Dwarf hamster
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster, normal color
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The dwarf hamsters represent a group of small hamsters in the genus Phodopus. Although they do not belong to this genus, the Chinese Hamster is often referred to as a dwarf hamster as well.
[edit] Species
- Genus Phodopus - short-tailed dwarf hamsters
- Phodopus campbelli - Campbell's Dwarf Hamster
- Phodopus roborovski - Roborovski's (Desert) Dwarf Hamster
- Phodopus sungorus - Winter White (Dzhungarian) Dwarf Hamster
- Genus Cricetulus - ratlike dwarf hamsters
- Cricetulus griseus - Chinese hamster
Although more limited in color than the Syrian Hamster, dwarf hamsters are an alternative to pet owners who enjoy a smaller, more sociable hamster. However, they must be handled frequently and gently to stay friendly.
The Dwarf Campbells Russian Hamster and Dwarf Winter White Russian hamster usually live between 1.5 and 2.5 years and only reach a size of about 8cm - 10cm. The Chinese Hamster is 10-12 cm in length usually lives to 2.5 to 3 years. The Roborovski Hamster is the smallest at only 4-5 cm and lives to 3 to 3.5 years.
 Bull Dwarf Hamster |
[edit] References
- Nowak, Ronald M. 1999. Walker's Mammals of the World, 6th edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1936 pp. ISBN 0-8018-5789-9
[edit] External links
- Pet Web Site (formerly The Complete Hamster Site) section on Hamsters
- Russian Dwarf Hamsters information from breeder Jean McGuire
