Djungarian hamsters are very friendly creatures that make excellent pets. In the wild, they live in groups in the forests, grasslands and deserts of China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Siberia. There are several types of Djungarian hamsters: winter white, Campbell and Roborovsky. They need to be kept in a cage equipped with various obstacles and other entertainment for the hamster. Find out how to better furnish a home for your pet, and may your pet live happily ever after!

Steps

Build a home for your pet

Choose a cage for your hamster. Djungarian hamsters grow up to 10–11 cm in length and need a lot of space to play and run around. The cage should be spacious enough to accommodate toys, a house, a food bowl and a drinking bowl. Select one of the following options:

If you have several hamsters, set up a cage for them. Djungarian hamsters love to live in small groups.

Buy litter for your hamster. Fillers are very beneficial for the health of your pets: they absorb moisture and warm the hamster. Recycled paper, sawdust, or recycled corn cob litters are suitable.

Think about where to place the cage. Hamsters are most active at night, so they need to be placed in a room that is dark at night. This room should be warm. If your hamster gets a cold, he may contract pneumonia.

• Do not open the windows in the room where you have placed the hamster's cage.
• If you have other pets, place the crate in a place where other pets will not reach it.

1. Keep your hamster's cage clean at all times. In a clean cage, your hamster will grow up healthy and happy. Change your hamster's litter several times a week and wash the cage once a week. Wash it with antibacterial detergent and hot water to disinfect the cage. You can use white vinegar for cleaning. Wash the hamster's wheel, toys, bowl and drinking bowl.

   Give your hamster treats. In addition to the main food and seed mixture, give him different treats from time to time. This can be fruits, vegetables and other fresh foods. Don't give your hamster too many vegetables and fruits to avoid an upset stomach!

Play with your hamster

The cage should have enough toys and other entertainment. Hamsters are very energetic animals and need to run and play a lot (especially at night). A hamster must have toys and various obstacles.

• A classic toy for a hamster is a running wheel. The wheel is installed at the bottom of the cage or attached to the wall. Such wheels are usually very noisy, so it is better to move the cage with the hamster to another room at night.
• Another very popular hamster toy is the walking ball. The hamster is placed in a plastic ball, the hamster begins to move, and the ball rolls. You need to place the ball on the floor away from the stairs.

1. Learn to pick up your hamster. In the first few days, you should not touch the hamster, just stick your hand into the cage and let your pet sniff you. The hamster should get used to your smell. Remember that a hamster has very fragile little bones, so don't squeeze him. When you pick up your hamster, try to slide your hand underneath it rather than grab it from above. This will make the hamster feel more relaxed. Try picking up your hamster while he's on the floor. When an animal sees that it can easily retreat and hide, it will not resist or bite.

   Help your hamster keep himself clean. Djungarian hamsters are very clean and do not need your intervention. However, once a week you can pour some fine sand into a special container. The hamster will take sand baths because in the wild, hamsters often dig in sand.

   • If you notice that your hamster for some reason looks dirty and unkempt, take a small wide brush, which is usually used for coloring hair, or a toothbrush. Wet it and gently rub it over your hamster's fur. Then dry it with a dry towel.
   • Never bathe your hamster in water! Your hamster can become seriously ill.

Take care of your hamster's health

1. Assess your hamster's health. Typically, Djungarian hamsters are quite stocky, with large pouch cheeks and short tails. Check to see if your hamster has any discharge from his eyes or nose. Russian Djungarian hamsters are especially prone to diabetes. If your hamster is sick, he will drink a lot and urinate frequently. If you suspect your pet has diabetes, consult your veterinarian.

   Check to see if your hamster's tail is wet. If your baby has just been weaned from his mother or is very agitated, he may have diarrhea, causing his tail to be wet. Consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

   Check your Djungarian hamster's eyes and nose regularly. They are especially susceptible to various viruses and can become infected from humans. Your hamster may develop pneumonia. If your pet has pneumonia, you will notice discharge from the eyes and nose, and the hamster will refuse to eat. This is serious! Therefore, take your hamster to the vet immediately.

Small rodents of the Dzhungarika require little care and nutrition. Therefore, many consider them to be an excellent and harmless pet.

The muzzle of the Djungarian is pointed, the ears are small, the paws are completely covered with hair, and the digital tubercles are hidden. The average body length is about 10 cm. These rodents have a light abdomen, gray-ochre or slightly brownish color. The paws and ears are white inside; there is a narrow black stripe in the middle of the back. In summer, dzhungarikas take on a grayer color, and in winter - silvery-white. These hamsters are especially active at night. On average, individuals live no more than 3 years.

As a rule, they live in gravelly, wormwood and grass steppes. Territory of residence of the Djungarians:

1. Asia.
2. Siberia.
3. Northeast Kazakhstan.

Djungarians, whose care and feeding are not so difficult, prefer grain food; crunchy treats are also recommended for the animals, which are not only pleasant for the hamster, but also useful, since they wear down the growing incisors.

