Black dwarf hamsters are becoming more popular by the day as many in the hamster community discover their unique features. Whether you’re a novice to the world of hamsters or have raised a few in the past, these wonderful creatures can be a great addition to any home.

If you’re serious about getting a black Dwarf hamster or successfully adopted one recently, here’s the lowdown on how to keep them healthy and happy.

What Kind of Dwarf Hamster is Black?

Black Dwarf hamsters come in 3 main breeds. Knowing the specific traits of each breed can be vital to providing an enabling environment for your hammy to live cheerfully.

Sure, their characteristics may not be too different from Dwarf hamsters with alternative colors but getting as much information about these cuties can still be vital.

The 3 main black dwarf hamster breeds available are: 

• Black Campbell’s Hamster
• Black Roborovski Hamster
• Black Hybrid Hamster

1. Black Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster

Campbell’s are the most common black Dwarf hamsters available in pet stores, animal charities, and local breeders. Thanks to the advent of selective breeding, Campbell’s hamsters are available in different colors including black. 

The Black Campbell’s Dwarf hamsters may also come in different color variations. One of the most popular options is a wholly black hamster with a white ventral area. But do not be surprised to see other Blackies with different complementary colors.

Like other Campbell’s dwarf hamsters, these hammies can be very mobile and love playing especially when furnished with accessories such as exercise balls and running wheels. Their often small body size of approximately 10cm makes them cute little pets for teens and adults.

One of the most distinctive features of black dwarf hamsters is their black-furred feet. With minimal aggressive traits, keeping a few of these in a cage or breeder tank should not be a problem as long as there’s enough floor space for everyone.

Like other hamsters from the same breed, the life expectancy of a black Campbell’s Dwarf hamster ranges from 18-24 months. 

2. Black Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters

Roborovskis are another option for anyone looking for black dwarf hamsters. At an average size of 5cm, they’re quite small compared to their Campbell’s cousins. This small size translates to quicker feet in contrast with other dwarf hamster breeds.

Thanks to their enhanced speed of movement, Roborovskis can be quite difficult to handle especially among children and the elderly. Their agility and high energy levels often make them a challenge for beginner hamster parents to keep in line.

Fortunately, Roborovskis have good temperaments and rarely display signs of aggression. Keeping them in pairs, especially when grouped with other hammies of the same sex can be successful in most cases.

While many hamster breeds are known for biting and drawing blood from their owners when threatened, these tiny breeds are an exception. Roborovski Dwarf hamsters are also known for their relatively high life expectancy of 3 years compared to Campbell’s Dwarf hamsters.

3. Black Dwarf Hybrids 

Thanks to selective breeding, Hybrid Dwarf hamsters may also come in black. However, these are typically uncommon and difficult to find in pet store chains like Petco and Petsmart. Selective breeders and hamster charities such as ASPCA are your best bet for finding black Hybrid Dwarf hamsters.

Black Hybrid Dwarf hamsters are usually a cross between Black Campbell’s Dwarf Hamsters and Siberian Dwarf Hamsters. These hybrids may carry common traits from their parent breeds but unfortunately, tend to be susceptible to a host of problems.

Firstly, Hybrids can be more prone to diabetes and other health problems. Hybrid dwarf hamsters also typically have an average lifespan of 12-18 months. Unlike Campbell’s Dwarf Hamsters, these animals may show sudden signs of aggression which eliminates their ability to live in the same cage with others.

Additionally, many hybrid hamster parents report signs of compulsive behaviors ranging from self-mutilation to taming problems. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can be a real problem that forces many hamster parents to abandon these hybrids. 

No wonder hybrid Dwarf hamsters are some of the most common breeds put up for adoption by hamster charities and animal welfare groups across the United States.

Black Dwarf Hamster Housing

Black Dwarf hamsters have the same housing requirements as their non-black cousins from the same breed. Whether you opt for a Robrovski, Campbell’s, or Hybrid, these creatures love to play and thrive off getting regular adrenaline rushes.

