Is the Chinese hamster a dwarf hamster?

Is the Chinese hamster a dwarf hamster?

The Chinese hamster is an interesting animal that is quite different to the other hamsters that we have looked at in this series. They’re not officially a ‘dwarf’ hamster because they don’t belong to the Phodopus genus like the Winter White, the Roborovski and the Campbell’s hamster .

How big does a Chinese hamster get at birth?

Description. These animals grow to between 82 and 127 mm in body length (tail length 20–33 mm) and weigh 1.7 grams at birth, then as they get older can weigh 30–45 grams. They live two to three years on average. A Chinese hamster’s body proportions, compared with those of other hamsters, appear “long and thin” and they have (for a hamster)…

What happens to a Chinese hamster in the summer?

During the spring and summer Chinese hamsters are active both day and night although they do become more nocturnal as the days shorten. Although they don’t hibernate, they do sleep longer in the short days and if they are discovered they will either freeze on the spot or run. How long do Chinese hamsters live?

What kind of mutation does a Chinese hamster have?

Only three known colour mutations are found in Chinese hamsters, normal/wild type, dominant spot and black-eyed white. Normal and dominant spot are readily available in the pet trade throughout the United Kingdom (UK), whereas the black-eyed white is extremely rare; only a few are owned by hobbyist breeders in the UK.

Can a Chinese hamster sleep during the day?

It’s important to remember that Chinese hamsters are nocturnal animals which means they sleep during the day and become active at night. That shouldn’t be a problem, as long as you’re happy to spend time with your pet in the evenings after work/school. Try not to wake your hamster during the day too often to avoid grumpiness!

How big do Chinese hamsters get and how much do they weigh?

Chinese hamsters are not pudgy like other hamster species; rather, they are long and thin. They also have lengthy tails compared to other pet hamster species. Chinese hamsters weight 1.5 to 1.75 ounces. Roborovski hamsters are not only the smallest species, but they are also the fastest.

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.

Is it possible to keep a Chinese dwarf hamster?

Keeping a Chinese hamster healthy isn’t too difficult. If you provide your hamster with good food, water, exercise and a large amount of living space then you should be fine! Here are some of the other things you’ll want to consider when keeping a Chinese dwarf hamster.

What’s the difference between a Syrian and a Chinese hamster?

Chinese Dwarf Hamster Appearance And Colors. The Chinese hamster is slightly different in appearance to other hamster species. The Chinese striped hamster has a much longer and thinner body shape as well as a long tail. It’s around half the size of a Syrian hamster and slightly longer than Russian dwarf hamsters.

What should I Feed my Chinese dwarf hamster?

Always choose a healthy hamster food mix from a reputable brand and supplement the diet with fresh fruits, veg and healthy treats. You can even feed Chinese hamsters mealworms if you’re not too squeamish!

What kind of tail does a Chinese hamster have?

Chinese hamsters have tails that have prehensile qualities and there are reports that they use them to help balance themselves when they scurry around on the rocks. The tail itself is twice the length of the Campbell’s or the Syrian hamster but it is still quite short at about one inch long.

Is there such a thing as a dwarf hamster?

Chinese hamsters are actually not technically dwarf hamsters, however they are often categorised as a dwarf due to their small size and similar appearance. Caring for a Chinese dwarf hamster is relatively simple, it just takes the right knowledge!

How do you take care of a Chinese dwarf hamster?

Ensure to always provide clean water for your hamster. You can attach a little animal water bottle to the side of the cage, which is more hygienic than a water bowl. But before removing the water bowl, ensure the hamster is constantly drinking from the small bottle.

What are the colors of a Chinese dwarf hamster?

Here are the most common Chinese dwarf hamster colors: Greyish white with dark dorsal stripe Greyish brown with black dorsal stripe (referred to as agouti) Selective breeding has resulted in many fur color varieties, so you might find slight variations from the above list.

