Whether you’re a dog, cat, or reptile lover, there’s something to be said about the joy of having a pet—even the smaller ones like hamsters. Hamsters are easy to keep and great for kids because they are quiet and gentle. Since they are desert creatures, people think they don’t urinate or defecate much, but they do both.
Dwarf hamsters pee, and their urine is typically milky white. Hamsters can sometimes urinate if startled or scared, so providing them with a comfortable environment is important. Hamsters also like to pee in the corner of their cage, so you’ll need to provide them with a potty.
In the rest of this article, I will tell you more about hamster pee and how to take care of your pet. I will also show you how to potty train your hamster and clean its cage.
How Much Do Dwarf Hamsters Pee?
Dwarf hamsters, like other rodents, need to excrete to expel wastes from their bodies. Urinating is one way they do this. Of course, they don’t pee as much as bigger creatures, but the misconception that they don’t pee is just not true.
Dwarf hamsters usually excrete about 7 ml (0.24 oz) of urine. This could sound unusual to those who are new to keeping pet rodents. You may not see them pee, but you will smell it in their cage. They like urinating in corners or spots that could seem hidden or away from where they feed.
Moreover, the low quantities of urine (a paltry 7ml) can be explained by the habitats dwarf hamsters originated in. Desert animals are adapted to living in environments without enough water. Therefore, their bodies tend to hold on to the little fluids in their systems. This also explains why their urine is usually concentrated.
If you find a milky white stain in the corner of a dwarf hamster’s cage, that is a urine stain. Don’t try to scrub it out, as the stain can be stubborn. Just wash the area using soapy water to dispel the funk smell.
Potty Training Your Dwarf Hamster
Potty training a dwarf hamster can be difficult because the dwarf hamster is smaller than other types of hamsters and has less room to move around in with its small cage size. If you decide to potty train your dwarf hamster, keep the following in mind:
Purchase or Make a Litter Box
A hamster potty is a small, enclosed box designed to let your dwarf hamster do its business in a contained area. Most pet shops carry them, and they’re often quite affordable. You can also make your own customized box by:
- Purchasing a plastic storage container at most hardware stores.
- Cutting a hole in one side big enough for your hamster to enter and exit.
After you’ve purchased (or created) a functioning potty, you’ll want to pick up some bedding material. I recommend using something like Carefresh from Amazon, which is perfectly safe for your little friend.
Select the Right Litter for the Potty Box
When potty training your dwarf hamster, it’s important to have the right litter. The two main important factors are:
- The size of the litter particles
- The texture of the litter
You want a substrate that is large enough for your dwarf hamster to step on and feel like they are going through something but not so large that it falls through.
A dust-like substance or one that clumps together is a good choice because it won’t fall through and will stay in place when the hamster steps on it. You also want the substrate to not be too rough because if it is, then your dwarf hamster will be uncomfortable stepping on it.
Time To Train Your Hamster
You may have already noticed that your hamster prefers certain areas of the cage for doing their business. You can use the same area for the litter box as long as you clean it regularly. If there are other areas in the cage where you think the dwarf hamster might also prefer to go, leave them open.
Once your hamster is used to using the box as a bathroom, you should put some hamster cage bedding in the bottom so they are comfortable settling down there.
Just remember: if you ever change anything about your hamster’s habitat, such as adding new hiding spots or food dishes, it might confuse them. They won’t want to use the litter box until you’ve reintroduced everything else in the cage.
The Training Doesn’t Stop
There’s no need for your dwarf hamster to be a bathroom slob. Keeping the living space clean and free of clutter will help your furry friend use the litter box to do their business instead of treating the rest of the cage like a giant toilet.
Follow these simple steps to ensure that your dwarf hamster is a bathroom pro:
- Place the cage in an area where it gets plenty of daily light. This will help your hamster naturally feel awake, active, and ready to run around and play in the cage.
- Make sure there is enough space in the cage for your hamster to have a separate sleeping and eating area. Your dwarf hamster should find it easy to get from one part of the cage to another without walking across food or droppings.
- Give your dwarf hamster plenty of fun things to play with and chew on. This way, they spend all day lounging around doing nothing but sleeping and eating.
What to Do if Potty Training Doesn’t Work
If you’re potty training your dwarf hamster and it isn’t working, don’t give up! It could take a few weeks for your furry friend to catch on. In the meantime, here are a few things you can do to help:
- Keep your dwarf hamster’s cage clean. This will help your pet know where it should go to the bathroom.
- Reward your dwarf hamster with healthy treats when it uses the bathroom in the right spot. This could be with a treat or a special toy.
- Don’t use punishment if your dwarf hamster has an accident. This could make your pet scared of using the bathroom in its cage.
If you’re patient and consistent, your dwarf hamster will eventually get the hang of potty training.
Final Thoughts
Hamsters, especially dwarf hamsters, can be somewhat unfriendly, especially when startled or threatened. However, they are adorable as pets. The point is, with proper care, you will always find your pet easy to manage.
If you’re thinking about adopting your own hamster, I hope this article gave you an idea of the kinds of things you’ll be in for as an owner of these inquisitive little pets. So, grab some hamster food and water bottles, find a large cage, and pick up some wheel toys: it’s time to meet your new best friend.