Winter white dwarf hamsters, also known as Campbell’s dwarf hamsters, are a small breed of hamsters that is popular among rodent enthusiasts. These little critters are active and playful and make great pets for people who don’t have a lot of space.
You may or may not know that they do require some special care in the winter months. In this blog post, we will share tips on how to keep your winter white dwarf hamster warm and safe throughout the cold season.
So – if you’re thinking about getting a winter white dwarf hamster, here is pretty much everything you need to know about them and how to take care of your new (or potentially new) friend.
Everything you need to know about Winter White Dwarf Hamsters
Winter White Dwarf Hamsters are one of the most popular types of pet hamsters in the UK. They are small, active, and relatively low-maintenance. However, there are a few things you should know about winter white dwarf hamsters, so to kick off, we’ve listed a few common facts and detail on their overall profile.
Winter White Dwarf Hamster colours
There are three different colours of winter white dwarf hamster:
– Sapphire – this is the most common colour and is a blue/grey colour with a white belly.
– Pearl – this is less common and is similar to the sapphire but with a light brown/beige tinge to the fur.
– Albino – this is the rarest colour and is completely white with red eyes.
Winter White Dwarf Hamster lifespan
The average lifespan of winter white dwarf hamsters is around 18 months, although some have been known to live for up to 2 years. However, the average lifespan can be affected by a number of factors such as diet, exercise, and overall health.
Winter White Dwarf Hamster size
As the name suggests, winter white dwarf hamsters are a small breed of hamsters. They typically weigh between 30 and 50 grams and are around 4 to 6 inches in length.
While they are not the smallest breed of hamster (that accolade goes to the Chinese Dwarf Hamster), they are still a very small animal. This is one of the many reasons why they are such popular pets.
Winter White Dwarf Hamster recommended cage size
The recommended minimum cage size for winter white dwarf hamsters is 24 x 12 x 12 inches. However, we would recommend going for a slightly larger cage if possible, as these active little creatures love to explore and play.
As with any animal, the larger the cage, the better. But if you are limited on space, the minimum cage size will do just fine as these hamsters are one of the smallest, they will still have enough space.
Winter White Dwarf Hamster behaviour
These hamsters are relatively active and playful and love to explore their surroundings. They are also known to be quite nippy, so it’s important to handle them with care. If you are looking for a cuddly pet, then a winter white dwarf hamster may not be the right choice for you.
Winter White Dwarf Hamster facts
– They are also known as Campbell’s dwarf hamsters.
– Winter white dwarf hamsters come from Mongolia, Russia, and China.
– They were first discovered in 1930.
– These hamsters are a popular choice for children as they are small and relatively easy to take care of.
– They are one of the most popular types of pet hamsters in the UK.
– The recommended minimum cage size for winter white dwarf hamsters is 24 x 12 x 12 inches.
– winter white dwarf hamsters typically weigh between 30 and 50 grams and are around 4 to 6 inches in length.
– The average lifespan of winter white dwarf hamsters is around 18 months, although some have been known to live for up to 2 years.
– Winter white dwarf hamsters are relatively active and playful and love to explore their surroundings.
– They are also known to be quite nippy, so it’s important to handle them with care.
Winter White Dwarf Hamster price
Winter white dwarf hamsters are relatively inexpensive, and you can expect to pay around £10 for one.
You can then pick up a hamster cage with a wheel and a bed for around £20, and a hamster starter kit with food, bedding and softwood shavings for an extra £10.
All in, you’re looking at roughly £40 for a Winter White Dwarf Hamster.
However, it’s important to remember that the initial cost is only a small part of the overall cost of owning a winter white dwarf hamster.
You will also need to factor in the ongoing cost of food, bedding, and vet bills.
Before you buy a winter white dwarf hamster, make sure you are prepared to take on the financial responsibility of caring for one.
How to take care of a Winter White Dwarf Hamster
Now that we’ve covered all the basics, let’s take a look at how to take care of a winter white dwarf hamster.
The first thing you need to do is set up their cage.
As we mentioned earlier, the recommended minimum cage size for winter white dwarf hamsters is 24 x 12 x 12 inches – these small hamster cages should give you an idea.
If you can, go for a slightly larger cage as these active little creatures love to explore and play. The next thing you need to do is add some bedding.
There are a number of different types of bedding available, but our personal favourite is softwood shavings.
Not only do they provide a comfortable place for your hamster to sleep, but they also help to control the smell of the cage.
You should also add a wheel to the cage, as winter white dwarf hamsters are relatively active and love to run.
Make sure the wheel is the right size for your hamster, as a too-small wheel can cause health problems.
The next thing you need to do is add some food and water.
