How to care for dwarf hamsters?

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Will something like this work? If the floor space is about 12 X 24 and there is multiple levels (a floor with 2-3 upper levels in each bin, with two bins total. This way they can burrow on two different levels.) how many Russian Dwarf Hamsters could I get?
 
In something like that you could get quite a few. But just keep an eye on them, it isn't uncommon to have a cannibal out of the bunch. Although I have had dwarfs chew though the tubes. If they see a little crack they will go at it until there is a hole and escape. I have always been lucky that I have found my hamsters when they escape but I don't have any other animals lose that would eat them. Most of the time they seem shocked to be out. I would strongly caution if you get multiples that you get the same sex. They are awesome breeders. They get pregnant as soon as they give birth.

I work at a chain store and ours are healthy, but that's because I take great pride in making sure they stay that way. Stores vary from place to place even though some have the same supplier. When you look for a hamster watch how the person takes and handles them. If they are scared to death to handle them, chances are they aren't handled very often. You can even ask if someone works with them on a regular basis. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Also remember they are full grown in just a matter of a few months and live only 2-1/2 years topically.
 
Just because there are a few successes doesn't mean it's all gravey. Don't ignore the stuff that doesn't fit in your plan,
 
Just because there are a few successes doesn't mean it's all gravey. Don't ignore the stuff that doesn't fit in your plan,
 
Can they chew through a plastic grid like the one on the "windows" on the tubs?
 
I had mine in a plastic cage and the tubes slide in place. There was enough of a space that the hamsters could get their teeth in and chew a hole. The new ones I think all snap into place and I don't believe there is a space. Are you talking about the grids in the plastic boxes? I wouldn't make those out of plastic, those should all be metal. Curious though, how are the grids held in place on the plastic storage boxes?
 
ok, I don't plan on using tubes outside of the tubs, there will just be ones connecting them (vertically) and then shelves with hides in each "level" (tub) I'm doing this so that there will be two seperate burrowing spots, and it allows me to maximize space in a small footprint. So, metal mesh duct taped (from outside so they can't get at) will be fine?
 
In my opinion it is better to have the mesh on the inside so they can't chew on the plastic at all. I'm just not sure how you would secure it to the storage box?
 
Some short bolts with nuts and washers might keep it in place. You would have to drill pilot holes of course.
 
Yep, you are right. I just looked at the picture again and I see them in the picture. I found that a soldering iron works great at putting holes in plastic storage boxes without cracking the boxes. We used storage boxes for our collection of tarantulas.
 
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