Hobbies And Interests
Albino Dwarf Hamsters
Albino dwarf hamsters have white fur and red eyes. There are four different types of dwarf hamster: the Djungarian, or Campbell's; the Siberian, or Winter White; the Desert, or Roborovkii; and the Chinese. Albinism is found in each of these types of dwarf. Red-eyed dwarfs have the same nutritional requirements as the ruby- or black-eyed variants of dwarf hamsters. In the wild, the fur of the Siberian dwarf, which is the smallest at 2 to 3 inches long, turns white in winter to blend in with the environment.
Basic Nutrition
Sharon Vanderlip, DVM, in her book on dwarf hamsters, recommends that a good quality hamster pellet be the most major source of nutrition for your dwarf. A good hamster pellet will contain about 18 to 19 percent protein, which is the amount of protein advisable for this species. Hamster pellets contain vitamins and minerals essential for their health and it is important to get the freshest pellets possible as the vitamins will degrade over time. The pellets should be kept tightly covered and in a cool, dark place.
Treats
The ASPCA suggests that you supplement the pellet diet with fresh foods, such as grains, sunflower seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables. Small amounts of greens such as lettuce, kale or cabbage are enjoyed by hamsters. A slice of apple, carrot or berries are other good treats to be given every two or three days. The Humane Society recommends that hamsters be given fresh grasses, like timothy grass, and canary seed mixes to more closely resemble their diet in the wild. They also suggest putting a small branch from a fruit bearing tree in the cage for gnawing and as a treat. Small insects such as meal worms or crickets from the pet store also are good occasional treats for dwarfs.
Foods to Avoid
Dwarfs should never be given pellets or kibble made for other animals. The nutritional balance of these other products will not provide the right nutrition, according to Vanderlip. Rabbit pellets contain antibiotics that could sicken dwarfs. Dog and cat foods often have additives, flavorings and meats that are not good for hamsters. Other foods that should not be given to dwarfs are onions, garlic, raw potato, rhubarb, chocolate, candy or junk food. When you go to buy your hamster pellets, make sure they are free of byproducts, corn and beet pulp. The best pellets, advises the Humane Society, are made with timothy grass and do not have fruit in them. Also make sure the pellets have no preservatives in them, such as ethoxyquin, nitrates and potassium sorbate.