New Hammy

Question
Hi Sheila, i will be getting a campbells white dwarf hamster quite soon so i was wondering if u could give me all the starters info like
how to pick a healthy hammy
what foods i can and cant feed it (avo, cheese)
keeping it healthy
spotting a disease
keeping its coat healthy
normal behavour
and anything else that ive missed or you feel that you should add. im planning to get 1 female by the way. thanx

Answer
Hi Marthella

There are a few things you need to know about Campbells.  Firstly, sometimes they can be a bit temperamental - especially when they reach adulthood.  I, personally, have never had a problem with any of mine (quite the opposite), but they do have a reputation.  The main thing is to really get to know her straightaway - the better the relationship you develop with her in the early days, the better it will be long term. Handle her a lot, let her get to know you.

You pick a Campbell (or any other dwarf) up by placing your hand directly over them and picking them up quickly, or alternatively, place a hand each side of her and scoop her up. Don't expect her to walk onto your hand.  Campbells can be a bit nippy, so you want to avoid giving her the chance.
I find they prefer to walk on clothing rather than skin - so I always transfer them immediately onto my sleeve etc.

When you go to select your hamster - if she is with her mum and sisters, then you will get a better idea of her temperament.  If you go near a cage and the mum is screaming and no one can get near her babies, then don't have one of those - she will pass her insecurities onto her babies and they will become like her when they get older.  You want to find one that is OK with being handled (even if she is a bit fast), and whilst might run off, doesn't roll over and start crying etc.

Campbells are also prone to diabetes - this is something that is very difficult to detect in the early stages.  It tends to run in families.  The first sign you discover anything is wrong is when they start to drink a lot. Hamsters drink very little water, therefore if they drink a lot, then you know there is a problem.  A large number of Campbells I have had have been diabetic.  Some coped with it, others did not.  If you find she is drinking a lot, then you can help her control the situation - you can make up a special mix of seeds - linseed, sunflower seed, sesame seed and pumpkin seed - I mix a packet of each in a jar, then sprinkle a small amount in the cage daily.  This contains all the essential fatty acids and seems to help regulate their sugar levels.  You will find that they will eat little and often, which is natural.  Also, if I have one with diabetes, I tend to put in a second water bottle, just in case the first one accidentally drains.  If you think she is diabetic - a vet can give you a 'diastix' which you put in her urine to measure the amount of glucose - but there is no veterinary treatment as such.  The main thing is to not give her any foods that contain sugar - this includes some of the hamster treats that honey is used in, fresh and dried fruit etc.  Many of my hamsters have gone onto live a full life and died of old age, even though they had diabetes when they were younger - it is almost as though they can control the illness themselves.

I suggest you get a tank or cage that you can put tubes and toys in. Due to the small size of a Campbell they aren't very good at climbing or even going up steep ramps - but they tend to like to run through things.  They also like to have several places to sleep - so I usually put in a couple of houses etc. with some bedding in each so they can move around.  They like running in a wheel, and you can also buy the mini hamster exercise balls (these are specially designed for dwarf hamsters) that they seem to love having a run in.  If you buy one of these, tape the door shut as they do have a habit of opening up if they bang into furniture.

Food wise - I usually give the standard hamster mix, fresh vegetables in the evening, hamster treats, nuts, small pieces of cheese(occasionally). If you need to avoid giving sugary foods, find a mix that doesn't contain dried fruit.  Some of the mixes have a lot of dried fruits in them and these must be avoided at all costs if the hamster is diabetic.   Avoid giving chocolate as this is poisonous for hamsters.

I hope this helps you.  I do hope I haven't painted a black picture - but I wanted you to know that there can be personality problems with some of the Campbells. However, I have always been lucky and in fact my favorite hamster of all time was a Campbell who was fantastic.

I wish you all the best with finding one that suits you.

Regards