5 replies to this topic

[Indico]

I was thinking of getting another hamster, this time a dwarf. I was wondering are there any main differences I should be aware about? All the differences I see is that dwarfs are more prone to certain health problems than Syrians, they're smaller, and cost less since their stuff is smaller. Is that really all?

Also, I have a Syrian in a 900 sq inches tank currently and am trying to be wise with my money. I have a smaller bin cage that my Syrian used to be in, but had to take him out because he began chewing through the bottom of the cage. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how to salvage the bin cage. I was thinking just finding a way to cover the bottom would suffice. The bin cage does have wheels on one side which makes it complicated because I can't just have one rectangle piece of else it'll slant and the bin also goes inward as it gets to the bottom. I figured why waste money on a new tank if I could just fix the one I have now. If I do end up having to get a new cage, how many gallons would you recommend for a dwarf? I like to consider the recommended size as a minimum rather than the actual minimum so 450 sq inches is kind of out of the question for me and I'd prefer to go bigger, but my mom doesn't really like big cages and didn't like when I put my Syrian in a 75 gal tank. Just to be clear I do pay for everything when it comes to my pets that's not the issue it's just normal "my house" parent stuff lol. 

 

[lil BIG dwarf]

I don’t think dwarfs are more *prone* to health problems (minus hybrids, but even that’s kinda eh?). All dwarfs minus Robos are prone to diabeties, but that’s mostly it.

When it comes to tanks, 40 gallons is about 650 sq inches. Everyone has a different recommended size, though personally, I’d say 700 sq inches for both Syrians and dwarfs, as a start. Unfortunately, that’s hard to get in a tank unless it’s super short or a 75 gallon. A 50 gallon may be a good option (most brands are only a few sq inches smaller than a 40 gallon, but taller for more bedding). The biggest problem with tanks is that they get pretty skinny, tall, and long meaning less floor space.

I can’t give any advice on salvaging a bin cage, but a cheaper alternative to a tank may be a 50 gallon bin. With bedding their 650ish sq inches, and if you get new mesh, zip ties, and the bin itself it’ll probably be about 50 dollars max

[Kikya]

 

I was thinking of getting another hamster, this time a dwarf. I was wondering are there any main differences I should be aware about? All the differences I see is that dwarfs are more prone to certain health problems than Syrians, they're smaller, and cost less since their stuff is smaller. Is that really all?

Also, I have a Syrian in a 900 sq inches tank currently and am trying to be wise with my money. I have a smaller bin cage that my Syrian used to be in, but had to take him out because he began chewing through the bottom of the cage. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how to salvage the bin cage. I was thinking just finding a way to cover the bottom would suffice. The bin cage does have wheels on one side which makes it complicated because I can't just have one rectangle piece of else it'll slant and the bin also goes inward as it gets to the bottom. I figured why waste money on a new tank if I could just fix the one I have now. If I do end up having to get a new cage, how many gallons would you recommend for a dwarf? I like to consider the recommended size as a minimum rather than the actual minimum so 450 sq inches is kind of out of the question for me and I'd prefer to go bigger, but my mom doesn't really like big cages and didn't like when I put my Syrian in a 75 gal tank. Just to be clear I do pay for everything when it comes to my pets that's not the issue it's just normal "my house" parent stuff lol. 

 

I think you risk escape with a damaged cage, no matter how good the patch is. The 200qt sterilite bin is my favorite bin for bin cages. I think you would be better off getting that one rather than trying to fix the old one. It's definitely bigger than the minimum.

 

Dwarves are definitely different in personality than Syrians. Some are super sweet and others well, lets just say I call mine, Mr. Bitey lol Unless you find a breeder, most of the animals in the stores are going to be hybrids, which do tend to have shorter lives and some health issues, like diabetes, tumors, etc. Which aren't so bad if you have a good exotic vet nearby but if you don't it can be a pain.

 

Personally, I'm really enjoying Robo ownership, even though I have three Syrians who I adore.

Edited by Kikya, 13 July 2022 - 09:43 PM.

[Poptart~]

I think that the only main difference would be food requirements. If you are feeding a store mix or something than this shouldn’t affect that but if you are using an homemade mix then making some adjustments would be best. Also, I’m sure your aware, but if you are using a seed mix from robins Etsy shop, getzoo, or other mixes that give options for different species then it would be best to use a dwarf mix over the Syrian.

Other than that I don’t think that there is much more difference but if you have a large Syrian wheel that you aren’t currently using then I would clean that and use that. And I would reuse anything that you already have for your Syrian for your dwarf because it will save you money, as long as the wheel, was to heavy for your dwarf to push then I would get a smaller one but most can easily push a 12 in wheel so I think it should be fine.

Sorry, I can’t give any advice on the bin either

If none of this makes sense it is because I’m typing really fast

[concerned~citizen]

Personally, I don't think there's a huge difference between Dwarfs and Syrians. Other than their size, the care should be the same. The only difference I'd think of is their diet; I'm not very informed on a dwarfs diet so I'd read some articles about it and research into it. 

 

For the bin cage, I wouldn't risk it. There's a good possibility of escaping, even if the patch is covered up relatively well. Hamsters can chew through really anything if they want to. You can find some good bins at any nearby store. I usually find some good ones at Walmart & Target. 

[Kikya]

Personally, I don't think there's a huge difference between Dwarfs and Syrians. Other than their size, the care should be the same. The only difference I'd think of is their diet; I'm not very informed on a dwarfs diet so I'd read some articles about it and research into it. 

 

For the bin cage, I wouldn't risk it. There's a good possibility of escaping, even if the patch is covered up relatively well. Hamsters can chew through really anything if they want to. You can find some good bins at any nearby store. I usually find some good ones at Walmart & Target. 

I think most "dwarf" mixes are not really that different than the Syrian mixes. Just more what foods dwarves prefer rather than actual nutritional differences. Personally, I find my dwarves and robos like smaller sized seeds better but they will eat the larger ones if needed. They LOVE mealworms and basically ignore the dried chicken. My syrians are the opposite. But each hamster has their own preferences anyway.

 

Some dwarf foods have a slight decrease on the fat and a slight increase on the proteins but most people give added mealworms and such anyway. But I feel like the difference is very small and doesn't effect them so long as they are healthy. (Aka no diabetes,  or other long term health issues etc) I feed all mine the same basic diet but I give slightly more added protein on the side for the dwarves and robo. I don't really give fruits to them, just fresh veg.

 

If I had a diabetic dwarf, I would probably be more choosy on the foods but hopefully that won't be an issue.

Edited by Kikya, 14 July 2022 - 12:43 AM.