The diet should also include:

1. Carrot.
2. Pear.
3. Raspberry.
4. Apples.

It is forbidden to give hamsters citrus fruits, seeds, and nuts: these products have a bad effect on the health of rodents.

The last one should contain:

1. At the bottom there is pressed sawdust or sand; you cannot use newspaper, rags, or cotton wool.
2. Toilet with absorbent filler.
3. Manholes in the form of twigs, roots, tubes.
4. House.
5. Wheel.
6. Drinking bowl (you need to change the water in the container every day).
7. Feeder.

All these details must be selected taking into account the size of the pet.

A hamster can also get sick for the following reasons:

1. The appearance of a new animal in a cage.
2. Trips.
3. Sleep disturbance.
4. Swimming (jungaric fish cannot be placed in water).
5. Changing the location of the cell.

If the dzhungarik gets sick, care must be correct.

It is better to contact a veterinarian if one of the following symptoms occurs:

1. Aggressive behavior.
2. Hard breath.
3. Ulcers.
4. Too loose stool.
5. Presence of fleas or lice.
6. Hamster lying listlessly with eyes closed.
7. Hair loss or wetting.

Breeding Djungarian hamsters

Mating of male Djungarians is possible from 3 months, and females - from 4. Pregnancy lasts 20 days, and at one time a female can bring from 5 to 20 cubs.

Babies are fed with mother's milk for about 2 weeks.

The cage must be disinfected before birth, and the best option in this case there will be a one-story pet’s home.

It is strictly forbidden for a person to touch newborn hamsters, otherwise the female, sensing someone else’s scent, will immediately eat her babies.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the following should be included in the animal’s diet in small portions:

1. Cottage cheese with low fat content.
2. Boiled egg yolk.
3. Boiled chicken meat.

To ensure that the female does not spontaneously eat her offspring, it is necessary to ensure:

1. Separate keeping from other hamsters.
2. Proper care and balanced nutrition.
3. Accurate determination of the female's age.
4. Calmness of the individual during feeding and pregnancy.

To summarize, the Djungarians do not cause much trouble and live independently in the place allotted to them.

When wanting to buy a pet, many people look at hamsters. They are funny and active, and do not require any special conditions. But potential owners of these animals are scared off by stories that they “spoil” the air in the apartment (although there are several breeds that are harmless in this regard). We will talk about one of these in this review, looking at what is interesting about the Djungarian hamster and what is involved in the care and maintenance of such a rodent.

general information

When you see a dwarf for the first time, you might mistake it for a large eared mouse. These medium-sized animals grow up to 9-10 cm in length, and their weight does not exceed 65 g (the lower level is 35 g). The owners are touched by the small ears and sharp muzzle. If you look closely, you will find that the front legs are similar to human hands, and the gripping style copies ours. The finger tubercles are densely covered with hairs.

The family feature is a narrow black stripe running along the ridge. The belly is light in color, while the background of the back is gray or with an ocher tint. The paws and ears are white.

In nature, these hamsters live in semi-deserts and steppes of Khakassia, Southwestern Siberia and Kazakhstan. Their domesticated counterparts inherited an active nature and a tendency to stay awake at night.

Important! You shouldn’t fall for the seller’s arguments like “I’ll give this away for almost nothing.” Most likely, such a hamster is seriously ill and will not last long.

But they also have differences, the main one being color.

If you look at the photos showing Djungarian hamsters, you can highlight several color options:

• Standard. Gray-brownish background combined with a white belly.
• Pearl. Matte white color with gray accents.
• Sapphire. The main gray color has a bluish tint, which looks impressive with a white belly.
• Red (aka tangerine). The hair is reddish, in a creamy tone.

They are very clean, there are no odors coming from the cage, and the way they fall asleep in their arms will captivate anyone. Let's figure out how long nimble Djungarian hamsters live when kept at home.

On average, this is 2-3 years, 4-year olds are already a rarity. This is due to the active disposition and biological aces of a rodent: 1 year of its life, by our standards, is similar to 25 years.

What to look for when purchasing

When buying a fluffy for the first time, do not rush to take the first one you come across. Carefully consider all applicants, consult with the seller. If the implementer is laconic, then pay attention to the following points:

• Age. It is best to take an individual 3-7 weeks old. Very young hamsters (up to 3 weeks) are not yet trained to feed on their own. Problems may arise with older ones (over 3 months), they are more difficult to tame, and in addition, the female may already be pregnant.

• Feel the fur, it should be dry. Assess the condition of the eyes - if they are clean, without sourness or cloudiness, then you can take them.
• Another argument in favor of the purchase will be a clean nose without traces of discharge.
• Healthy individuals have shiny fur and no bald patches or lumps. This applies to scars and scars.
• Do not disdain to inspect the anus. The cleanliness of this canal and the fur around it indicate that the stomach is in order. But fresh or dried traces of diarrhea do not bode well.
• Look at the behavior of the animal. Apathy is most often a consequence of illness or poor living conditions.

