YOUR FRIENDLY DWARF HAMSTER
What in the world is a dwarf hamster? You probably think there are only one or two kinds, right! Well guess again they span across twenty-four species, there are three main species in captivity but there are several different varieties. They are affectionately called a pocket pet because they are small enough to fit in your pocket. This info may help you decide what type of dwarf hamster you would like.
There is a Campbell’s Dwarf Russian hamster, which is probably the most common of the three species in captivity and you will probably find more info on this dwarf hamster than any of the others. They are called phodopus Campbelli because Phodopus means blistered foot in Latin and they appear to have a fused footpad and because W.C. Campbell discovered them. They have a life span of about 2 years and get about 4 inches maximum.
There is also a White Winter Dwarf Russian hamster it is often known as the Siberian hamster. This dwarf hamsters name is based on the fact that in the short winter days their fur will turn white to match their surroundings in the wild. The Winter White Hamster is normally a pearl gray or sapphire blue-gray color, with a black strip down its back. They have a lifespan of about 1.5 to 2 years and will be about 4 inches or less in length.
The other species is the Roborovski, which is a very rare species. It only comes in a pale sandy brown color with a striking white underbelly. This is the smallest of the dwarf hamster species and also the quickest and most active. Some of the characteristics of this is there are white spots where the eyebrows should be and they do not have the strips like the other dwarf hamsters have and their length is only about 2 inches. They have a life span of about 3.5 years which is longer than most of the dwarf hamsters.
The dwarf hamster is colorblind and has very poor eyesight, as they are mostly nearsighted. They have highly sensitive hearing to high-pitched noises and can communicate ultrasonically. Dwarf hamsters are very flexible but have very fragile bones.
The dwarf hamsters are often referred to as desert hamsters because they are native to the desert areas of Northern China, Manchuria, Mongolia, and Siberia.
The dwarf hamsters are skittish so they will make a faster escape when startled by something or someone and since they are so small they can get in places that other hamsters may not and can also get out of wire cages where a regular sized hamster may not. Therefore they will need a secure enclosure too make sure they stay put.
Dwarf hamsters can live in aquariums or plastic boxes so they cannot escape through the bars. When buying a wheel or other toys for your dwarf hamster they will need to be smaller then the normal size for hamsters you might try the ones sold for mice.
These small creatures are amazing and bring joy into your life so any maintenance that will be needed is worth all the effort it might take. I hope the information I have given you has made it a little easier to decide which dwarf hamster is for you.
