Not only are they fluffy, cute and tiny but they’re also hyperactive creatures that more often than not need to be tamed. Learning how to tame a roborovski dwarf hamster can bring you ease and more of an enjoyable experience when caring for them long-term.
To tame a roborovski dwarf hamster, you require having plenty of patience and the effort needed to continuously spend time taming them!
Once you’ve successfully been able to tame your dwarf hamster, you’ll notice a shift in personality as well as habits. They may become more friendly, cuddly and less skittish which in return means less stress for you. Continue reading to find out more on taming your little friend.
Are Roborovski Hamsters Good Pets?
If you’re looking to purchase a robo hamster for your children, you may want to reconsider that idea.
Roborovski hamsters don’t necessarily make as good pets for young children, due to their irritable and obstreperous behavior. This may not, however, be the case for any older children you possibly want to purchase a robo hamster for.
Unless you’ve previously owned a hamster before or have previously learned how to tame one yourself, then steer away from purchasing one for your younger children.
If, however, you don’t mind investing the much needed time and effort into taming a roborovski hamster, or if the carer is mature, then I say go right ahead!
Are Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters Friendly?
For the most part, roborovski dwarf hamsters make as friendly animals to care for! Not only are they small yet cute in size, but they’re also completely lovable and sociable little creatures. (Perfect if you’re considering buying more than one).
Roborovski Dwarf Hamster Lifespan
Compared to other species of hamsters, the average roborovski dwarf hamsters lifespan can range anywhere between 2 – 4 years, making them one of the only species of their kind to live the longest.
How Much Do Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters Cost?
If you’re located in the United States, you’ll be happy to know that purchasing a roborovski dwarf hamster shouldn’t break your bank account by too much.
The average cost of a single roborovski dwarf hamster may range from $10 – $50, depending on where you purchase from or other factors such as their age. If you’re looking to purchase a pair, then expect to double the cost.
Thankfully, if you’re hoping to get your hands on one quickly, there’s plenty of them for sale located around the States as they’re the most highly demanded breed of their species.
What Do You Feed a Roborovski Dwarf Hamster?
Robo hamsters (Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters) are omnivore animals, meaning they can eat both plants and meat.
The diet of a robo hamster may vary depending on each specific owner, however, the best diet you can give your little friend is a healthy diet.
- Foods that contain a mixture of grains, nuts, and seeds are the best thing to give to your robo hamster.
- Henry’s hamster food or Sunseed hamster formula are also great options if you’re looking to buy food online.
- Fruits, fruits and more fruits! Bananas, pears, berries or mangos are just some of the fruits you can begin feeding your robo hamster. Anything that’s seedless will mean no harm to your little friend.
- Vegetables are another great source of food to give to your robo hamster. Adding veggies such as carrots, corn, peas or parsnip into their lives never hurts and ensures they’re receiving a well-balanced diet constantly.
- Don’t forget to treat your robo hamster from time to time. You can offer Henry’s peanut stix or cooking up food such as quinoa or brown pasta!
Don’t forget, robo hamsters also love to eat insects and it’s their instinct (so don’t freak out if you catch your little friend chasing after one).
Roborovski dwarf hamsters may eat insects such as worms, grasshoppers or crickets, thus, don’t be too alarmed if you find yours eating one.
One of the main things you should remember when deciding what to feed your roborovski dwarf hamster is keeping them fed with just the right amount of nutrients for a long-lasting life.
Avoid over-feeding them and limit their portion to a tablespoon sizing per day. Mix up their diets and try to incorporate a few treats here and there for them. Stay away from feeding them junk food and try to give them freshly baked meals daily.
Do Roborovski Hamsters Need To Be In Pairs?
No, roborovski hamsters do not need to be in pairs, however, they wouldn’t mind if that was the case due to them being pretty sociable animals, within their breed.
If you’re considering purchasing two or more roborovski hamsters at a time, you may want to prepare yourself first.
Although they’re fairly easy to care for, one animal can be time-consuming enough. If you’re purchasing two, just remember you’ll need to invest double the amount of time/energy/cost needed to care for it.