Even before going to the market, it is better to decide who you would like to have - a male or a female hamster that will regularly give birth. Already when choosing, you need to know how easy it is to determine the sex of the Djungarian hamster you like.

Important! Finding an escaped rodent is not easy even in a one-room apartment. Listen: a few minutes after the “escape” he will begin to rustle the paper he found. If you turn off the light for a while, the animal will leave the shelter almost immediately - it’s time to catch it.

This is quite easy: boys have a more elongated lower abdomen. Taking the animal in your hands, catch a moment of calm and look at the genitals. In males, there is approximately 0.5-1 cm between them and the anus, and a gland similar to a navel is visible in the center of the abdomen.

In females it is almost impossible to see it, besides, the papillae run in two rows from the chest to the lower abdomen.

How many individuals are best kept in one cage?

It is advisable to house the same pet in one hamster “apartment”. Harmless-looking dzhungarikas are territorial animals; they will not tolerate the presence of an opponent in their home. If you introduce two, they will almost immediately begin to fight, resulting in scars, not to mention permanent stress.

Did you know? Climbing hamsters living in South American forests are not at all like the “nimble creatures” we are used to. They have a long tail and spend most of their lives in trees.

At the same time, you should not forget that leaving a hamster alone for a long time, you risk driving the baby to complete savagery - he simply will not accept an inattentive owner.
The issue of family is no less important - when the hamster grows up, a female will have to be temporarily placed with him, otherwise he will fall into the blues. Although there is no point in prolonging such cohabitation.

Choosing and arranging housing

The cage will have to be prepared before going to the pet store. It should be spacious enough, made of durable and safe material.

Did you know? Hamsters see the world in black and white. Their eyes are not very well developed, but this is compensated by their excellent hearing and sense of smell.

The minimum dimensions are 50x30 cm, but experienced owners try to take extra by installing cages measuring 70x50. Most often they buy designs with a solid plastic pallet and a high superstructure in the form of a cage. Pay attention to the spacing between the rods: 1 cm will be enough to prevent the rodent from escaping.
There are also requirements for the material. The plastic must be solid, without burrs or cracks. Evaluate the rigidity of the rods - it should be at the level. There are products with painted cages, but they are not particularly practical: the hamster will quickly chew off the paint that is harmful to it. Two-tier structures are also not uncommon. There is freedom for the rodent only if the spans are at least 20-25 cm.

Important! If you decide to make do with an aquarium, keep in mind that its volume must be at least 40 liters.

In addition to the usual and simple cages, pet stores also offer other “apartments”. These include entire palaces from many sections, aquariums, and plexiglass blocks. They are also suitable for a nimble pet, but they also have a couple of disadvantages: not very well thought out ventilation and difficulty in cleaning.
Having chosen a cell, they begin to decorate it. The following “household items” will be required:

• Feeder. An ordinary plate will not work here - the animal will not so much eat as it will spread dirt around. There are no problems with the choice; you can buy products of different diameters. It’s better to start by installing a 3-4 cm feeder, and as it grows, change it to a larger one.
• Drinking bowl. It is enough to buy a nipple, with a volume of 50 ml, and attach it to the rods at a convenient height.
• House. This can be a wooden or plastic product without sharp corners, in which a hamster can easily fit.
• Toilet. If you are planning to train your baby, then you cannot do without a tray. Adults treat him more indifferently.
• Wheel. An indispensable attribute of any cell. For such animals, an attraction with a diameter of 14-16 cm and a not too large distance between the crossbars is suitable so that the paws do not fall through.

Did you know? The hamster has no fear of heights: he simply doesn’t feel it. Therefore, every “escape” is fraught with considerable danger - by climbing onto the sofa, the fugitive can easily get injured.

• Equipped play area. Tubular manholes are used for it; a whole labyrinth can be built from several sections and passages. Stairs and swings will also be a plus.

You can also put a bath filled with fine sand - the pet will clean the fur. But bathing him in water is extremely undesirable.

Where to put the cage

The prepared housing is placed in a slightly shaded corner, where the animal will not constantly get bored with straight lines. Sun rays. No drafts or windows - even minor airflows are dangerous for a small animal.

Important! When selecting a wheel, inspect it, paying attention to the opening between the wheel itself and the stand. A small distance carries the risk of injury - a paw could get caught there. A wheel attached to the grille will be safer.

Try to protect your hamster from all kinds of noise: prolonged vibrations and sounds of constantly working equipment can drive him into stress, especially since during the day he is not particularly active or even sleeps.

A low (65-70 cm) table is suitable as a platform. This will make it easier to observe the animal and make care easier. A too low landing makes this process difficult, and the pet runs the risk of becoming a target for a cat or.
Temperature is also important. From +14°C to +25°C will be enough, so place the cage away from the battery or heater. Note that short cold spells are not terrible, but it is better not to let it get to that point - your pet can easily catch a cold or fall into apathy (but not into hibernation).

What do Djungarians eat?

The main question remains, what to feed a Djungarian hamster living at home.

