Chinese Dwarf Hamster

Getting home a sweet little animal like hamster can be a nice option for those who don't like big pets. There are different types of hamsters and Chinese dwarf hamster is a rare variety. There are giant, medium, dwarf, rat-like, mouse-like hamsters. These hamsters are scientifically known as Cricetus griseus and 'technically', they are not dwarf. Kids really love small and amusing critters, like hamsters. Dwarf hamsters as pets are popular in all parts of the world.

Hamster Facts

The Chinese dwarf hamsters are also known as striped hamsters or Chinese striped hamsters. They are often mistaken for a mouse, as they are very small (2.5-3 inches in length) and they have a tail. Their tail is about one inch long and surprisingly, it is hairless. Usually, their coat appears banded with light and dark colors. The prominent black line along their spine looks nice on the dark brown colored backs. Ivory colored soft bellies make them look very attractive. They get scared or injured when handled roughly. Therefore, make sure that small children handle these timid little hamsters with utmost care. Hamsters are expert diggers. In the wild, they are always busy with constructing burrows, planning entrances and designing galleries. They also have to design and dig tunnels for temporary hibernation. They are very active, so as a pet owner, it is your duty to provide them sufficient space to help prevent boredom. They require lots of room to roam. Buying a pair or having them in small groups is actually recommended. The life span of these hamsters is about 2.5 to 3 years.

Hamster Diet

What do hamsters eat? You can buy good quality hamster food and combine it with small amounts of fresh foods. Being omnivorous, striped hamsters can eat anything offered to them. Sharp incisors in their jaws help in cutting and gnawing. Hamsters can stack a lot of food within their expandable cheek pouches. That is why they can survive for days without food. They continuously chew the stored food. Their diet may consist of fresh fruits and vegetables or grains, dried vegetables and seeds in small amount. They enjoy eating bits of meal worms, meat, dog biscuits, boiled eggs, yeast tablets, low sugar cereals and mixed bird seeds. Excessive consumption of food may result in severe health problems. Sugary treats should be strictly avoided because dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes. They eat their own feces. This actually helps improve digestion. This way, they try to get the most of food nutrients available.

Hamster Care

Hamsters are nocturnal but as pets, they will be active throughout the day. If they escape from their cage, they are more likely to get hurt because they are very small and they have poor eyesight. They are mostly nearsighted and colorblind. But they have an amazing sense of smell and hearing. They can easily find out scraps of food and they are sensitive to movement around, especially to high-pitched noises. Studies show that hamsters can communicate ultrasonically. Dwarf hamsters have fragile bones. They should be handled gently and carefully. They cannot survive sudden temperature changes. Aged hamsters usually become aggressive and start fighting with their roommates, especially females! You may have to make separate arrangements for them. Avoid wire cages and cedar or pine wood shavings, as they can prove harmful for them. Hamster care also involves maintenance of hamster home and maintenance of cleanliness. Proper ventilation is necessary to prevent strong smell of ammonia from urine. Therefore avoid solid sided housing.

You might need a permit in order to own a hamster. So, before ordering a Chinese hamster, you should check the state laws. Chinese dwarf hamsters are good-natured pets and I am sure, children will enjoy their company.