Chinese dwarf hamsters are comparatively rare when you're talking about pet hamsters. They originally come from the deserts of northern China and Mongolia, but there are two other reasons Chinese dwarf hamsters are so rare. They can be difficult to breed in captivity, and many of the states in the USA restrict their ownership.
They can look more like mice than most hamsters. While they are not as large as their Syrian hamster cousins, Chinese dwarf hamsters aren't actually dwarf hamsters. They are members of the rat-like hamster family and normally have a longer mouse-like body and tail than other species of hamsters. When fully grown they can be roughly ten to twelve centimeters long. Normally their bodies are grayish-brown with a white underside and a black stripe down their spines. There are only two color mutations from the normal or wild type, even though they have been kept in captivity for longer than Syrian hamsters. These color mutations are the black-eyed white and the dominant spot.
People believe that dwarf hamsters typically thrive in pairs, but the Chinese dwarf hamster is an exception. Two females introduced to each other while they're young generally have a better chance of being compatible than a male and a female. The dominant gender in a Chinese hamster community is the female, and the male might be seriously injured or even killed. Twice as much room in the cage is required to house two hamsters together. Other good things to have when two Chinese hamsters live together include a cage with more than one level and several places to hide. This gives the more submissive hamster more places to go and the opportunity to get away from the more dominant hamster. Chinese dwarf hamsters normally are housed in plastic habitats or aquarium tanks because they can fit through the wide bars of a wire cage. If kept in a wire cage they can escape altogether or they can get stuck in the bars, which obviously is a traumatic experience for both the hamster and its owner.
The dietary requirements of Chinese dwarf hamsters are the same as for other species of hamsters. They thrive on seeds and pellets and enjoy fruits and vegetables. A small amount of Cheerios or wheat bread can be offered as a special treat. Crickets or mealworms can also be used as treats, but avoid giving the hamsters too many at one time. Like any other hamster, Chinese dwarfs need constant access to fresh water. Water bottles work best because substrate can get into water bowls.
Chinese dwarf hamsters are not always easy to tame or train, even though they can live two to three years. They can be skittish and a bit aggressive, and they're extremely agile. They are able to jump from very tall heights and run very fast. They also are very good at climbing. If they are not kept in a secure environment they are capable of escaping, and sometimes they make better pets when they are never handled. Because of these characteristics, Chinese dwarfs aren't always good as pets for children under the age of twelve, and they are not recommended for beginners.
They can look more like mice than most hamsters. While they are not as large as their Syrian hamster cousins, Chinese dwarf hamsters aren't actually dwarf hamsters. They are members of the rat-like hamster family and normally have a longer mouse-like body and tail than other species of hamsters. When fully grown they can be roughly ten to twelve centimeters long. Normally their bodies are grayish-brown with a white underside and a black stripe down their spines. There are only two color mutations from the normal or wild type, even though they have been kept in captivity for longer than Syrian hamsters. These color mutations are the black-eyed white and the dominant spot.
People believe that dwarf hamsters typically thrive in pairs, but the Chinese dwarf hamster is an exception. Two females introduced to each other while they're young generally have a better chance of being compatible than a male and a female. The dominant gender in a Chinese hamster community is the female, and the male might be seriously injured or even killed. Twice as much room in the cage is required to house two hamsters together. Other good things to have when two Chinese hamsters live together include a cage with more than one level and several places to hide. This gives the more submissive hamster more places to go and the opportunity to get away from the more dominant hamster. Chinese dwarf hamsters normally are housed in plastic habitats or aquarium tanks because they can fit through the wide bars of a wire cage. If kept in a wire cage they can escape altogether or they can get stuck in the bars, which obviously is a traumatic experience for both the hamster and its owner.
The dietary requirements of Chinese dwarf hamsters are the same as for other species of hamsters. They thrive on seeds and pellets and enjoy fruits and vegetables. A small amount of Cheerios or wheat bread can be offered as a special treat. Crickets or mealworms can also be used as treats, but avoid giving the hamsters too many at one time. Like any other hamster, Chinese dwarfs need constant access to fresh water. Water bottles work best because substrate can get into water bowls.
Chinese dwarf hamsters are not always easy to tame or train, even though they can live two to three years. They can be skittish and a bit aggressive, and they're extremely agile. They are able to jump from very tall heights and run very fast. They also are very good at climbing. If they are not kept in a secure environment they are capable of escaping, and sometimes they make better pets when they are never handled. Because of these characteristics, Chinese dwarfs aren't always good as pets for children under the age of twelve, and they are not recommended for beginners.
About the Author:
Learn more about Chinese Dwarf Hamster. Stop by Brett Gacek's site where you can find out all about chinese dwarf hamster and what it can do for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment