Chinese striped dwarf hamster
The Chinese striped dwarf hamster, also known simply as the Chinese hamster, is a small rodent belonging to the family Cricetidae. Adult hamsters typically measure about three inches in length and weigh between four to eight ounces. Found in the wild across northern China, Siberia, and Mongolia, these hamsters are characterized by their distinctive gray fur that transitions to brown as they mature, along with brown stripes running down their backs. They are primarily nocturnal, preferring to be active during the evening and night.
In contrast to other hamster species, Chinese striped dwarf hamsters often live in pairs or small family groups in their natural habitats. As pets, they require appropriate housing, usually in metal or hard plastic cages, to prevent damage from their strong incisors. Diet-wise, these hamsters are mainly herbivorous, enjoying seeds, grains, and occasionally insects. They are known to carry food in their cheek pouches and need access to clean water.
Chinese striped dwarf hamsters have a lifespan of two to four years and can reproduce as early as three months of age, producing litters of three to sixteen young. They face various health risks, including respiratory issues and digestive problems, which can impact their well-being. As domesticated pets, they require careful handling and environment management to thrive.
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Chinese striped dwarf hamster
Chinese striped dwarf hamsters are rodents. This means they are an animal characterized by having a pair of large teeth, in the lower and upper jaws. These teeth are called incisors. Chinese striped dwarves are much smaller than other types of rodents. For example, they are about half the size of golden hamsters. They are still found in the wild in northern China, Siberia, and Mongolia. Chinese striped dwarf hamsters are now also being found in many pet stores and scientific laboratories. Chinese striped dwarf hamsters are also called Chinese hamsters.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Cricetidae
Genus: Cricetulus
Species: Griseus
Young Chinese striped dwarf hamsters have gray fur. As they get older their fur turns brownish and gets softer and thicker. They are called striped hamsters because they have brown stripes that run down their backs. Chinese striped dwarf hamsters grow to be about three inches (7 1/2 centimeters) long and weigh between four and eight ounces (112 to 225 grams).
In the wild, Chinese striped dwarf hamsters live in burrow systems of tunnels and chambers. As pets, Chinese striped dwarf hamsters live in metal or hard plastic cages that should be kept in dry, warm, well lit places out of direct sunlight. It is important that their cages be of hard plastic or metal because they have very sharp teeth and will eat through anything soft. Chinese striped dwarf hamsters are nocturnal. That means they sleep during the day and are active in the evenings and at night. Unlike golden hamsters, dwarf hamsters often live in pairs or small family groups in the wild. In the wild, they stay in these groups and know each member of the group by its smell. If a pair of Chinese striped dwarf hamsters are kept as pets they should not be separated for more than an hour. They will lose the ability to recognize the other hamster's smell, and will need to be moved to separate cages so they do not attack one another.
Chinese striped dwarf hamsters are mainly herbivores, or plant eating animals. They eat seeds, roots, grain, and some fruit. Pet stores sell hamster mix that includes all of the necessary proteins and vitamins from those kinds of plants. Chinese striped dwarf hamsters will also eat mealworms, crickets, and grasshoppers.
Like other types of hamsters, Chinese dwarf hamsters are commonly domesticated. This means they are often kept as pets. It may take time for them to become used to new homes and behaviors, such as being held by people.
Chinese striped dwarf hamsters, like all hamsters, have cheek pouches where they carry their food. In the wild, hamsters carry food in their cheek pouches and eat it later in their burrows. Pet hamsters sometimes move their food from one place in their cage to another by carrying it in their cheek pouches. Chinese striped dwarf hamsters need to drink a lot of water, but should not get their bodies wet. Pet stores sell water bottles for hamsters. These bottles let the hamsters drink water without getting wet. In the wild, hamsters get their exercise from running around searching for food and building their burrows. Pet hamsters also need to exercise to stay healthy. It is important for a hamster to have an exercise wheel where it can run.
In the wild, Chinese striped dwarf hamsters are preyed upon mainly by birds of prey, such as owls. Domesticated Chinese striped dwarf hamsters are mainly in danger of being killed when they are outside their cages. Larger pets, such as cats and dogs, might think the pet hamster is a toy or a mouse and kill it. Chinese striped dwarf hamsters are also threatened by getting stuck in air vents and under or behind doors. Some of the most dangerous health problems for Chinese striped dwarf hamsters are diarrhea, colds, pneumonia, and wet tails.
Chinese striped dwarf hamsters are old enough to mate when they are three to four months old. They have a gestation period, or duration of pregnancy, of about 16 days. The female then gives birth to a litter of three to sixteen young. After four or five weeks the young are independent. In the wild, they would leave the mother and make their own burrow systems at this time. Pet hamsters should each have their own cages after they are about five weeks old.
Chinese striped dwarf hamsters have a life span of between two and four years.
Related members of the Family Cricetidae:
- Black-bellied hamster (Cricetus cricetus)
- Golden hamster(Mesocricetus auratus)
- Campbell’s hamster(Phodopus campbelli)
- Desert hamster(Phodopus roborovskii)
Bibliography
Kukic, Monica. “Chinese Dwarf Hamster: Learn All about Their Unique Needs.” Animallama.com, 5 Dec. 2023, www.animallama.com/hamsters/chinese-hamster. Accessed 1 Apr. 2004.
Poor, Allison. “Cricetinae Hamsters.” Animal Diversity Web, 2005, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Cricetinae. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.
Psaradelis, Sarah. “Chinese Hamster: Pet Care Guide, Lifespan, Cost, and Important Facts.” A-Z Animals, 9 July 2023, a-z-animals.com/blog/chinese-hamster-pet-care-guide-lifespan-cost-and-important-facts. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.