Djungarian hamster care and maintenance. Djungarian hamster (jungarian) - photo and description

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” from their daily routine, both children and their parents will find a devoted friend who, with his 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 wildlife 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 is not large, 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 a budget option) or a special filler that 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 a “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 (low-fat cottage 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 evening time, 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. Hamsters are quite clean animals that 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 you need 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.

Abundance 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 you find yourself 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 can lead to the female dying during the first birth. Experienced breeders recommend breeding a pair at the age of 6 months.

Unlike the wild, where animals breed only in the warm season, at home, the offspring of jungarians 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.

Djungarian hamster (Phodorus sungorus) is a species belonging to the genus of hairy-footed hamsters and the Hamster family. This is a very popular pet in our country, which does not require increased attention from the owner.

Description and appearance

Djungarian hamsters are funny and attractive rodents with a pointed muzzle and small ears. The average body length of a fully adult individual, regardless of gender, reaches 9-10 cm with a body weight in the range of 35-65 grams. Quite thick hairs cover the digital tubercles. The belly area of ​​a domestic rodent is characterized by a light color, and the back has an ocher-gray or brown-gray color.

Paws and inner part of the ears of the Djungarian hamster white. A specific feature is the presence of a narrow black stripe running along the entire ridge of the hamster. Djungarians are characterized by increased activity at night, and the minks of such animals are represented by a nesting chamber, several holes and entrances.

This is interesting! IN summer period in wild individuals, the predominant coat color is grayish, and in winter the coat acquires a very characteristic, silvery-white hue.

It is important to note that domesticated Djungarian hamsters very often have quite striking differences in color from their wild relatives. Currently, rodents with several types of fur colors are kept at home, but the most popular are pets with the following colors:

• “standard”, having a brownish-gray main hair color and a white belly;
• “sapphire”, having a grayish-bluish main hair color and a white belly;
• “pearls”, having a matte white main hair color with grayish intervals;
• “tangerine”, having a reddish-cream basic hair color.

Lifespan

The big problem when keeping dzhungarika at home is short term the life of such a pet. The average lifespan of a Djungarian hamster, as a rule, does not exceed two or three years. Of course, there are cases when such a pet lived to the age of four years, but such “longevity” for a rodent in captivity is rather the exception than the rule.

Under natural conditions, jungarians choose semi-fixed sands and gravelly and cinquefoil, wormwood, cereal-desert and xerophytic types as habitats steppe zones in North-East Kazakhstan and Central Asia, as well as in the territory of central Asia and the Western Siberian district.

How many jungarians to have?

According to domestic experts, it is strictly not recommended to keep more than one individual in a cage, regardless of gender. Djungarian hamsters belong to the category of very territorial rodents, therefore, in confined spaces they are capable of showing pronounced aggression towards each other.

The result of keeping them together will be a state of permanent stress in Djungarian hamsters. Among other things, such pets will not only live in a state of constant fear, but also cause significant injuries to each other in fights. It is not uncommon for a stronger dzhungarika to kill a weak neighboring individual. It is for this reason that if rodents are purchased for the purpose of further acquisition, they must be housed in separate cages.

Selection and filling of the cage

• litter For this purpose, fine sifted sand or compressed medium-fraction sawdust can be used. Both materials are affordable and can also absorb moisture and absorb unpleasant odors very effectively. It is strictly forbidden to use any cotton wool, paper napkins, rags or newspapers to create bedding;
• a special toilet designed for small domestic rodents. Special absorbent materials, which are commonly called fillers, should be poured into such trays;
• holes represented by all kinds of roots, twigs or tubes;
• a holiday house, which can be represented by a special wooden structure or made of high-quality environmental plastic;
• a wheel having transverse protrusions and a bottom part without a grid.

Pet stores sell a huge range of special tunnels, ladders and sections, but their number inside the cage should not be excessive. Mandatory elements for the cage are convenient shelves and feeders. A 50 ml drinking bowl is optimal for dzhungarik. The water in the sippy cup is replaced daily. A standard feeder should have a width of 3-10 cm, and is selected taking into account the age and size of the domestic rodent.

