Name: Dwarf Hamster

 Classification:

 Kingdom: Animalia

 Phylum: Chordata

 Class: Mammalia

 Order: Rodentia

 Superfamily: Muroidea

 Family: Cricetidae

 

Subfamily: Cricetinae

 

Genus: Phodopus (Miller, 1910).

 

There are 3 main species of Dwarf Hamster which are:

• Phodopus Campbelli (Campbell`s Russian Dwarf),
• Phodopus Roborovski (Desert Dwarf) and
• Phodopus Sungorus (Dzungarian Dwarf). 

The Crecetulus Griseus (Chinese Dwarf ) does not strictly belong to this genus, but is considered a Dwarf Hamster.

 

Distribution:

Campbell`s dwarf hamster is found in Siberia and Dzungaria. It can also be found in Northern China, cental Asia and Mongolia.

Anatomical Characteristics:

 Dwarf Hamsters are usually only half the size of Syrian hamsters. The  four species have unique

 physical markings which can help identify each one. The most commonly found in pet stores is the

  Campbell or Russian dwarf. It has a dorsal stripe going down along the middle of their back which

 can fade away as they grow older.

 Phodopus Sungorus (Winter White or Siberian) has the same markings as a Campbell dwarf along

 the back but is thicker in width. In winter their coat can turn to white, excluding the stripe. This

 happens when the days grow shorter in the wild. The colour change may not always occur in

 captivity.

 The Roborovski dwarf is the smallest and fastest of the lot. They don`t have a dorsal stripe but have

 white eyebrows.

 Chinese dwarf hamsters are distinguished by their uniquely long tail.

 Behavioral Characteristics:

 Dwarf Hamster s live in colonies. Mixed-sex  groups will lead to a large incease in their population.

 Dwarf Hamsters are more sociable than Syrian hamsters but need to be handled frequently in order

 to remain tame, unlike the Syrian. Dwarf Hamsters are most active at dawn, night and dusk. They

 then sleep for most of the day. Being hoarders, they collect and store food for the winter season.

 This food is carried in specially adapted cheek pouches, which are dry areas free from saliva. The

 food or nesting material is removed by being pushed forwards out of the mouth by their forepaws. In

 order to find their way around, they groom themselves to release a distinct musk-like liquid with

 which they leave a trail for them to follow forwards or backwards using their keen sense of smell.

 The Dwarf Hamster’s scent can remain for up to 8 days.

 Sexing:

 Turn your Dwarf Hamster belly up. Look between the lower legs. Males have 2 holes (vents) which

 are around 1cm apart. Females have holes which are so close that they sometimes seem as one

 only. Females have nipples along their belly which cannot always be observed. Males do not have

 nipples and their bottom area is more protruding than a female’s. Sexing your Dwarf Hamster

 should only be attempted at 3 weeks old or more.

Buying:

 Before buying, observe your potential Dwarf Hamster for a while. Healthy hamsters should have a

 round and broad body, no lumps or bumps on their body, a full and well groomed coat, a clean nose

 free of discharge, bright clear eyes and overall should be alert, active, inquisitive and energetic.

 The best place to buy a Dwarf Hamster is from a breeder or from a pet owner. These usually take

 much better care of newborns than pet shops.

 There are four types of cages available:

• Plastic type: Made by Crittertrail, Ratastak and SAM. They tend to be colourful, modular, very

  versatile and definitely enjoyable for your pet. They are the more expensive choice.

• Wire type: Are easy to clean and cheap. Mesh width has to be small as some dwarfs may

  escape.

• Aquarium: They are heavy and therefore topple safe and cheap. Difficult to attach accessories

  to.

• Tubs: Can be interconnected, easy to clean and cheap.

Diet:

 Dwarf Hamsters can eat bananas, sweet corn, cucumber, peas, carrots, celery, apples, cheese,

 turnip, bread, grapes, melon, raisins and chicken.

 Killer foods for Dwarf Hamsters include sweets, raw potatoes, onions, garlic raw kidney beans and

 chocolate.