History of Dwarf Roborovski Hamsters
Dwarf Roborovski hamsters (Phodopus roborovskii) are native to the deserts of Central Asia, where they inhabit areas of loose sand and sparse vegetation. They were first discovered by a Russian explorer named Vsevolod Roborovsky in 1894, but they were not introduced to captivity until 1968. Since then, they have become popular pets in many countries due to their small size and lively personalities.
Appearance of Dwarf Roborovski Hamsters
Dwarf Roborovski hamsters are the smallest of all hamsters, averaging 1.8 centimeters (0.7 inches) at birth and 5 centimeters (2 inches) and 12-24 grams (0.42-0.85 ounces) during adulthood. They have a round body with short legs and tail, and a pointed nose with large eyes and ears. Their fur is sandy brown on the back and white on the belly, with distinctive white spots above their eyes that look like eyebrows. They also lack the dorsal stripe that is found on other Phodopus hamsters.
There are several color variations of dwarf Roborovski hamsters that have been developed by breeders over time. Some of these include:
- White-face: This is the most common variation, where the entire face is white instead of having brown patches around the eyes and nose.
- Husky: This variation has a white face with gray patches on the ears and cheeks.
- Platinum: This variation has a light gray coat with darker gray patches on the face and ears.
- Red-eyed: This variation has a white coat with red eyes instead of black.
- Pied: This variation has patches of white fur mixed with brown or gray fur on various parts of the body.
Behavior of Dwarf Roborovski Hamsters
Dwarf Roborovski hamsters are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night and sleep during the day. They are very fast and agile runners, capable of running up to 6 miles per night. They also love to dig tunnels and burrows in their bedding material.
Unlike some other hamster species, dwarf Roborovski hamsters are very social animals that can live peacefully with other members of their species in same-sex pairs or small groups. However, they should be introduced at a young age to avoid territorial disputes later on. They can also learn to recognize their human owners and might come to greet them if they offer treats or attention.
However, dwarf Roborovski hamsters are not very easy to tame or handle due to their small size, quickness, and timid nature. They might nip if they feel threatened or startled by sudden movements or noises. They also tend to escape from open hands or cages if given a chance. Therefore, they are not recommended for young children or inexperienced pet owners who want a cuddly pet.
Housing for Dwarf Roborovski Hamsters
Dwarf Roborovski hamsters need an enclosure that is at least two feet long, one foot wide, and one foot high. However, bigger is always better, as these hamsters need a lot of space to run and play. You can choose between a glass or plastic aquarium with a secure mesh lid or a wire cage with a plastic base. Make sure that the wire spacing is narrow enough (less than 0.25 inches) that your hamster cannot squeeze through.
Inside the cage, you should provide your hamster with some essential items, such as:
- An exercise wheel with a solid surface (not bars) for your hamster to run on
- Chew toys made of wood, cardboard, or natural materials to keep your hamster’s teeth healthy
- Hiding spots such as tunnels, tubes, houses, or igloos for your hamster to sleep and feel safe
- Bedding material such as paper-based or hemp-based products that are soft and absorbent
- A food bowl and a water bottle that are easy to clean and refill
You can also add some extra items for enrichment and fun, such as:
- Sand bath for your hamster to groom and clean itself
- Ladders, bridges, platforms, or swings for your hamster to climb and explore
- Treats such as seeds, fruits, vegetables, or nuts for your hamster to enjoy occasionally
You should avoid using items that are harmful or unsuitable for your hamster, such as:
- Cotton wool or fluffy bedding that can cause choking or intestinal blockage
- Plastic toys that can be chewed and ingested
- Wire wheels that can cause injuries to feet or limbs
- Cedar or pine shavings that can cause respiratory problems
You should also clean your hamster’s cage regularly (at least once a week) by removing any soiled bedding,
wiping down the surfaces,
and replacing the bedding and toys.
Health of Dwarf Roborovski Hamsters
Dwarf Roborovski hamsters are generally healthy animals that can live up to 2-4 years in captivity. However,
they can still suffer from some common health issues,
such as:
- Wet tail: This is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhea,
dehydration, and loss of appetite. It can be fatal if not treated promptly by a veterinarian. - Respiratory infections: These are caused by viruses,
bacteria, or fungi that affect the lungs and airways. They can cause sneezing,
coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. They can be prevented by keeping the cage clean and well ventilated. - Parasites: These are external or internal organisms that feed on your hamster’s blood or tissues. They can cause itching, hair loss, weight loss, anemia, or organ damage. They can be treated with anti-parasitic medications prescribed by a veterinarian.
- Tumors: These are abnormal growths of cells that can be benign or malignant. They can affect any part of your hamster’s body and cause swelling, pain, bleeding, or reduced function. They can be diagnosed with biopsies or imaging tests and treated with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy depending on the type and location of the tumor.
To keep your hamster healthy and happy, you should:
- Provide a balanced diet and fresh water
- Clean the cage regularly and remove any spoiled food
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity
- Handle your hamster gently and carefully
- Monitor your hamster for any signs of illness or injury
- Take your hamster to a veterinarian for regular check-ups and vaccinations
Breeding of Dwarf Roborovski Hamsters
Dwarf Roborovski hamsters are sexually mature at around 2 months old and can breed throughout the year. However, breeding them is not recommended for pet owners as it requires a lot of knowledge, experience, and responsibility.
If you decide to breed your hamsters, you should:
- Consult a veterinarian before mating them
- Choose healthy and compatible pairs of hamsters from different litters
- Provide them with a spacious cage with separate nesting areas
- Separate them after mating to avoid fighting or overbreeding
- Provide extra food and water for the pregnant female
- Monitor her for any signs of stress or complications
- Leave her alone during and after giving birth to avoid disturbing her
- Check on the babies after a few days and remove any dead or sick ones
- Handle the babies gently and briefly after 10 days to get them used to human contact
- Wean the babies at 21 days and separate them by sex to prevent inbreeding
Personality and Temperament of Dwarf Roborovski Hamsters
Dwarf Roborovski hamsters are very curious and energetic animals that love to explore their surroundings. They are also very social and friendly with other hamsters of their species, as long as they are introduced at a young age. They can form strong bonds with their cage mates and enjoy grooming, playing, and sleeping together.
However, dwarf Roborovski hamsters are not very affectionate or interactive with humans. They are very shy and timid animals that prefer to avoid being handled or touched. They can also be very fast and agile, making them difficult to catch or hold. They might bite if they feel scared or threatened by sudden movements or noises.
Therefore, dwarf Roborovski hamsters are not ideal pets for people who want a cuddly or playful companion. They are more suitable for people who enjoy watching their natural behaviors and providing them with a stimulating environment.
Conclusion
Dwarf Roborovski hamsters have unique characteristics and care requirements that make them different from other hamster species. They are cute and lively animals but they are not very easy to handle or interact with.
They should be kept by people who respect their natural behaviors
and provide them with a suitable environment.