Important! Djungarians are not recommended to be placed in narrow aquariums with high walls, due to poor ventilation of the space and fogging of the inner surface. This design negatively affects the health of the domestic rodent.

The cellular filling will be absolutely incomplete if a special stick or mineral stone for grinding teeth is not placed inside the dzhungarik’s home. A twig of any fruit tree is very suitable for this purpose, with the exception of apricot and cherry.

Care and hygiene

Mandatory measures for caring for your home dungeon include proper and regular cleaning, which will prevent the appearance of a persistent and rather unpleasant odor in the room. It is recommended to carry out systematic cleaning and replacement of the filler no more than once or twice a week. During this event, the pet is transferred to a special carrier or a regular plastic box.

Contaminated litter cannot be removed completely; a small part of it must be left for the animal, which will allow it to orient itself and quickly adapt to the cleanliness brought in the cage. Once a month, a general cleaning of the home of a domestic rodent is required, but during such an important procedure, it is strictly forbidden to destroy the pet’s nest. To wash the bottom of the cage, it is advisable to use a solution based on natural laundry soap.

Important! Remember that the domestic Djungarian hamster does not need any water procedures at all, since such a pet is able to clean its fur on its own, and with hygienic purpose It is enough to install a special bathing suit in the cage filled with clean and sifted sand.

One of the very important aspects of caring for a pet hamster is to correct location his cages are in the living area. Djungarians are very difficult to tolerate direct sunlight, drafts and stagnant air. The cage should not be installed near heating appliances, a TV, a refrigerator or a computer.

What to feed the dwarf

The optimal diet for such a domestic rodent will be ready-made commercial food for hamsters. The main part of the nutrition should be represented by granules and grain mixtures, containing seeds, grains and pieces of ground corn, with a protein content of 15-20%. High-quality granules and mixtures are used in hamster dental hygiene and are also characterized high level nutritional value, but will not be able to become the only source of nutrition for dzhungarika.

Depending on the season, it can be supplemented with fruits and vegetables, as well as herbs. Additional foods must be introduced into food very carefully, gradually, observing the animal’s reaction and the absence of allergies. If diarrhea occurs, you must immediately exclude the product from your diet. The cage must have drinking bowls that are regularly filled with fresh water.

Health, disease and prevention

Breeders of Djungarian hamsters note that a significant part of the diseases of such pets most often occurs as a result of severe stress caused by several factors:

• changing the location of the cell;
• disturbance of sleep and rest patterns;
• long trip;
• the appearance of another individual in the cell.

Mandatory medical consultation will be required for a pet rodent if it exhibits unmotivated aggression, heavy breathing or skin ulcers are detected, and stools are too loose and frequent. Clear signs Diseases also include apathy, convulsiveness, complete loss of appetite and severe fur loss.

Reproduction and offspring

Djungarian hamsters in captivity are capable of reproducing very well. For mating, females are used that are at least four months old, as well as males that are three months old or older. The female's pregnancy usually does not exceed three weeks. To feed such a pet, you need to use not only dry granulated food, but also boiled protein food chicken breast, boiled egg yolk and low-fat cottage cheese.

Approximately two days before the birth of little jungarians, the entire cage and accessories must be completely disinfected. After birth, baby hamsters are fed exclusively for the first three weeks. mother's milk. During this period, it is strictly forbidden to pick up newborn babies, since in this case the female is able to eat all her offspring.

Among hairy-footed hamsters, djungarians are capable of producing viable hybrids when crossed exclusively with Campbell's hamsters. Experienced breeders note that the offspring resulting from such crossing have an average life expectancy, which rarely exceeds one and a half years. Hybrid individuals are distinguished by their fur color with a red tint, as well as their characteristic body structure.

This is interesting! To get healthy, full-fledged offspring, it is necessary to provide the female with separate housing, proper diet, as well as complete peace of mind throughout the entire period of pregnancy and lactation.

On the fourth or fifth day, small hamsters usually stop squeaking and behave more calmly, and on the seventh day their body begins to be covered with real fur. Babies make their first movements around the cage around the tenth day. At the same time, hamsters are already able to independently take not too rough food. Djungarians begin to hear and see in the second week. Babies can be separated from the female at about a month.