The basis of the diet is feed pellets or grain mixtures with the presence of ground corn. The following products are added to them:

• Pumpkin, carrots, beets.
• Dried fruits in the form of dried apricots, raisins or dried apples.
• From the age of two months you can give pieces fresh apples, currants and grapes. They try to feed apricot and pear less.
• Greenery. Hamsters happily “crunch” dill, parsley, and lettuce leaves. You can also give dandelions and clover (if they are not collected near the road).
• Protein food in the form of boiled eggs, chicken breast without spices and 2% cottage cheese are given no more often than every 2-3 days, so as not to provoke obesity.
• Pumpkin and sunflower seeds are also a treat (maximum 2 times a week).

Diet: twice a day, no more than 2.5 tablespoons. The hamster will not get hungry, but will calmly survive on the supplies hidden behind its cheeks.

The common principle “what we eat ourselves, he will eat too” is out of place here. Onions, cabbage, potatoes, sorrel, fried and salty foods are contraindicated. This also applies to bread, milk, and cheese. Citrus and exotic fruits (persimmon, kiwi, avocado) are also taboo.

Did you know? Zoologists have discovered that hamsters are able to remember their relatives and neighbors.

In the summer, some try to feed grains from peach, plum or apricot pits. This is strictly prohibited - they are toxic and dangerous. You will also have to explain to children (and some adult guests) that you should not give your pet pieces of candy or chocolate.

Care and hygiene

Care comes down to simple but regular work - changing the water, adding portions of food, cleaning the cage, replacing the filler and changing the bedding. The water is changed daily and the feeders are filled twice a day. It’s good if there is a spare set - new portions can be delivered faster, without lengthy washing in the cage.

Cleaning is carried out 1-2 times a week. In this case, the already “spent” filler is not completely removed, but a small part is left. This way the animal will quickly get used to clean housing.

Important! Cat litters are useless for such purposes. Their clay components cause rodents a lot of unpleasant sensations.

While the bedding is being changed (every 3-4 days), the hamster is moved to a box or other covered temporary shelter. Fine sawdust with a layer of 3 cm (less often sand) is suitable as a coating. But cotton wool or newsprint, as well as cardboard, are not suitable for such purposes.
Major cleaning is done once a month. The tray is washed with a solution based on laundry soap, the rods should also be cleaned. At the same time, try not to snag the house itself - the “nest” is of great importance for the pet.

Did you know? Until the middle of the 20th century, hamsters were the object of the fur trade. Particularly active procurement campaigns were carried out in the USSR, the Czech Republic and Germany.

Diseases: prevention and treatment

Funny rodents can get sick too. Risk factors most often include both direct violations of housing conditions and stress caused by frequent cage movements, disruption of the daily routine, or the appearance of a competitor.

Prevention means:

• proper and regular nutrition;
• timely cleaning;
• regular replacement of litter;
• creating all conditions for activity.

But it happens that the disease has already begun, urgent measures need to be taken. The easiest way to deal with a runny nose or flu.
Even a vigorous hamster can start sneezing. In this case, eliminate the very possibility of a draft and lay warm bedding. The water in the drinking bowl is also changed to warm.

Often annoying and diarrhea. Diarrhea is dealt with by light fasting or switching to lighter foods. If it does not stop for 2-3 days, then you need the help of a veterinarian.

Suppuration of the eyes is easily recognized by swollen eyelids, the appearance of pustules, while they become moist and sticky. This means that the infection has already been introduced. The owner's actions in such cases:

• the animal is isolated;
• the cell is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected;
• eyes are injected with “Albucid” (four times a day, 1-2 drops);
• complete transition to grain feed with small additions of chicken.

If conjunctivitis was detected immediately, treatment will take 5-6 days.

Djungarians have one not very pleasant feature - a predisposition to diabetes. It is very easy to notice the symptoms: thirst appears, appetite increases due to weight loss, and the smell of urine becomes distinct and pungent.

Such manifestations are a signal to visit the veterinarian; you won’t be able to cope on your own (the maximum is to do a test for diabetes; preparations are sold in pharmacies). Moreover, similar signs observed when kidney diseases.

Important! Be sure to put a few smooth branches in the cage fruit trees, the animal will sharpen its teeth on them. Otherwise, they will grow and it is possible that over time they will pierce the lip or cheek.

Unpleasant baldness - the result vitamin deficiency, which occurs when there is a lack of green mass. By preparing enough parsley or lettuce, you will solve this problem almost immediately.
It's a little more difficult with injuries. Bites immediately disinfected and sprinkled with powdered antibiotics.

Fractures But they are more dangerous - an active pet has fragile bones and ligaments that are impossible to fix. Therefore, the cage for the nimble Djungarian hamster becomes empty during rehabilitation - the wheel and all other entertainment are removed. 10-14 days provide complete rest and provide calcium-rich food.

Breeding offspring at home

These animals reproduce well in captivity. In a year, a female can “give out” 2-4 litters with 3-9 cubs (although occasionally there are litters of 10-11 babies).

