Dwarf hamsters are gaining popularity in the pet trade. The hamsters differ from other species in that they are social and can be kept in pairs or small groups (stay with a same-sex animal, unless you are a breeder). Below are the most commonly seen hamsters. Chinese hamsters are sometimes grouped with hamsters because they are small, but they are not real hamsters.
Among the pets very popular is the hamster. Most commonly, four types of hamsters are kept, which differ in attitude. Here you will find information about the different species, their attitude and their costs.
Here is a list of other features and characteristics of your hamster:
Adults only grow 3.5 to 4 inches long (9 to 10 cm) Weigh from 3/4 to 1 3/4 ounces (25 to 50 g) Limited color and coat variations
Faster and more restless than the bigger Syrians Can live by itself or in a mixed gender community Campbell: Curious and easiest to handle dwarf breeding
Chinesisch: oft schüchtern und liebt es, in der Bettwäsche zu tunneln Winter White: mehr Gesang und liebt es zu trainieren Robo: wacht tagsüber mehr auf als andere Zwerge
Dwarf hamster species and their characteristics:
weight, size, colors, behavior There are up to 20 different dwarf hamster species. As pets, however, four species are most commonly held: the Roborowski hamster, the Djungarian hamster, the Campbell hamster and the Chinese striped hamster. The latter has a longer tail than the other species and therefore belongs to the genus of long-tailed hamster (Cricetulus). The other three belong to the genus of short-tailed hamster (Phodopus). Her short tail does not stick out of the fur . Dwarf hamsters are a maximum of three years old.
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Roborowski hamster
With a size of only seven centimeters in length, the Roborowski hamsters are the smallest of their kind. They weigh just 25 grams. Optically, it is easy to differentiate from its counterparts. So he is the only one who has no eel mark on his back.
Unlike the two other Phodopus species, he also has no three-way line between the back and stomach, explains Peter Fritsche in the hamster book from the GU series. His coat is sand-colored or yellow-gray while the belly, paws and short tail are white. He has bright spots over his eyes. Roborowski hamsters are more sociable than their sister species. Thus, the male helps the female in raising the young. These hamsters are very active and difficult to handle. For this reason, they are less suitable for children.
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Dzungarian hamster
The Dzungarian hamster becomes up to ten inches long and weighs about 45 grams. His natural coat color is gray. Belly, paws and tail are white to greyish white. On the back, the rodents have a characteristic eel line. Back and abdomen are separated by a distinct line. In winter the coat of Dzungarian hamster turns white. Djungarian hamsters are comparatively tame and therefore particularly popular in pet ownership. Sometimes they come by themselves and can be picked up. They should, however, be kept alone. Because a Dsungaren pair is not always easy to put together.
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Campbell hamster
This dwarf hamster type is the most frequently offered in the pet shop. Campbell’s hamsters are up to ten inches long and weigh 50 grams. The back of the wild form is yellow-brown with a black eel line. An arched line separates the white belly from the back. Around the mouth, they have characteristic bright spots, reminiscent of a “milk beard”. There are many different breeding colors from light to dark hues, informs the GU-Hamster-Ratgeber . Campbells Dwarf Hamsters run a community brood care. They live together peacefully over a longer period of time with their conspecifics. Unlike the Dsungaren, they are a little shyer, but get used to their owner when they are kept separate.
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Chinese striped hamster
The Chinese striped hamster is up to twelve centimeters in length, the largest of the four species. He gets up to 45 grams heavy. In coloring and appearance he resembles Campbell and Dsungary hamsters. Due to its long tail, the Chinese striped hamster can be clearly distinguished from the other three species. He also looks much slimmer than the short-tailed hamster. These hamsters are clear loners. The males do not take part in the brood care and are chased away by the females. Individually held, they easily get used to their owner. If you take them in your hand, they cling to one finger instead of jumping down
Consider the costs involved
The hamster itself costs only about five to ten euros, the cost of cages and cage accessories amount to a total but quickly over 100 €. In addition, there are monthly costs of about ten euros for food and bedding. In addition, you should save as a precaution, at least a little money for a vet visit, if your hamster once ill.
