and they won’t want to eat if they’re dangerously dehydrated.
Do hamsters like candy?
We hope this goes without saying, but your hamster does not want chips, candy, cakes, cookies, or any other junk food. The same goes for your cats, dogs, and other household pets. The high sugar and/or salt content in these foods can lead to upset stomachs, diarrhea, and dehydration.