Apart from the basics, purchasing two robo hamsters at the same time may mean you need to prepare yourself in other ways than just mentally or financially. Prepare your home by investing in two cages (just in case if they don’t get along at first).
Many times people will purchase two hamsters at a time and expect them to get along from the get-go. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case (even if they come from the same litter).
To avoid potential fighting from occurring you should be prepared for a separate housing, at least in the initial stages buy purchasing two robo hamster cages, either online or from your local pet store.
Do Robo Hamsters Grow?
The roborovski dwarf hamster is commonly known as one of the smallest hamsters in the world!
From birth, the average robo hamsters body length is approximately the size of a bean or no larger than 2cms (0.8 inches).
As the robo hamster reaches adulthood, the average length of their body will be no more than 6cms (2.4 inches).
It’s completely normal for your hamster to be slightly smaller or slightly larger, however, they’ll usually never exceed this length.
Do Robo Hamsters Smell?
In general, a roborovski dwarf hamster does not smell bad, however, if you are having problems with their smell then it’s usually their urine that is causing a stink.
A robo hamsters urine can begin to smell if they aren’t taking a liking to their current diet. Other reasons for strong-smelling urine could indicate serious health issues within your hamster that should be checked.
There are a variety of ways you can reduce or prevent any bad smells coming from your hamster. A few of them you can do now is:
1. Begin training your hamster to use a litter box
Through this method, your robo hamster will stay cleaner for longer and so will their cage. Thankfully there are plenty of hamster litter boxes you can pick from at a cost-friendly price and training them to use one isn’t too hard.
2. Frequently clean your hamsters cage
Make it a habit to clean your robo hamsters cage at least once a day using the spot cleaning method, while deep cleaning can occur at least once a week.
Not only will this help to deter the smell, but it will also keep your hamsters environment hygienic friendly!
3. Bathe your hamster if the smell is increasing
Although hamsters are pretty clean creatures, you can assist them in their natural cleaning methods by bathing them every so often.
Focus your attention on the hamsters butt, ensuring you carefully wipe clean of any bacteria on or around their glands.
You can also bathe your robo hamster inside sand which works wonders for keeping their fur clean. They love to roll around in the sand and won’t cause any harm to their body or health.
4. Reassess your hamsters current diet
Although this may not be the exact reason why your hamster smells, different diets can be attributed to their health which in return can affect the way they smell.
Carefully assess the foods you’re feeding your hamster and remove anything that may become detrimental to their digestive system.
It’s normal for both male and female roborovski dwarf hamsters to slightly smell, however, of your robo hamster smells bad and you’ve identified that there’s no connection to the points I mentioned above, you should consider taking them to your local VET immediately.
Why Does My Roborovski Hamster Squeak?
So you’ve noticed a tiny squeak coming from your hamster and you’re becoming slightly worried about what it means? Well don’t worry, usually, it means they’re trying to express themselves.
The best thing you can do is try to differentiate the tone of squeak to a specific situation.
For example, if you hear your robo hamster squeak when they’re playing… it usually means they’re excited or overfilled with happiness.
If your robo hamster squeaks during their usual feeding time, it probably means they’re hungry and are trying to get your attention to feed them.
The only time you should worry about their squeaking if it’s accompanied by erratic or unusual behavior. This may indicate they’re annoyed, distressed or sick, by which you should seek out professional help.
Listening and observing their squeaking noises over-time is the only way you’ll begin to understand your hamsters needs better. If you are worried, however, take them to see a VET just incase.
Do Robo Hamsters Get Lonely?
I know they’re small, cute and we can’t help but think they need a companion at times, however, the reality is robo hamsters don’t get lonely and are quite happy living alone.
Robo hamsters don’t mind being in pairs or having a companion, however, they don’t crave it and can easily live a fulfilled live alone. They won’t be lonely either way and you should reconsider purchasing two for the pure reason of feeling sorry for them.
As long as you continue giving your robo hamster your love and attention, they can live the same life as a robo hamster with a companion.