Djungarian hamster, also known as the Siberian hamster or simply the dzhungarik, is one of the three representatives of the genus of hairy hamsters of the hairy hamster family. Djungarian hamsters are common in Western Siberia, northwestern China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. Closely related to the Campbell's dwarf hamster, they can interbreed and create hybrid offspring, but this is not recommended.

Male Djungarian hamsters have a single gland that produces their male scent. It is located just below the center of the animal's abdomen. These glands often stick out and look like bulges, and are sometimes covered with an oily secretion.

Djungarian hamsters (in English winter white dwarf hamsters - white winter dwarf hamsters) got their name because in the wild the areas in which they live are winter period covered with snow, and therefore they have to change their fur to white in order to camouflage themselves from predators.

Djungarian or hybrid hamster?

In pet stores and some breeders, hybrid hamsters are sold under the guise of Djungarian hamsters. You can get a purebred Dzhungarik from a seller who has a certificate of the animal’s pedigree. Purebred Djungra hamsters have many advantages. They tend to be slightly larger, well developed and balanced, and exhibit a more pleasant disposition. Hybrid hamsters are prone to certain genetic defects, including diabetes.

Appearance and colors

Like Campbell's hamsters, they have same number chromosomes and grow to the same size - on average from 7 to 10 cm in length and weight from 35 to 65 grams. Compared to other breeds, Djungarians have a more rounded body shape with fur-covered paws.

One of the best ways distinguish the Djungarian hamster from the Campbell - the Djungarian hamster has a smoother transition from the line of the head to the nose. Dzhungariki are also much softer to the touch and have a smoother coat compared to the Campbell. Their colors include standard (brown-grey), sapphire (gray-bluish), pearl (matte white with gray markings) and mandarin (cream-red). Other colors are possible, but they are more likely to be Campbell hybrids. Both breeds have a dark stripe down their back.

Behavior and character

Djungarian or Siberian hamsters are quite calm animals and are easy to tame, making them excellent pets for a variety of owners. When fully tamed, they love to sit in a person's arms and enjoy gentle petting. Compared to Campbell hamsters, they are more timid.

How social animals

Djungarian hamsters are very social animals and live best with other similar hamsters in pairs or even-numbered groups. A group of dwarf hamsters and their interactions are always interesting to watch and they get a much more varied experience compared to, for example, single Syrian hamsters.

Djungarians can also live comfortably with hybrid animals from other litters if they meet in comfortable conditions. Lonely hamsters can live healthy and prosperous lives as long as you give them regular attention and they have a nice large cage filled with things.

Relationships in the group and possible clashes

You can support good attitude between Djungarian hamsters by simply providing them with a large cage with enough rooms that will have plenty of toys and food bowls so that they do not fight to use them. Dwarf hamsters do well in environments where they are provided with plenty of free space, but multi-story cages and modules with pipes are not the best choice for them.

If you suddenly hear an increasingly loud or prolonged squeak, check the cage as soon as possible, as one of the hamsters may have been intimidated. Hard fighting (sometimes to the death) may occur, but this is not a good thing for owners, and especially for their pets.

Lifespan - how long do Djungarian hamsters live?

In the wild, dzhungarikas, as a rule, live about 12 months, but at home, where they are provided excellent food and care, they can live for 2-3 years. Some owners report that their hamsters have lived up to 4 years, which is truly remarkable in the hamster world. If you want your pet hamsters to live as long as possible, provide them with the right nutritious diet, plenty of... physical exercise, as well as interesting toys and attention.

How to care for Djungarian hamsters?

Djungarian hamsters should be provided with a relatively large environment with enough food, toys, bedding and a running wheel. If you keep two or more hamsters, make sure they have multiple wheels and toys to prevent them from fighting over territory.

Experts say that purebred Djungarian hamsters, unlike Campbell hamsters, are not susceptible to diabetes. However, they are recommended to feed with low level Sahara. A small piece of fruit as a rare treat is perfect for adding variety to your hamster's diet.

