Hamsters / Breeds
The tiniest pet hamster species, typically just 4 to 5 centimetres, with a sandy coat and distinctive white eyebrow markings.
The smallest and fastest of the commonly kept pet hamsters.
The tiniest pet hamster species, typically just 4 to 5 centimetres, with a sandy coat and distinctive white eyebrow markings.
Extremely fast and generally the most skittish of the pet hamster breeds, better suited to being watched in a well-furnished tank than handled frequently. Robowskis can sometimes be kept in same-sex groups from a young age, though this requires experience and careful monitoring, and is not recommended for first-time owners.
Needs a secure, escape-proof tank-style enclosure, since their small size and speed make wire cages risky, along with a good depth of bedding, since they are enthusiastic burrowers.
A standard dwarf hamster mix, with a strong emphasis on seeds and grains, works well. Given their tiny size, portions should be correspondingly small, and fresh food should be removed quickly since it spoils fast in a warm room. Unlike Campbell's and Winter White hamsters, Roborovskis are not especially prone to diabetes, though moderation with sugary treats is still sensible.
Often the longest-lived of the dwarf species, sometimes reaching three years with good care.
Their small size and speed make them a poor first choice for households with young children who want a hamster to hold, but a genuinely entertaining species for anyone who enjoys watching a lively, well-set-up enclosure.
Many Roborovski owners find their hamsters never become fully hand-tame in the way a Syrian does, and that is normal for the species rather than a sign of doing something wrong. A tall-sided tank with a viewing angle at sitting height often gives more genuine enjoyment than repeated attempts at handling.
Article content © Ravi Teja. All rights reserved.
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