What kind of animal is a Chinese hamster?

What kind of animal is a Chinese hamster?

Chinese hamsters are not, technically, ‘dwarf’ hamsters since this term refers to animals in the genus Phodopus, (the two types of Russian Dwarf Hamsters and Roborovskii Dwarf Hamsters). The wild colour is greyish brown above with a black stripe down the spine and a whitish belly.

How big is a full grown Chinese hamster?

The Chinese Hamster is a species of hamster, scientific name Cricetulus griseus, which originate in the deserts of northern China and Mongolia. Chinese hamsters grow to between 7.5 and 9 centimetres in length and as adults can weight 50 – 75 grams.

Is the hamster wheel too small for a Syrian hamster?

If your hamster wheel is too small, then your hamster may neglect it, as it won’t fit inside it properly – adult Syrian hamsters require a wheel that is at least twenty centimeters wide.

What kind of habitat does a Chinese hamster live in?

In common with other small rodents, Chinese hamsters have poor eye-sight, however, they have acute senses of smell and hearing. In its natural habitat the Chinese Hamster lives in burrows which it excavates itself. Some burrows have a single entrance hole while others have two or even three entrances.

Is it illegal to own a Chinese hamster?

Unlike other popular hamster breeds, there are some US states where Chinese hamster ownership is actually restricted or even illegal. In most cases, you have to apply for a permit to keep this animal and it may be hard getting one, most permits are only handed to research studies or exhibitors.

How long does a Chinese hamster live in captivity?

The Chinese hamster is no different and lives for 2-3 years in captivity. That may sound like a short period of time but it actually makes the Chinese hamster a much better fit for first-time pet keepers.

Chinese hamsters are not, technically, ‘dwarf’ hamsters since this term refers to animals in the genus Phodopus, (the two types of Russian Dwarf Hamsters and Roborovskii Dwarf Hamsters). The wild colour is greyish brown above with a black stripe down the spine and a whitish belly.

Where did the Chinese dwarf hamster come from?

As their name suggests, Chinese hamsters originate from China but also from areas of Mongolia. They were originally discovered in 1900 but were not introduced into the pet market until the 1960s. Popularity for Chinese hamsters grew massively when Russian dwarf hamsters were brought into the pet market, popularising the animal.