Reproduction and pregnancy

Djungarian hamsters are very similar to Campbell's, including when it comes to breeding. Females become sexually mature at the age of 3-4 weeks, and males are capable of fertilization at the age of 4 to 5 weeks. Early pregnancy not recommended and may be dangerous for the female. Mating is recommended at the age of no earlier than 4 months. The duration of pregnancy in Djungarian hamsters is 18-25 days. The number of cubs in a litter ranges from 2 to 11 (average 4-6).

Breeding

Like most other species, estrus in Djungarian hamsters occurs approximately every 4 days. Once a male smells the unique scent of a female in heat, he will try to mate with her many times. Mating can continue continuously for up to several hours.

Facts - some interesting facts about Djungarian hamsters

• In winter, Djungarian hamsters molt and replace their fur with white to blend in with the snow in their wild habitat and hide from predators. Domesticated dwarfs, as a rule, do not change their fur.
• Djungarians are more active during the daytime, compared to their closest relatives, Campbell's hamsters.
• These hamsters are capable of forming hybrids with the Campbell hamster.
• Djungarian hamsters are much easier to tame compared to other dwarf hamsters.
• This species of hamster is very social and more affectionate to its owners than other hamster species.
• Djungarian hamsters reproduce faster than Syrian hamsters and can become pregnant on the same day as their previous litter.
• They do not have a breeding season and are capable of breeding all year round.

Video

Charming miniature rodents, which their owners affectionately call dzhungarikas, are increasingly appearing in the homes of animal lovers. Moreover, the Djungarian hamster is considered the most popular pet from the rodent family today. Care and maintenance, according to reviews from the owners of these little ones, are not burdensome, and at the same time, both adults and children get great pleasure from watching the habits of their miniature pet.

The Djungarian hamster is a cute animal with a kind and cheerful disposition that easily makes contact with humans. These hamsters are unusually clean and do not have the unpleasant odor inherent in many of their hamsters. This is an indisputable advantage that simplifies the maintenance of Djungarian hamsters. The photos posted in this article will help you get general idea about these funny kids.

Despite the fact that many owners believe that caring for dzhungarikas is not difficult, beginners who have such a newcomer in their home need to know the basic rules of its maintenance.

Spreading

Djungarian hamsters have a fairly wide habitat. The species is found in natural conditions in southern Transbaikalia, Tuva, in the Aginskaya, Chuya and Minusinsk steppes, in Altai, and in the steppes of Western Siberia. In addition, representatives of the species are found in Northeast China and Mongolia.

Djungarians build their burrow houses in steppe or desert landscapes, much less often on the outskirts of the forest-steppe. These babies are not afraid of saline, sandy, gravelly soils. In Altai they are found at an altitude of up to 3 thousand meters above sea level.

Character and lifestyle

To provide proper care If you are looking for a Djungarian hamster at home, you need to know how these animals behave in natural conditions. Hamsters of this species are predominantly nocturnal or crepuscular. These babies do not hibernate, but if the temperature remains below +16 °C for a long time, their fur becomes much lighter.

Adults lead a solitary lifestyle. If you are planning to place two hamsters together, try to choose ones that have been close to each other since birth. If you try to add someone else's hamster, then a conflict is quite likely. In this case, some owners use a cage with a removable partition. Over time, the animals will get used to their neighbor, and the partition can be removed.

Djungarians are peaceful and completely non-aggressive creatures. At home, they practically do not bite and get along well with children. You can buy a Djungarian hamster for yourself, or to teach your child responsibility, at almost any pet store. But as for where to place this cute baby, the opinions of owners and veterinarians differ - some believe that it is more convenient to keep and care for a Djungarian hamster in an aquarium or a glass jar, others are sure that a regular metal cage is more suitable for Djungarian hamsters.

External features

This is a very active animal with a beautiful fur coat, maximum size which does not exceed 10 cm and weighs 45 grams. Features of the Djungarian's appearance include a dark stripe on its back, which distinguishes it from most of its fellows.

The fur of this species of hamster is variegated with white patches. This helps the rodent natural conditions Great for camouflage and hiding from predators. The following colors are especially common among domestic Djungarian hamsters:

• mandarin;
• pearl;
• sapphire;
• standard.

In winter, the animal's coat sheds and becomes almost white. The inclusions become almost invisible, and the gray stripe on the back still stands out. It's funny that even at home, when animals do not lack food, they store food, collecting it behind their chubby cheeks.

Djungarian hamsters: maintenance and care at home

We have already said that these charming babies are unpretentious in their maintenance. Nevertheless, they need to create comfortable living conditions.

• We will equip a house for a hamster.

And while owners and veterinarians argue about where it is more convenient to keep dwarfs - in a cage or an aquarium - we suggest equipping the hamster’s house in a cage. When choosing it, remember that hamsters love to chew on everything that is available to them. Do not buy cages with painted rods: they look more attractive than usual, but very soon some of the paint will end up in the dwarf's stomach, and it is unknown what his reaction will be.

If you want to place your baby in an aquarium or terrarium, do not close the top tightly. The rodent needs air, so leave the top part open. If the sides of the terrarium are low and you are afraid that the hamster will jump out, cover the housing with a metal mesh.

And yet, it seems to us that it is more convenient to care for and maintain a Djungarian hamster (you see the photo below) in a cage. First of all, because it is well ventilated and the hamster does not lack air. Another argument in favor of the cage is the fact that moisture does not form in the cage, which rodents have a negative attitude towards. In the cage you will avoid the appearance of an unpleasant odor, which often forms in the terrarium. In addition, in such a house it is easier to attach toys, drinking bowls, and feeders.

A cage for a hamster of this species should be quite spacious, despite the miniature size of its occupant. The fact is that it should be filled with various “buildings” and items necessary for a comfortable life for a Dzungarian.

• Shelter.

Under natural conditions, hamsters live in burrows, which serve as a refuge for rodents from prying eyes and predators. Place a compact, cozy house in the cage in which the dwarf will sleep or just relax when he wants to be alone. Today in stores you will be offered to buy ceramic, plastic, wooden and fabric houses. We recommend avoiding the last two options, since fabric and wood absorb unpleasant odors.

The plastic house is too fragile - your pet will chew it off in a few days. But the ceramic one is ideal, since it is difficult for the baby to move it from its place. You can put small pieces of fabric on the bottom to make your pet warm and cozy.

Drinking bowl

Water is necessary for any living creature, so caring for a Djungarian hamster at home requires having a drinking bowl in the cage. Some models come with built-in water containers, while others attach them to the bars of the cage. Pour only boiled water into the drinking bowl and change it every 2 days. Do not place it in the sun so that the water does not “bloom”.

Feeder

A dzhungarik should have two containers for food - for fresh vegetables and fruits and for dry food. Feeders should be washed with warm water without using detergents.

Litter

The cage should be cozy and soft. Properly chosen bedding will relieve you of unpleasant odors and absorb moisture. You can use sawdust or toilet paper. After pouring sawdust for the first time, carefully observe the animal’s reaction - some types of wood can cause allergic reactions in a rodent.

You should not use newspaper as bedding - printing ink is toxic to the animal. When wet, it sticks to the paws and bottom of the cage. You should not use cotton wool either - the jungarik will simply get entangled in it, which can lead to the death of the clamped limbs.

Toys

It is impossible to imagine a hamster's home without a wheel. This is the most effective device that can satisfy the animal's need for movement. The wheel must be lubricated so that the hamster can spin it without much effort. In addition to this, you can install horizontal rods, branches, and various toys in the cage.

Features of care

These clean animals do not require special care. They wash themselves thoroughly and clean their fur with their paws. It is only important to change the litter and clean the cage once a week. Once a month you should wash the bottom of the cage with laundry soap. You can't bathe dzhungarikas, but sometimes they need to have sand baths. This procedure is usually carried out if the hamster's fur is dirty - it is matted and does not shine.

Pour some fine, clean sand into a container and place your hamster in it. He will happily wallow in the sand, cleaning his fur.

Feeding of jungarians

As you can see, the Djungarian hamster is quite easy to care for. The nutrition of these babies requires special attention. Such a pet should be fed twice a day and always at the same time. This should be done in the morning when the hamster wakes up, and in the evening when he begins to be active. A female expecting offspring is fed four times a day at regular intervals.