Chinese Dwarf Hamster Appearance And Colors. The Chinese hamster is slightly different in appearance to other hamster species. The Chinese striped hamster has a much longer and thinner body shape as well as a long tail. It’s around half the size of a Syrian hamster and slightly longer than Russian dwarf hamsters.

Ensure to add some chew toys specifically designed for hamsters or wooden chew sticks, as this will enable the wearing down of their teeth. Hamsters in the wild eat a wide variety of grains, seeds, insects, vegetation, and nuts. In captivity, your hamster can be fed commercial hamster feed supplemented with minerals and vitamins.

Which is the best hamster to keep as a pet?

The Chinese hamster (also known as the Chinese striped hamster and Chinese dwarf hamster) is one of the most popular hamsters to keep as a pet. Chinese hamsters are actually not technically dwarf hamsters, however they are often categorised as a dwarf due to their small size and similar appearance.

Which is harder to handle Syrian hamster or Chinese hamster?

Dwarf hamsters can be slightly harder to handle than Syrians simply because they’re smaller and much faster but practice always makes perfect. Some breeders actually consider Chinese hamsters to be the easiest dwarf hamster to tame.

The Chinese hamster is an interesting animal that is quite different to the other hamsters that we have looked at in this series. They’re not officially a ‘dwarf’ hamster because they don’t belong to the Phodopus genus like the Winter White, the Roborovski and the Campbell’s hamster .

What’s the name of the Russian dwarf hamster?

The Winter White hamster is known to cause more allergic reactions in humans than any other breed. A Russian dwarf hamster is a term used to identify the following three varieties of hamsters: Campbells, Winter White, and Robo or Roborovski.

The Chinese hamster (also known as the Chinese striped hamster and Chinese dwarf hamster) is one of the most popular hamsters to keep as a pet. Chinese hamsters are actually not technically dwarf hamsters, however they are often categorised as a dwarf due to their small size and similar appearance.

What kind of hamster is a Chinese striped hamster?

Chinese striped hamsters are not true dwarf hamsters but they are of a similar size to other small hamsters. As their name suggests, they are originally from China and Mongolia. Chinese hamsters are not commonly bred, can be hard to find at pet stores, and are also restricted in some places,…

Chinese striped hamsters are not true dwarf hamsters but they are of a similar size to other small hamsters. As their name suggests, they are originally from China and Mongolia. Chinese hamsters are not commonly bred, can be hard to find at pet stores, and are also restricted in some places,…

What kind of behavior does a dwarf hamster have?

Behavior Meanings in Dwarf Hamsters. There are many behaviors that may intrigue you with your hamster, so we’ll be explaining all of them. Being active at night – many owners actually don’t know this before they purchase their hamster, but most rodents are primarily night dwelling creatures.

What does a Chinese dwarf hamster look like?

With their short coats and somewhat longer tails, Chinese dwarf hamsters tend to resemble a mouse or rat more than other hamsters. If you have a pet hamster or if you are considering getting one, you will want to learn all about their needs in order to provide them with proper care.

Is the Chinese dwarf hamster awake all night?

Chinese dwarf hamsters are nocturnal, which implies that they’re awake all night and sleep only during the day. But sometimes during the day, they might wake up to eat and run around occasionally. Still, it’s not ideal to wake and handle a sleeping Chinese hamster.

When do Chinese dwarf hamster’s testicles retract?

As a male hamster matures, its testicles develop. When a mature hamster gets warm, its testicles will become more prominent and then retract when they cool down. The male Chinese dwarf hamster on the other hand typically has prominent testicles all the time.

What’s the best way to handle a Chinese dwarf hamster?

The best way to handle your hamster is in a sitting position, as it can become seriously injured if you drop it by accident from even a short height. Chinese dwarf hamsters don’t bond with humans as cats or dogs would. But once your hamster is comfortable around you, it might move to the side of its enclosure when you’re around.