Sexual maturity occurs at the age of 5-6 weeks, but mating is postponed until five months of age (by this time the body is already formed and strengthened).
Pregnancy takes 16-19 (less often – 20) days. After roughly calculating the timing, within 3-4 days the male is removed from the cage and the house itself and the wheel are removed. The diet includes more protein foods. The cage is kept clean.

A couple of days before, throw some “building materials” in the form of twigs - the female is actively nesting. On the day of birth, it is better to cover the cage with a blanket so as not to cause unnecessary stress to the hamster.

Did you know? Hamsters have made significant contributions to science and are great for research. Many of their organs practically copy the systems of the human body.

For the first 10 days, the offspring are not touched at all; by this time they begin to see and hear. At the age of 23-25 ​​days they are separated from their mother. This cannot be done earlier - for the first three weeks of life they feed on her milk.
Now you know how to recognize the dwarf and what you need to care for it. We hope that the fluffy miracle will delight the whole family with its moving games. More positivity every day!

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If you are looking for a relatively easy to care for, but at the same time charming and cute pet, then good choice may become a Djungarian hamster! These small hamsters are native to the south of Western Siberia, in the wild in winter time they change their gray fur to white. Although animals do not change color at home, they still have charming personalities that make them amazing pets!

Steps

Arrangement of the cage

Choose a cage with an area of ​​at least 0.2 m² and a height of 30 cm. Hamsters love to run and climb around their cage, so the larger the cage, the happier your pet will be. A classic aquarium with a volume of about 75 liters is also suitable as a home for a hamster, as it will provide him with the minimum required floor area, because for hamsters of any size it is usually recommended to use cages with a horizontal space of more than 0.3 m² so that they can run around. Remember that the need for space cannot be replaced with a running wheel. You should also make sure that there is a grate on top of the aquarium so that the hamster cannot escape.

• If you are getting more than one hamster, add approximately 0.1 m² for each additional hamster.
• Hamsters need a lot of horizontal space, so a cage with a large, flat floor is preferable to a modular cage with a large number of tunnels.
• If special cages are too expensive for you, use a storage container made of clear plastic instead. For ventilation, make a cutout in the lid and attach a metal mesh over it, which will not interfere with air circulation.

1. For increased safety, consider purchasing a plastic or glass container to keep your hamster. Some metal hamster cages have bars that are too wide to contain dwarf hamsters inside. Even if the hamster is unable to squeeze between the bars to escape, it may simply get stuck between them. A container with smooth walls will avoid such troubles. You should also never use a cage with a metal mesh floor for your hamster, which could injure his delicate paws.

   • Be sure to spot clean your hamster's plastic or glass house daily by removing soiled bedding. Ventilation in this type of cage is not very good, so the concentration of ammonia in the air (from the hamster's urine) can quickly increase to critical levels. Simply remove dirty litter regularly and replace it with fresh litter.
   • Despite everything, metal hamster cages are still quite popular, some cages are equipped with plastic sides and a metal grid in the upper half. If you decide to purchase a metal cage, make sure that the distance between its bars is no more than 5 mm.
   • If you choose an all-plastic cage, attach a metal grill to one of its walls. The ability to climb is an important part of your hamster's daily exercise.

2. Place your hamster's cage in a quiet room away from direct sunlight. Your hamster will feel safer where there is not a lot of noise, so don't place his cage near noisy appliances, the TV, or the busiest places in the world. daytime zones of your home. Also consider your hamster's sensitivity to heat - keep him away from windows with strong sunlight.

   • Also, you should not keep your hamster's cage in your bedroom. This is a nocturnal animal, so your pet will definitely run around the cage and chew something while you are trying to sleep.

   Advice: loud noise and constant stress can provide Negative influence on the health of the hamster. However, even with good condition health life expectancy Djungarian hamster is about 2 years.

   Place a layer of bedding about 5–7.5 cm thick on the bottom of the cage. Buy soft bedding for your hamster at a pet store and spread it in an even, thick layer along the bottom of the cage. The litter can be sawdust, torn paper or something else. However, avoid using aspen and pine sawdust, as some hamsters are allergic to them.

   • In winter, Djungarian hamsters like to burrow deep into the ground to avoid freezing. A thick layer of bedding will provide your pet with the opportunity to burrow and feel comfortable.

3. Place a food bowl and water bottle in your hamster's cage. Sprinkling food directly onto the cage pad will make it more difficult to remove old food debris before the next feeding. To avoid this, place a shallow bowl in the cage and always put food in it. Also use a dwarf hamster drinking bowl that is attached to the side of the cage.

   • To eliminate competition and aggression between pets, use additional bowls and drinking bowls if you have more than two animals.

4. Place a monolithic plastic running wheel in the cage. Metal mesh running wheels can cause serious injury to your hamster's paws. It is safest to use a solid plastic wheel. Opt for a wheel with a diameter of at least 20 cm, as it will make the hamster run more naturally and it will not have to unnaturally arch its back, as in a smaller wheel.