In the morning, the dzhungarik should receive protein, boiled vegetables, and succulent food. In the evening - dry food, cereals and treats. The basis of the diet of hamsters of this species is:

• dry food;
• vegetables that do not contain starch, cooked without salt;
• fresh fruits and vegetables;
• cereals;
• seedless berries;
• seeds and nuts (except almonds);
• dried twigs and fresh leaves of deciduous and fruit trees;
• carob fruits and crackers as a treat.

There are foods that are strictly prohibited for feeding jungarians:

• various sausages;
• sour cream;
• coniferous branches;
• cream;
• butter;
• milk;
• potato;
• fruit seeds;
• onion and garlic;
• mushrooms;
• watermelon;
• mint;
• chocolate, cookies, ice cream;
• citrus;
• spices.

It is necessary to carefully consider the choice of food for a miniature rodent in a pet store. Mixtures designed for large hamsters are not suitable for him. They have a completely different composition that will harm your dwarf.

The Djungarian hamster is considered one of the smallest and cutest domestic rodents. But, despite this, you should not treat him like a toy; he, like any other living creature, requires certain care and proper nutrition.

Djungarian hamsters are quite small animals, even adult individuals do not exceed 5 cm in size, so they can be purchased even by those whose living space does not allow them to have pets. Distinctive feature These rodents are gray in color with an expressive black stripe. In nature, these rodents live in Asia, Siberia, and also in the North-Eastern Caucasus. They mainly settle in semi-desert rocky areas and steppes without shrubs.

Despite this habitat, hamsters get along well at home, and their maintenance does not require a huge amount of time and money. If you have small children in the house, then you definitely need to get these little pets, which will bring a lot of pleasure to all family members.

How to choose the right dzhungarika

Since the Djungarian hamster is a loner by nature, they feel great in a cage without a “friend.” Otherwise, living together with rodents can lead to unpleasant consequences. Very often, hamsters living together start fights and can even injure each other. Therefore, before purchasing two hamsters at once, you need to think very carefully.

When choosing a hamster, you also need to immediately decide on its gender. If you do not have experience in this matter, then it is best to trust the experience of the seller.

Although rodents are considered one of the most common pets, not many people know how to properly care for a Djungarian hamster.

Not many people know how to care for dzhungarika

For a comfortable existence, an animal first needs a cage. It is best to give preference to galvanized frames, since a hamster can easily chew through wooden or plastic ones.

The cage for a rodent must be spacious. It should easily accommodate a house, a special wheel, and also provide room for active movement of the pet.

In turn, the cage for a dzhungarika hamster should be equipped with the following:

• a spacious house with a wide entrance, so the pet can easily enter it;
• tubes and branches;
• toilet with filler;
• bedding;
• drinking bowl;
• feeder;
• bathing suit;
• wheel.

Cage for dzhungarika hamster

For the toilet, you definitely need to purchase a special absorbent material, and the best bedding is pressed sawdust or fine sand, which can absorb all odors. It is strictly forbidden to use napkins, cotton wool, rags or newspapers for these purposes.

A drinking bowl for a hamster should have a volume of at least 50 ml and is best automatic. It is imperative to ensure that your pet always has water. As for the feeder, its dimensions can vary from 3 to 10 centimeters.

The wheel must have transverse protrusions and must also have a bottom; you should choose it based on the size of the hamster.

A bathing suit is a mandatory attribute in a dzhungarika's cage, but since these animals cannot be wetted, sand is poured into it instead of water.

A cage for a Djungarian hamster is not the only possible place of residence; they can also be kept in an aquarium that is of sufficient length. The most optimal sizes for such purposes are considered to be aquariums with dimensions of 100x40 cm.

Despite the fact that Djungarian hamsters are considered very clean animals, they do not require special care. They take care of their hygiene themselves. The only thing you should systematically monitor is the contamination of the toilet, the filler of which must be changed as it fills. In addition, it is necessary to systematically clean the cage. This should be done at least once a week, and the bottom should be washed with soapy water once a month.

Since bathing your pet is strictly prohibited, he needs to have sand baths, which help improve appearance rodent. After taking such baths, his fur becomes more shiny.

Sand baths help improve the appearance of the rodent

Thanks to these enough simple rules your pet will always be healthy and live a joyful life.