There are a number of different types of food available, but we recommend opting for good quality pellet food, we have a great hamster food guide here.
You should also add a water bottle to the cage, as winter white dwarf hamsters are susceptible to dehydration.
Once you’ve set up the cage, it’s time to introduce your winter white dwarf hamster to its new home.
Start by placing them in the cage and giving them a few days to settle in.
Once they’ve had a chance to explore their new home, you can start handling them.
Remember to be gentle, as winter white dwarf hamsters are known to be nippy.
If you follow these simple steps, you’ll have everything you need to take care of your winter white dwarf hamster.
Just remember to give them plenty of love and attention, and they’ll be sure to return the favour.
How much does it cost to look after a Winter White Dwarf Hamster?
As we mentioned earlier, the initial cost of buying a winter white dwarf hamster is just a small part of the overall cost of taking care of one.
You will also need to factor in the ongoing cost of food, bedding, and vet bills.
A good quality pellet food will cost you around £10 per month, and bedding will set you back at around £5 per month.
Vet bills will vary depending on the health of your winter white dwarf hamster, but you should expect to pay around £30 per year.
All in, you’re looking at roughly £17.50 per month to take care of a winter white dwarf hamster.
However, the costs can vary depending on the specific needs of your winter white dwarf hamster.
For example, if your winter white dwarf hamster requires specialised food or vet care, the costs will be higher.
So, before you buy a winter white dwarf hamster, make sure you are prepared to take on the financial responsibility of caring for one.
How to handle a Winter White Dwarf Hamster
One of the most important things to remember when handling a winter white dwarf hamster is to be gentle. These little creatures are known to be nippy, and they can easily injure themselves if they’re handled too roughly. When picking up a winter white dwarf hamster, make sure you support their back end so they don’t fall and hurt themselves. It’s also a good idea to put them in a safe place, such as a hamster ball, before you start handling them. This will help to prevent them from escaping and getting lost.
Once you’ve picked up your winter white dwarf hamster, take a few minutes to let them get used to being held. And remember, if they start to squirm, put them down immediately. winter white dwarf hamsters are delicate creatures, and you don’t want to hurt them.
When it comes to handling winter white dwarf hamsters, the most important thing to remember is to be gentle. With a little bit of patience and practice, you’ll be able to handle your winter white dwarf hamster like a pro.
How to breed a Winter White Dwarf Hamster
If you’re thinking about breeding winter white dwarf hamsters, there are a few things you need to know first. For starters, you will need to find a suitable mate for your winter white dwarf hamster. It’s important to find a winter white dwarf hamster that is the same age and size as your own, as this will help to prevent injuries during mating. Once you’ve found a suitable mate, the next step is to set up a breeding cage.
The breeding cage should be large enough for the two winter white dwarf hamsters to move around freely. It should also have a nesting area where the female can build a nest for her young.
Once the breeding cage is set up, it’s time to introduce the two winter white dwarf hamsters. It’s important to do this slowly, as winter white dwarf hamsters can be aggressive when meeting new mates. Once the two winter white dwarf hamsters have had a chance to get to know each other, you can expect the female to start showing signs of pregnancy within a few weeks.
Once the female winter white dwarf hamster is pregnant, she will start to build a nest in the breeding cage. This is where she will give birth to her young.
Winter white dwarf hamsters typically have litters of four to six babies.
The babies will be born blind and deaf, and they will be completely dependent on their mothers for food and warmth.
After around two weeks, the babies will start to open their eyes and they will be able to hear. At this point, they will also start to explore their surroundings and play with each other.
Winter white dwarf hamsters reach sexual maturity at around four weeks of age. At this point, they can be moved to their own cage and they will be ready to start their own families.
Breeding winter white dwarf hamsters can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to be prepared for the responsibility that comes with it. Before you breed winter white dwarf hamsters, make sure you have the time and resources to care for them properly.
Winter White Dwarf Hamster feeding guide
If you’re the proud owner of a winter white dwarf hamster, you might be wondering what the best diet is for your furry friend. winter white dwarf hamsters are omnivores, which means they enjoy a variety of foods. In the wild, their diet consists of seeds, fruits, vegetables, and insects. However, most winter white dwarf hamsters in captivity do not have access to such a varied diet. So, what should you feed your winter white dwarf hamster?
The best diet for a winter white dwarf hamster is one that closely resembles their natural diet in the wild. A good mix of seeds, fruits, vegetables, and insects will provide your hamster with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. You can buy commercially prepared winter white dwarf hamster food mixes that contain all of these things, or you can create your own mix at home. If you choose to create your own mix, be sure to include a variety of different ingredients to provide your winter white dwarf hamster with a well-rounded diet.