   • Typically, running wheels are sold complete with a stable base, so all you have to do is place the wheel in the cage.

5. Place a hamster litter tray in the corner of the cage. If you want to make it easier for yourself to clean the cage, encourage your hamster to go to the toilet in the same place. To do this, install a special litter tray for rodents in the corner of the cage. The first time your hamster goes to the litter box, place some of the soiled litter in the litter tray. When the hamster wants to go to the toilet again, he will climb into the tray, guided by the smell.

   • When changing cage bedding, be sure to always wear gloves.

6. Provide your hamster with a place to hide. In the wild, when threatened, hamsters usually hide underground in their burrow. To ensure your pet always feels safe in a new cage, provide him with a shelter house. And don’t be surprised if you see a hamster sleeping in this house during the daytime!

   • When using plastic items inside your hamster's cage, be sure to check them regularly for damage. If your hamster starts chewing on plastic, remove the item from the cage.

7. Provide your hamster with plenty of wooden toys to chew on. A hamster's teeth grow constantly, which can pose a danger to the animal if it does not have the opportunity to grind them down. In the wild, hamsters chew on countless amounts of food and twigs, which allows them to maintain their teeth in optimal condition. Place 2-3 wooden toys in your hamster's cage. They will not only help him take care of his health, but will also be great entertainment for his pet!

   • Keep spare toys on hand so they can be replaced as needed (for example, when they need cleaning).
   • Check the label of the toys you purchase to make sure they are made from wood that has not been exposed to pesticides.
   • You can also let your hamster chew on cardboard, such as cardboard tubes from paper towel rolls.

   Communication with your pet

   1. Before picking up your hamster, give him at least one day to get comfortable in his new place. When you bring your hamster home, it is very likely that he will be under stress due to transport. Carefully place him in his new cage and lock the door securely, then give the hamster 24 hours to acclimate. This way he can explore the cell without additional stress.

      • Try to ensure as much silence as possible on the first day. Hamsters themselves do not like loud noise, and at first in a new place the Djungarian hamster will be especially sensitive to it.
      • If your hamster is visibly nervous and continues to hide after the first 24 hours, give him a few more days to get used to his new home.

   2. Introduce hamsters to each other before they are 12 weeks old. If you plan to keep more than one hamster, make sure they are all the same sex and introduce them as often as possible. early age. In addition, you should know that pairs or groups of males are usually less likely to fight among themselves than females.

      • If you notice your hamsters fighting, remove them as soon as possible. However, be careful as hamsters can bite.

   3. After the first 24 hours, introduce your hamster to your hand and offer him a treat. When the hamster already feels comfortable in the new place, open the cage and put your hand inside. Hold the treat in your open hand and place it directly on the bedding. Next, remain as still as possible to allow the hamster to approach your hand and study you. at will. After about 5 minutes, remove your hand.

      • Remove your hand from the cage if the hamster begins to hiss or squeal. This is a sign of fear.
      • If you get a particularly shy hamster, it may take several introductions before the hamster approaches your hand. Be patient as you need to gain your pet's trust.
      • Allow the hamster to continue to get used to your hand for a few more days before you try petting it, then wait a few more days before you start handling the hamster.

      Advice: since Djungarian hamsters belong to nocturnal animals, it is better to communicate with them in evening time .

      When you decide that the hamster is ready to come into your arms, pick him up from below. Using both hands at once, grab the hamster under the belly. Cup your palms to better control your Djungarian hamster's movements. When you pick up your pet, always lower yourself closer to the floor or keep your hands above the table so that a hamster that accidentally falls or jumps out is not injured.

      • Be careful when handling your hamster. Do not make loud noises or squeeze your pet.
      • Never try to pick up your hamster from above. He will consider you a predator, which is why he may try to bite and run away.

   4. When the hamster already feels completely comfortable, start communicating with him for at least 30 minutes a day. To socialize your pet and increase its comfort level around humans, spend time with it daily. Although the first contacts should be short, gradually increase their duration to 30 minutes or even more when the hamster begins to enjoy your company.

      • As the hamster's comfort level increases, it can also be introduced to a walking ball or playpen.

   5. Every time you pick up your hamster, check its health. When playing with your hamster, make sure it appears healthy and alert. If you think your Djungarian hamster is sick or notice a sudden change in its behavior, take your pet to the vet immediately.

      • Signs of some health problems include a wet tail, bald spots, loss of appetite, chewing on their paws, and discharge from the nose or eyes. If you notice such symptoms, call the veterinary clinic and make an appointment.
      • Changes in eating, drinking and litter box habits can also be signs of illness.
      • If the hamster has stopped showing its usual activity and does not move, and your house is quite cold, move its cage to a cooler place. warm place. He could simply fall into a near-hibernating state of torpor.

   6. To get exercise, place your hamster in a walking ball several times a week or let him run around in a playpen. Be sure to provide your hamster safe place, in which he can receive everything he needs physical activity. Get him either a playpen or a secure ball and let him play there for 15-20 minutes 3-4 times a week. Longer or more frequent play sessions can cause stress in your hamster.