Compared to fairly simple care, a hamster's nutrition needs to be given close attention. You need to feed him at the same time twice a day. The first feeding occurs in the morning, as soon as the rodent wakes up, and the second in the evening. The second feeding should begin at the time when the animal begins to become active. If you have a pregnant female living with you, then the number of feedings for the entire period of pregnancy must be increased to four times. In this case, feeding is carried out at regular intervals.

You need to monitor your hamster's diet. The diet must include the following products:

• cooked vegetables, which are prepared without the use of salt;
• fresh fruits and vegetables;
• grain sprouts;
• dry food specifically designed for these animals;
• homemade crackers;
• seedless berries;
• cereals

You need to pay close attention to your hamster's nutrition.

For morning feeding, it is best to give preference to succulent food, protein and boiled vegetables. In the evening, you can pamper your pet with dry food, porridge, and treats.

The diet of the dzhungarik must include protein. He is in the right quantity found in cottage cheese, yogurt, boiled eggs, chicken fillet or fish. Such products should be given to the rodent twice a week.

When hamsters are sick, have lost weight, or are pregnant, it is best to supplement them with baby food that does not contain salt and sugar.

When hamsters are pregnant, it is best to supplement them with baby food.

If your pet is constipated, give a drop vegetable oil, and when loose stools sticky rice

Also, when feeding the dzhungarik, you need to take into account the fact that it is strictly forbidden to give some foods to it. These include:

• sausages;
• sausage;
• sour cream;
• milk;
• cream;
• garlic;
• mint;
• butter;
• watermelon;
• spices;
• salt;
• sugar;
• chocolate;
• citrus.

Bananas, peaches, apples and apricots, a treat for Djungarian hamsters

Vegetables are also well tolerated by them, so it is necessary to systematically feed the rodent with corn, cucumbers, lettuce, zucchini, tomatoes, and carrots.

In the summer, it is recommended to pamper your pet with fresh herbs such as clover, dandelion, parsley, nettle or plantain. It is strictly forbidden to feed a rodent mint, as it contains a huge amount essential oils. You should also not feed him sorrel, as it has very high acidity.

Important! Djungarian hamsters should not eat sweets, white bread and spices, as well as fried and sweet foods. Nutrition should be balanced and also fresh. Unwashed and missing food can lead to poisoning.

Pamper your pet with fresh herbs

In addition, when purchasing special food in pet stores, you need to pay attention that it is not intended for large rodents, since they have a completely different composition. If you make the wrong choice, you can cause irreparable harm to your pet.

We already know how to care for a Djungarian hamster if it lives alone, but if you have two of them, then sooner or later they may have babies. You also need to take care in advance about where you will put them.

You need to take care in advance about where you will put the kids.

In most cases, if a female and a male live together, after forty days they are completely ready to create offspring. Therefore, in such cases it is necessary to be extremely careful.

It is better not to purchase and house same-sex Djungarian hamsters, as this will certainly lead to enmity between them.

Also, special attention must be paid to the location of the cage. Under no circumstances should it be placed near a battery, TV or computer. A draft also negatively affects the condition of the animal.

The cage should not be placed near a battery, TV or computer

Don't forget that hamsters are shy animals and can experience stress. In order not to harm your pet, do not treat it as a toy, but treat it with care and love. It is best not to give the dzhungarika to small children and not to try to forcefully tame it in the first days of adoption.

How to accustom a rodent to your hands

Once you acquire hamsters, you don’t need to immediately try to handle them. These pets need to be given some time to get comfortable. A couple of days are usually enough for pets to do this.

After some time, you can begin to pick him up, but this must be done carefully. It is best if the animal is on the floor at this moment. You need to take it carefully, gradually putting your hand under it. If the dwarf is afraid and rushes around the cage, then you should not insist on contact. In such matters it is necessary to show patience, which will be appreciated by the hamster. During the process, it is necessary to contact him daily. This is prerequisite. A neglectful attitude can lead to the fact that the dzhungarik will completely lose the habit of you and may even bite.

You should also always remember that hamsters are very sensitive to temperature changes and loud sounds. Sometimes frightened pets do not make contact with people for a long time, in the process they can become wild.