If you are intending to breed a Russian dwarf hamster and make them your pet, then you have come to the right place. I am creating this article to serve as a guide for people like you who are willing to go the extra mile just to learn and comprehend more about these animals.

First things first, I would like to prompt you that the Russian dwarf hamster is not a single breed. It refers to a group of diverse dwarf hamster breeds that have a mouse-like appearance, a short tail, and a thick coating. The varieties of dwarf hamster included in this group are Campbell’s dwarf hamster, Winter Whites dwarf hamster, and the Roborovski dwarf hamster.

Though these dwarf hamster species may seem the same from each other, they also have their own unique traits that make them different. To be able to comprehend them more, let’s check them out one by one.

The Campbell’s dwarf hamsters are thought to be the most common type among Dwarf Russian hamsters. They are popular in most pet stores. Because of their fame, they are raised to produce other color variations aside from the normal brown covering. Now, you can see this variety in spots and various coating shades of cinnamon, black, and even blue. They can grow up to four inches and have a life expectancy of two-four years.

The Winter White dwarf hamsters have similar physical characteristics with Campbell’s dwarf hamsters. They are affable and relaxed, which makes raising them trouble-free. But what’s fascinating about them is their ability to alter coat color during the winter season. They generally have a dark hue of grey, but this changes to a light or whitish tint when visible to sunlight in a cold weather. In the wild, they use this as a disguise to protect themselves from predators. This can be a amusing thing to watch yourself if you are taking care of one. But they can be hard to find and that is why you don’t regularly see them in pet stores.

The Roborovski dwarf hamsters are the smallest among the three when it comes to mass. They only extend up to 2 inches. But they make up for it with their agility. This can be credited to their long legs. Their covering color is brown with a slate grey undercoat.

They are very lively creatures, which makes it hard for handlers to keep them as pets. They are also prone to getting out from their cages if the cage is not properly locked. This hamster prides itself on good hygiene. They find time to groom themselves from time to time with sand dust. Raising them as pets would be delightful.

Just never forget that when taking care of Russian dwarf hamsters, correct housing, food, and medical care must be provided. These “pocket pets” depend on you. So, make sure that you are up for the challenge.

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Among all hamster breeds in the pet industry, the Chinese hamster is believed to be the most difficult to find. This type of hamster, which was originally found in the desserts of Northern China and Mongolia, was formerly bred as laboratory animals until mice and rats replaced them. Since then, they have been marketed in the pet industry. Their reputation still has to grow, and to know some information about them could help in your decision if you are thinking to raise one in your home.

Their look can be recognized in three color mutations. These are the Normal/Wild type, Dominant Spot type, and the Black Eyed White type. The Normal type mainly is made up of a natural brown coat color with a black dorsal stripe. While Dominant Spot of color mutation includes a white coat with colored blemishes. Black Eyed White type of hamsters is dominantly white in color. This kind is the most uncommon of the three, and only a limited hobbyists grow them.

Another characteristic that sets this hamster apart from other dwarf hamsters is its tail. Unlike Russian Dwarf Hamsters, the Chinese Hamsters have a tail that can extend up to an inch. This gives them a similar look to rats and mice. Chinese Hamsters are also tiny. They can only developup to a maximum of four inches.

Their conduct is not that troublesome. In general, these creatures are shy and good-natured. They like to stay awake at night, and seldom do they show activity during daylight. Though they can be aggravated at times, it is suggested to train them when they’re still young. They also love to run around, so having larger room in their shelter would do them good.

When it comes to friendliness, they can be kind with other hamsters if raised in a cage together. I suggest that you do this in their youth, which will give them sufficient time to get along. But there would be some Dwarf Chinese Hamsters that would rather like to live alone. If you observe any hostility in the cage, it is better that you get the violent hamster and place it in a separate cage.

While raising this type of hamster, it is very essential that you pay attention its needs. Providing good care is important. Always make sure that it has a sanitized cage. Wire cages are not recommended for this breed of hamster. They are tiny and swift and that they can easily escape through the wires. Glass aquariums are better choices for your pet than wire cages. When it comes to its diet, never forget to offer your hamster with fresh food and water. Don’t just settle for the hamster food sold in animal shops. Try integrating fresh fruits and vegetables to its diet. Water should also be refilled regularly. Cleaning its habitat is also highly important, as this keeps your hamster healthy. One very important thing to know is NEVER, EVeR give your hamster chocolate. This is very toxic and will surely end his life.

Always make sure that you treat your Chinese Hamster well. Its fundamental needs are more or less the same with other kinds of dwarf hamster. It is not that hard to take care of them, as long as you provide the proper shelter, food, and maintenance. By doing this, you will surely keep your pet pleased and fulfilled for many years.

Newborn dwarf hamsters have transparent skin that makes it so delightful to watch them from their nest. But if they are in hiding, it is best not to disturb them. When they turn four days old, the baby dwarf hamster will start to have color, and they will start to grow their fur after seven days, giving them a first clear hamster appearance.

After just ten days, a baby dwarf hamster will be able to see already, and it will start familiarizing the whole area of the cage. During this period, you can start giving them care but just to a minimal extent. When you’re doing this, always try to be aware of the mother hamster’s reaction, as she may misinterpret your kindness as aggression.

In handling your dwarf hamster’s pups, you should make sure that they don’t fall out of your hands. It is a brilliant idea that you take preventive measures such as holding a pup from a low height or just placing your hands over a cushioned surface. By doing this, you are preventing your pups from getting serious injuries if ever they got free from your hands. Handling your pups regularly, even for brief moments, will help train them to be friendly while calming the overprotective mother hamster at the same time.

The baby dwarf hamsters also start to wean from their mother during this stage; take notice that they will start to sip from the water bottle already.

After two weeks, baby dwarf hamsters will be able to eat a diet of solid foods. There are a lot of food items that you can feed your growing hamster. Examples of these are wheat germs and birdseed. You can also find in pet shops dry blocks or pellets for your dwarf hamster, but they don’t guarantee proper nourishment for them. It is highly recommended that you feed your growing dwarf hamster with small grains, for them to develop faster and be nourished properly.

You can already start cleaning the cage regularly when you see the pups maturing. Always check for their droppings and be sure you remove them from the cage regularly. Hostilities may also arise between pups, so always observe what’s happening in the cage. Hamsters can be protective of their territories, so if any violence arises, isolate them to prevent injuries and deaths.

After a month, your dwarf hamsters can already be separated completely from their mother, or they can also be sold to a pet shop if you’re a professional breeder.