Are Robo Hamsters Cuddly?
Due to their overactive and skittish nature, robo hamsters are considered to be the less “cuddly” compared to other breeds within their species.
A robo hamster would much rather be playing outside or in their cage than being held by humans for cuddles and snuggles.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a robo hamster for cuddles, you should reconsider.
Do Robo Dwarf Hamsters Like To Be Held?
Unfortunately, much like cuddles, the breed of robo dwarf hamsters do not like to be held.
It’s normal for a robo to bite or scratch humans if you do hold them for too long.
When thinking about purchasing a robo hamster, you should decide if this will suit your liking/needs prior.
Can You Train a Robo Dwarf Hamster?
Litter training your robo dwarf hamster doesn’t need to be a stressful job nor should it require you paying hundreds of dollars for someone else to do it for you.
- Invest in a litter box. It doesn’t need to be expensive, just a plastic box that has no holes and is large enough to fit inside of your robo dwarfs cage.
- Select your choice of litter. Paper or sand are both great options, otherwise refer to your local pet store for further advice.
- Place your litter box inside the cage.
- Constantly help your robo hamster go toilet in their litter box. Ensure your robo hamster spends time familiarizing himself with the box that’s inside of its cage and try to frequently place your robo inside of the litter box.
- Be consistent and don’t give up. It takes around 4 – 5 weeks to toilet train your hamster, however, once you achieve results you’ll reap the benefits.
How Many Babies Can a Robo Dwarf Hamster Have?
The average gestation period for female robo hamsters ranges anywhere between 20 – 30 days. Once it’s time to give birth, you should expect a litter size ranging anywhere between 3 – 6 pups or 8 – 12 pups (which is completely normal).
If you have no intention to breed your robo, you should take extra caution with any female and male hamsters you may have, as it only takes approximately 4 days to become pregnant.
How Big Should a Robo Hamster Cage Be?
When choosing what cage to purchase for your robo hamster, remember the saying “the bigger the better”.
As a basis to go by, it is commonly agreed that a robo dwarf hamsters cage should be at least 450 square inches.
You can purchase smaller cages such as the Habitrail Cristal Hamster Cage which has 160 square inches in floor space, however, I would recommend a larger one such as the Prevue Pet Universal Cage which is just over 600 square inches in floor space or something similar!
How Fast Can a Robo Dwarf Hamster Run?
Despite their tiny bodies, don’t underestimate the capability of a robo dwarf hamster and their running skills.
A robo dwarf hamster can run exceptionally fast, averaging around 10mph (16kph).
Taming a Roborovski Dwarf Hamster | Step By Step
As previously mentioned, taming a robo hamster will require plenty of patience and time that you may or may not have. You should consider this before purchasing one.
I’ve listed below different 6 methods anyone can use when attempting to tame your robo hamster:
1. Get Your Robo Used to Your Scent.
You can easily accomplish this by placing one of your worn t-shirts near their cage and leaving it there all day.
2. Communicate with Them.
Even though they will not respond or communicate back with you, your robo hamster must become familiarized with you and your voice.
3. Place Your Hand Inside of Their Cage.
Doing so gently and slowly, you’re trying to show them that you’re not a threat. You can even talk to them while doing so. Don’t be discouraged if you get bitten or scratched a few times, as eventually they’ll get used to you.
4. Begin Slowly Caressing Your Robo Hamster.
Soft pats and gentle back rubs are all great ways to handle your robo hamster. Avoid holding them and cuddling them, at least until after they have been tamed or for long periods. You should do this at least twice a day.
5. Avoid Impatience and Sudden Movement.
Your robo is learning to trust you, however, if you become impatient and quickly pick them up or handle them with aggression, you should immediately put them down and avoid taming them for later.
6. Treat Your Hamster.
Avoid over-feeding and only reward your hamster if they’re progressing.
Remember, it will take a while for you to be able to successfully tame your robo dwarf hamster. If you do not have the time, energy of patience to tame them yourself, consider hiring or purchasing another breed.