      • One option for a playpen could be a bathtub with a towel placed on the bottom and a running wheel installed inside, several wooden toys, as well as a bowl of food and a drinking bowl. Just make sure that there is no water in the bath and that the drain is closed with a stopper.
      • Only use the walking ball on carpet or rugs. On hard floors, a hamster in a walking ball can develop too much speed, which can cause accidental injury.
      • Never try to force your hamster into a walking ball. Also, you should not put your hamster in a ball while asleep.
      • Keep a close eye on your hamster at all times when he is outside the cage.

   7. When returning your pet to the cage, lock the door behind him. No matter how adorable your Djungarian hamster may be, you should not forget that this cunning hamster is a true escape artist. Always double check that you have locked the cage. Otherwise, the hamster will definitely go on a journey through your house in the middle of the night, where it could get lost or get hurt.

      • If the cage door is damaged, replace it as soon as possible.

   Feeding the hamster

   1. Give your Djungarian hamster about 10 g of grain food every day. A suitable grain mixture can be found at any pet store. Look for a food that is rich in protein, fiber and fat. The entire portion of food can be given to the hamster in the evening, or you can give it a little in the morning, and leave the rest for the evening.

      • Despite their nocturnal lifestyle, hamsters also wake up periodically during the day to snack.

   2. Offer your hamster small pieces of fruit or vegetables 2-3 times a week. Fruits and vegetables are high in sugars, but they make a fabulous occasional treat. Several times a week, offer your hamster a healthy snack such as cauliflower, broccoli, diced pear or banana.

   3. Once a week, offer your hamster a protein treat in the form of maggots or pieces of boiled egg. Hamster food itself contains sources of protein, but adding an extra protein treat once a week will help ensure your pet is getting everything he needs. nutrients. You can put the maggots in a bowl for the hamster, and give the egg in the form of crumbs that the hamster can safely take into his mouth.

      • Remove any uneaten fresh food every morning to prevent it from spoiling.

   4. Check the availability of water daily. Check your hamster's water bowl at least once a day to make sure it has clean, fresh water. If you notice that the water has become cloudy or there is something floating in it, empty the drinker, wash it and fill it with fresh water.

      • If your local tap water is overly chlorinated, give your hamster bottled water.

A child’s first friend may not be a cat or a dog, but a fluffy dwarf. Caring for a Djungarian hamster is not at all difficult, and the price of its purchase and further maintenance does not require burdensome financial costs. By devoting some time to “fluffy” in their daily routine, both children and their parents will find devoted friend, which with its mobility will bring a lot of joy to everyday life.

Habitat of jungariks

Many novice breeders, before getting a fluffy rodent, are interested in the life of Djungarian hamsters in the wild in order to provide them with conditions as close as possible to natural ones at home. Djungarian hamsters are representatives of a dwarf rodent species. In the wild, they live in the desert regions of Russia (in the Altai Territory and Western Siberia), Kazakhstan, China and Mongolia. “Fuzzies” got their name from the name of the province in the North-Western part of China - Dzungaria. Sometimes the Djungarian hamster is called the Sungur hamster, but this is the same species.

Dzungarians prefer a solitary life. The animals make their homes in small burrows up to one meter deep with 4-6 entrances and exits and several “rooms” (bedroom, pantry, latrine). During the day, the “fluffies” sleep, and at night they go in search of food. They happily eat grass, seeds of various plants, insects, and berries. In search of food, each hamster runs several kilometers during the night.

Appearance and colors of Djungarian hamsters

An ordinary adult representative of this species grows up to 10 centimeters in length and weighs about 50 grams. The body of the animal is covered with thick short-haired fur. The natural color of the fluffy dog ​​consists of gray-brown tones with a pronounced dark stripe along the entire spine, by which it is easy to distinguish a representative of this species from other breeds. The fur on the tummy is lighter. Djungarians have black eyes, shiny and slightly convex.

Several decorative species of fluffies have been bred at home and in nurseries. Djungarian hamsters (see photo) can have “tangerine” (light brown, red or golden shades), “sapphire” (gray-blue) or “pearl” (white) colors.

Djungarians are never black either. If, under the guise of a Djungarian hamster, dishonest sellers try to sell rodents of this color, most likely, this is another type of dwarf rodent - the Campbell's hamster. Djungarian hamster It looks completely different in the photo and in real life. Djungarians do not have long hair - only Syrians can boast of such a “fur coat”.

The more unusual the color of a rodent, the less resistant it is to stress and unfavorable conditions. In particular, red-haired hamsters are owners of a lethal gene, which is why it is not recommended to cross them with each other.

Taking care of the dzhungarika is not so difficult, and even a child can cope with this task. The main thing is to properly organize the life and nutrition of your pet. The hamster should not only have its own home, but also other accessories. Many are also interested in how long the Djungarian hamster lives. With proper care and a balanced diet, the life expectancy of “fluffies” is approximately two years. Quite a bit by human standards, however, in the wild an animal of this species lives even less. True, in some reviews of caring livestock breeders you can read that their pets live up to 4 years.

