Temperament and company
Campbell's dwarf hamster, sometimes called the Russian dwarf hamster, comes from the steppes of Mongolia and northern China. It looks like the Djungarian hamster, but does not turn pale in winter and has slightly darker ears and face. In captivity the two species have been crossed, so the exact species can be hard to tell.
In the wild it lives alone, though in captivity it tolerates its own kind better than the Syrian hamster does. Sources disagree on keeping them together, so the safest choice is one hamster. If you keep two, they should have grown up together, with a separate cage ready in case they start to fight.
Housing
A Campbell's hamster needs a roomy home with a thick layer of bedding to dig burrows and build a nest in. Cage bars must be close together so the small animal cannot slip out. A house, tunnels and a few hideaways help it feel safe.
The wheel should have a solid running surface and be large enough for its back to stay straight as it runs. A sand bath lets it clean its own coat. Keep the home somewhere quiet, away from direct sun and heaters.
Feeding
In the wild Campbell's hamsters eat seeds and plants, and sometimes insects. At home the basis is a food made for dwarf hamsters, with a little fresh vegetable and an occasional insect. Do not give fruit or other sweet food.
Clean water must always be available. Do not worry if it hoards food: that is natural, just remove anything that spoils regularly.
Handling
A Campbell's hamster is curious but bites when frightened. Tame it in the evening when it is awake: at first just rest your hand in the cage, later offer a treat from your palm, then scoop it up in both hands.
Hold it low over a table or the floor and do not reach in from above. Small children are better off watching it.
Everyday health care
Check your hamster every week: clear eyes and nose, a dry coat around the tail, teeth and nails that are not overgrown. Weigh it regularly: in an animal this small, even a slight change in weight matters.
If you notice it drinking and urinating a lot, tell your vet. Find a vet who sees rodents before you need one.
What you will need
- A roomy cage with narrow bar spacing, or a tank Cages · 847 products
- Bedding and hay for nesting Bedding · 401 products
- A wheel with a solid running surface Wheels · 74 products
- Food made for dwarf hamsters Food · 2,671 products
- A bowl and a water bottle Bowls & Feeders · 258 products
- Tunnels and untreated wooden chews Toys · 259 products
- A sand bath for coat care
The links lead to product categories, never to a product or a brand. Not a recommendation.
When to see a vet now
See a vet straight away if your hamster stops eating or drinking, the fur around its tail is wet, it has diarrhoea, breathes with effort, is dull, or you see wounds from fighting or blood.
Sources
Lifespan, weight, social needs and diet are taken from these sources. The text is our own.