A hamster cage with enough space to run around is non-negotiable and many experts recommend minimum dimensions of 2×1 feet for a single Dwarf hamster. You can also choose a breeder tank with enough floor space and ventilation at the top to offer protection against harsh weather elements.

Proper bedding is also an essential part of Dwarf hamster housing as your favorite hammy deserves to enjoy enough comforts day and night. The bedding should be changed at least weekly and the aquarium or wire mesh cage should be cleaned routinely.

Whatever your preferred housing option, the dimensions should be able to accommodate an exercise wheel, hamster balls, and other toys for consistent physical activity.

What Do Black Dwarf Hamsters Eat?

Determining what to feed your Black Dwarf hamster can be a hustle as a first-timer. A good option is to check out your nearest pet store for commercial feed formulated with essential nutrients to help hamsters grow healthy.

Alternatively, a trusted vet can provide a list of the best-packaged hamster pellets for your black dwarf, especially during infancy. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts can also serve as supplemental feed for these dwarf hamsters.

However, they should be given in moderation and should cover no more than 10 percent of the rodent’s overall feed. A few recommended fruits, seeds, and vegetables for your Black Dwarf hamster include:

• Grapes
• Apples
• Bananas
• Berries 
• Carrots 
• Broccoli
• Dandelion
• Cabbages
• Sunflower seeds
• Walnuts

Do not forget to throw in some treats such as Spray millet from time to time to keep your hamster happy.

Black Dwarf Hamster Diseases

Dwarf hamsters may suffer from a wide range of diseases regardless of their fur color. Diarrhea and digestive tract infections such as wet tail disease are common among these unique-looking petite-sized hamsters.

Unfortunately, diabetes is also prevalent in black dwarf hamsters. A diet rich in healthy nutrients with low fat may serve as an antidote. Giving your hamster enough room to exercise regularly can also lower the risk of this debilitating disease.

Reproduction

Like other dwarf hamsters, Black Campbell’s or Robrovskis reach sexual maturity at around 4-6 weeks. It is advisable to wait until the females reach 10 weeks before breeding to enhance success. Male dwarf hamsters should only be bred after reaching 15 weeks.

Litter sizes can vary depending on the breed and the parent hamsters’ overall health. However, the average litter size is about 6 although there have been instances of a significantly larger number of offspring.

Where Can You Find Black Dwarf Hamsters For Sale?

Veterinarians can be a great resource for finding reputable breeders in your city. These breeders are often a reliable avenue to get your hands on adorable black dwarf hamsters. If any friends or family currently own one, you can also ask for breeder recommendations from them.

Black Dwarf hamsters may also be available from reputable online pet stores. A quick Google search can help you find local breeder websites offering these amazing creatures for sale.

Do Black Dwarf Hamsters Love to Be Stroked?

Black Dwarf Hamsters can grow to love gentle stroking. Being stroked may feel strange when you first bring them home. Over time, they usually come to love and actually expect it whenever they hear your voice.

If your baby dwarf hamster seems nervous or in fear as a response to your petting, just give him some time to grow used to it. 

What Should I Name My Black Dwarf Hamster?

You have complete control over what name to give your black dwarf hamster. The gender will definitely come into play when looking at potential name options. For instance, a feminine name could be more preferable for a girl dwarf hamster although a unisex moniker can also work well.

Either way, there’re no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing the right name for your pet rodent. A few ideas that come to mind because of their dark quirky looks include:

• Ebony
• Afro
• Coal 
• Onyx
• Ash
• Dusk
• Blackie
• Blacko
• Nighty
• Carbon
• Ash

Conclusion

Hopefully, this Black Dwarf hamster guide has answered any questions on your mind about these amazing but mysterious-looking pocket pets. If you’ve already bought one or thinking about adopting a black Dwarf hamster, providing the right care should not be a problem.

Remember, they’re normal Dwarf hamsters with largely black-colored furs. Caring for them should be a breeze whether you have some experience with hamsters in the past or this is your first crack at raising one of these little rodents.