Fluffy's house

Since the Djungarian hamster does not have large sizes, it can be kept in a glass aquarium. However, a “fluffy” will feel much more comfortable in a single-tier cage measuring 50x30x30 centimeters. It is necessary to equip a house for the rodent, install a running wheel, a feeder and a drinking bowl. Since hamsters do not like to swim, a container with sand is enough for hygiene procedures.

The bottom of the cage is covered with a thick layer of sawdust (the most budget option) or a special filler, which is sold in pet stores.

It is important to remember that two (or more) dwarfs do not get along well in the same territory and can constantly fight, so it is advisable to separate them from each other. Accordingly, you will need more than one cage and more than one accessories for keeping rodents.

Feeding of jungarians

Feeding Djungarian hamsters is also easy if you remember a few simple rules. First of all, you need to understand that the main diet of the “fluffy” should be various grain mixtures. You can make them yourself or buy them at pet stores. The second option is preferable, since manufacturers add vitamins and minerals needed by rodents to such mixtures.

In addition to grains, Djungarians willingly eat juicy foods (fruits, vegetables, herbs, berries), and nuts. Your pet's diet should be balanced. From time to time he can be given protein foods ( skim cheese, boiled chicken breast, boiled liver), but in small quantities. Because the hamster loves not only to gobble up food, but also to hide it for a rainy day. It is necessary to ensure that no perishable foods are left in the cage, which can lead to illness and even death of the pet.

Hamsters need to be fed every day. It is advisable to do this in the evening, when the “fluffy” wakes up, washes himself and prepares for his long “races”. It is also necessary to change the water in the drinking bowl every day.

Cleanliness is the key to health

Your pet's cage must be cleaned at least once every three days. It is advisable to remove the remains of succulent feed, meat and liver in a timely manner to prevent their spoilage. And the bedding can be changed as fecal accumulation occurs. Pretty hamsters clean animals who organize their own toilet corner in the cage. There is no need to train them to “go to the toilet”.

General cleaning with a complete replacement of the filler and washing the cage is stressful for rodents, so it is advisable to carry out this procedure no more than once a week. It is necessary to treat all accessories with warm water and laundry soap: cage, running wheel, house, toys.

Hamsters are very sensitive to changes in their home, so it is advisable to place the house, wheel and feeder in the same places. The “fluffies” are very sad about the loss of the supplies that they instinctively accumulate in their homes. Therefore, when replacing the filler, you can remove only spoilage-prone products, leaving grains in their place.

Unsociable friends

Djungarian hamsters have an independent character, so they are not very eager to communicate with their owners. In some cases, an agitated “fluffy” may even bite the hand that feeds him. To wean a pet from such a habit, it must be raised every day, taking it into your arms. But raising a pet once and for all will not work. If you don’t communicate with him for 7-10 days, he will become “wild” again, and you will have to start the educational process all over again.

To prevent your furry neighbor from biting, you should not take him out of the house during the daytime nap, you should not put him head down, or drive him into a corner.

Diseases of Djungarians

Representatives of this type of rodent sometimes get sick. The most common disease of dzhungariks is diabetes. The disease develops from poor nutrition, so it is necessary to carefully monitor your pet’s diet.

Wet litter and drafts can cause colds. In addition, “fluffies” can become infected with colds from their owners. To strengthen the immune system, it is advisable to give the animals fresh lettuce and parsley.

Typical diseases of the Dzungarians are intramural diseases. Moreover, if cataracts can appear closer to old age, then a young hamster can also get conjunctivitis, especially if its owner rarely cleans the cage.

An abundance of fatty foods increases the development of various tumors in rodents. The mechanism of their appearance has not yet been studied.

Sometimes furry animals suffer skin diseases which are accompanied by hair loss or dandruff. Skin ailments cause stressful situations, in which it turns out a pet, or individual intolerance to some substance.

An animal can be injured when falling from a height by sticking its paw between the bars of the cage. No pet is immune from dislocations and fractures.

However, by following the principles of proper care and taking care of the cleanliness of your pet’s home, many diseases can be avoided. Caring owners will have a pet that looks cheerful and well-groomed. But if the animal’s behavior, the condition of its fur, or refusal to eat is evidence of a deviation from the norm, it is advisable to show the pet to a veterinarian.

Reproduction of dzhungariks

Djungarians can give birth to offspring very early. They become sexually mature at 4-6 weeks from birth. However, it is better not to have “fuzzies” in such early periods, since early pregnancy may cause the female to die during her first birth. Experienced breeders recommend breeding a pair at the age of 6 months.

Unlike wildlife, where animals breed only in the warm season, at home the offspring of dzhungarikas can appear all year round. Pregnancy lasts 21-24 days. Newborn hamsters are born naked and with their eyes closed. One litter can contain from 1 to 11 animals. Surprisingly, just a day after the birth of the babies, their mother is ready for the next fertilization.