Characteristics housing diet and other information Chinese hamsters, also called striped hamsters or dwarf hamsters, are tiny rodents that come from the deserts of China and Mongolia. They hardly experience dwarfism, but they received this name because they are smaller compared to other popular household hamsters, like the Syrian hamster. They are typically brown with a black stripe running along their back and a lighter underside. They also have a longer tail compared to many other hamsters.
As pets, these hamsters are quite simple to care for. They are usually gentle and easy to train, although a few might occasionally bite. Additionally, their housing requires little space, and their food is easy to find in most pet shops.
Overview of the species
COMMON NAME: Chinese hamster, Chinese striped hamster, Chinese dwarf hamster
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cricetus griseus
Leer mas
Surprising facts about a dog’s sense of smell
ADULT SIZE: 8 – 13 cm weight 30 – 45 g
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 2 – 3 years
Behavior and temperament of the Chinese hamster
Chinese hamsters are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and are awake at night. But sometimes they might wake up during the day to eat and move around for a short time. However, it is best not to wake a sleeping hamster to handle it. This will probably make him nervous and he might try to bite you.
As pets, these hamsters are generally docile if you handle them constantly from an early age. But if they are not used to handling them, some may be nervous and bite. Also, because they are very small and fast, they can be difficult to handle. It is better to sit on the floor when holding the hamster, since an accidental fall even from a height of several tens of centimeters can cause serious injury.
Leer mas
How to Train Your Dog – Animal Kingdom
Chinese hamsters do not bond with people like a dog or cat would. But once they feel comfortable around you, they may come closer to the side of their enclosure if you are nearby. Hamsters can be kept alone or in same-sex pairs or small groups.
However, hamsters kept together may show territorial aggression towards each other. The best way to avoid aggression is to acquire nestmates who have grown up together and are already accustomed to each other’s presence.
Avoid contact between your hamster and other pets in your home, as they may injure this small, fragile rodent.
They are generally calm pets, although they may keep you up at night with their activity if you keep the cage in your bedroom. Expect to spend a few hours each week keeping the enclosure clean and feeding them.
Leer mas
How to Avoid Losing Your Puppy: Proper Pet Identification
Also, handle your pet and let him play in a small hamster exercise ball or other safe area outside his enclosure for at least a few hours a day (probably in the evening, once he’s awake).
The home of the Chinese hamster
Even though these hamsters are small, they still need the largest enclosure you can afford. This is usually their main space for play and exercise, so having enough space is crucial for their health. The cage must be at least 60 cm long, 30 cm wide and 60 cm high.
Cage options are generally one with a plastic base and wire on top, or a glass or plastic aquarium. The wire cage will allow for better airflow, but you need to make sure the bars are close enough together to prevent your hamster from crawling through them.
Place 3 to 5 inches of waste, such as sawdust or paper products, on the bottom of the enclosure. Do not use pine or cedar shavings, as they can cause breathing problems for your hamster.
Leer mas
How to deal with guilt after putting a pet down
Additionally, it includes an indoor small animal nest or hideout, which can be found in most pet stores. And add a hamster wheel with a solid surface for exercise.
There are also all kinds of tubes, tunnels and bridges you can add to your hamster’s habitat to make it as diverse as possible. Also, provide wooden chew sticks or other toys made for hamsters, as this will help sharpen their ever-growing teeth.
Clean the enclosure at least once a week, replacing all bedding and washing surfaces with mild soap and water. Hamsters tend to choose one corner of the enclosure as their bathroom. So it’s a good idea to remove and change the bedding in that corner every day to keep it sanitary.
Food and water
In the wild, hamsters eat a varied diet consisting of seeds, grains, nuts, vegetation and insects. In captivity, you can feed your pet a commercial hamster food, supplemented with vitamins and minerals.
Most owners put a day’s worth of food in a small ceramic bowl on the spot. You can do this at any time of the day, as hamsters like to munch throughout the day and night, rather than eating set meals at certain times.
Supplement commercial hamster food with grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and hay. Place these foods in a separate bowl from your hamster’s main diet. Supplemental food should make up no more than 10% of your hamster’s overall diet. Some options include pieces of apple, carrot and oats.
It’s best to only offer fresh food when your hamster is awake (often in the evening) so that he can eat it before it starts to spoil. Remove any fresh food from the enclosure within 24 hours, making sure to find any bits of food the hamster may have hidden in the bedding.
Finally, hamsters always need access to clean water. It is best to use a small pet water bottle attached to the side of the enclosure, which remains more hygienic than a bowl of water. But make sure your hamster learns to consistently drink from the bottle before removing the water bowl.
Common health problems
Hamsters are generally hardy animals, but they are prone to some health problems. Wet tail is a common disease in rodents, especially hamsters.
Formally known as proliferative ileitis or regional enteritis, wet tail is diarrhea that usually occurs due to stress or unsanitary living conditions causing a bacterial infection. In addition to having diarrhea, your hamster may be lethargic or lose his appetite.
See your vet immediately as a wet tail can be fatal if left untreated. Furthermore, it can be contagious to any other hamster in the enclosure. So, if you have other hamsters, put them in a separate cage and watch for symptoms. Thoroughly clean the enclosure where the hamsters live and do not return them to the home until you are sure they have no symptoms.
Hamsters are also prone to respiratory infections. Symptoms include wheezing, runny nose, sneezing and lethargy. This condition also requires prompt veterinary treatment.
Additionally, when they don’t have adequate chew toys, some hamsters may have overgrown teeth, which can interfere with their ability to eat. You may notice that your hamster’s teeth seem longer than normal, or you may notice that your hamster is not eating and losing weight. A vet can trim teeth if necessary and then advise you on proper dental maintenance.
Buying the Chinese hamster
These hamsters can be found in many pet stores, but it is best to get them from a breeder. Breeders should be able to provide you with more detailed information about the animal’s origin, health, temperament and care needs.
Observe the hamsters before selecting one and whether the seller keeps the animals’ enclosures clean. A dirty room increases the risk of health problems. If the hamster is awake, he should be active and alert and explore the enclosure. Even if it’s daytime and the hamsters are sleeping, you can still look for signs of a healthy animal.
His coat must be clean and free of bald or matted areas. There should be no mucus on the face or wetness around the tail, which could indicate an infection.
His breathing should also be smooth and calm. If possible, ask the seller if you can wake the hamster with a reward to ensure he moves normally. But expect him to be a little groggy.
Animals similar to the Chinese hamster
If you are interested in similar animals, read also:
- Siberian dwarf hamster
- Russian dwarf hamster
- Roborovski dwarf hamster
Read also: The best cameras for pets
latest posts published
Belgian Malinois: characteristics of the dog breed
Norwegian Buhund: characteristics of the dog breed
Caring for the Chinese Water Dragon
The best brushes for cats
How to choose the best chew toys and treats for your dog
How to train your puppy to walk on a leash
Czech Terrier (Cesky Terrier): characteristics of the dog breed
Pembroke Welsh Corgi: characteristics of the dog breed
The best bags for carrying cats