A winter white dwarf hamster’s diet should consist of:
– A good quality hamster mix which can be found at most pet stores.
– Fresh vegetables and fruit (such as carrots, apples, broccoli, etc.) should make up around 10% of their diet.
– A small amount of lean protein (such as cooked chicken or boiled egg) should make up around 5% of their diet.
– Insects (such as mealworms or crickets) can be bought at most pet stores and should make up around 5% of their diet.
As winter white dwarf hamsters are such small animals, they don’t need a lot of food. A good rule of thumb is to give them 1 tablespoon of food per day.
How to winter-proof your hamster’s home
As winter approaches, you may be wondering how to best take care of your winter white dwarf hamster. After all, these little critters are sensitive to the cold and need a bit of extra care in wintertime. Here are our top tips:
1) Get a winter-proof cage: Make sure your winter white dwarf hamster’s cage is well insulated and draft-free. You can buy special cages designed for winter, or you can make your own by placing the cage in a warm room and covering it with a blanket or towel.
2) Give them extra bedding: In winter, your hamster will appreciate extra bedding to burrow into and keep warm. Choose a soft, insulating material like fleece or cotton wool.
3) Provide a heat source: A winter white dwarf hamster’s cage should be kept at a temperature of around 18-21 degrees Celsius. You can achieve this by using a heat lamp, heat mat, or ceramic heater. Just make sure the heat source is not in direct contact with the cage, as this could be dangerous.
4) Give them winter greens: Winter greens like kale and cabbage are a great way to add some extra nutrition to your winter white dwarf hamster’s diet. Just make sure they are washed thoroughly before feeding.
5) Keep their water bottle full: It’s important to keep your winter white dwarf hamster’s water bottle full at all times, as they are more likely to become dehydrated in winter. You may also want to consider using a water bottle with a built-in heater to prevent the water from freezing.
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure your winter white dwarf hamster has a happy and healthy winter.
Frequently asked Winter White Dwarf Hamster questions
What do Winter White Dwarf Hamsters eat?
As winter white dwarf hamsters are such small animals, they don’t need a lot of food. A good rule of thumb is to give them 1 tablespoon of food per day. The best diet for a winter white dwarf hamster is one that closely resembles their natural diet in the wild. A good mix of seeds, fruits, vegetables, and insects will provide your hamster with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. You can buy commercially prepared winter white dwarf hamster food mixes that contain all of these things, or you can create your own mix at home. If you choose to create your own mix, be sure to include a variety of different ingredients to provide your winter white dwarf hamster with a well-rounded diet.
Do Winter White Dwarf Hamsters like to be held?
Winter white dwarf hamsters are generally shy and timid creatures that do not like to be held. They are much more likely to bite than other types of hamsters, so it’s best to avoid handling them if possible. If you must handle your winter white dwarf hamster, make sure to do so gently and carefully. Never pick them up by the tail, as this can be very painful and may even cause injury. It’s also a good idea to wash your hands before and after handling your winter white dwarf hamster, as they are known to carry bacteria that can cause illness in humans.
Are Winter White Dwarf Hamsters good for beginners?
No, winter white dwarf hamsters are not good for beginners. They are much more delicate than other types of hamsters and require special care and attention. They are also more prone to illness and disease, so it’s important to be sure you are prepared to take on the responsibility of caring for a winter white dwarf hamster before you bring one home.
Should Winter White Dwarf Hamsters be kept in pairs?
No, winter white dwarf hamsters should not be kept in pairs. They are known to be very territorial and can become aggressive towards each other if they are not given enough space. It’s best to keep winter white dwarf hamsters in separate cages to avoid any potential problems.
Do Winter White Dwarf Hamsters hibernate?
No, winter white dwarf hamsters do not hibernate. They are active year-round and do not slow down or sleep more in winter. However, they may be less active in winter if the temperature in their cage is too low. It’s important to keep your winter white dwarf hamster’s cage at a temperature of around 18-21 degrees Celsius.
Do Winter White Dwarf Hamsters bite?
Winter white dwarf hamsters are more likely to bite than other types of hamsters. They are also known to be very fast and agile, so it’s important to be careful when handling them. If you must handle your winter white dwarf hamster, make sure to do so gently and carefully.
Are Winter White Dwarf Hamsters safe to have with children?
No, winter white dwarf hamsters are not safe to have with children. They are known to bite and can be very aggressive if they feel threatened. Children should never handle winter white dwarf hamsters without adult supervision.
Do Winter White Dwarf Hamsters stink?
No, winter white dwarf hamsters do not stink. However, their cages may start to smell if they are not cleaned regularly. It’s important to clean your winter white dwarf hamster’s cage at least once a week to prevent any bad smells from developing.
