The Dwarf Chinese Hamster
Dwarf Chinese hamsters look similar to a mouse and are usually mistaken for one. This hamster is the only one that has a tail. They are usually referred to as Chinese striped or striped hamsters and are technically not dwarf hamsters. However, since they are so tiny, they have always been considered to be a part of the dwarf hamster family.
Chinese dwarf hamsters are very slim and a full grown adult is just four inches long. If you own dwarf Chinese hamsters, it is very important to ensure you get them a secure cage from which they cannot squeeze through and escape. In fact, housing them in an aquarium is a perfect option. This way you do not have to constantly worry about them escaping into the night.
Dwarf Chinese hamsters have dark and light colored bands on them. Their bellies are ivory in color and they have black bands running across their spine. Some hamsters have a color pattern known as Dominant Spot. Their coat is white with colored spots and they look extremely beautiful.
The tail of Chinese dwarf hamsters are about an inch long and have no hair. This is one of the reasons why they are often mistaken for a rat or a mouse. These hamsters are nocturnal but are a little active during the day too. Being timid by nature, it is not very easy socializing Chinese hamsters. However, you can be sure dwarf Chinese hamsters will never nip you. Consider twice before buying these as pets for your children as they are quite difficult to handle.
Chinese hamsters, as they grow, may become aggressive, especially with the females if you put them together with other hamsters in an aquarium. Most of the hamsters are communal by nature. However, the dwarf Chinese hamsters can be difficult to keep together in the same cage. At the most, you can pair two females by introducing them at a very young age. Pairing a male and a female Chinese hamster is not a good idea as the dominant female may even end up killing the male.
Get the right sized cage with a lot of levels and hiding places. This is to aid the weak hamster in getting away from the dominant and strong one. You can provide them with hay, paper or aspen bedding. Avoid wire cages and cages made of pine wood shavings or cedar. It is also important to keep the dwarf Chinese hamsters happy by maintaining their home and keeping them clean and tidy. Before purchasing a dwarf Chinese hamster, it is highly recommended to check with your local pet shop for any restrictions in your area.
Dwarf Chinese hamsters can be fed with mouse or rat mix or lab blocks complemented with vegetable or fruit bits on a regular basis. As special treats, you can give them wheat bread or cheerios. Foods that are best avoided include junk food, candy, salted foods, fried foods and chocolates.
You can enhance their diet and make it more interesting by adding in vitamins such as Nutri-Cal. Pregnant dwarf Chinese hamsters much be fed with calcium for extra strength. Give them water using water bottles rather than bowls. It is recommended using stoneware or ceramic dishes for food. These help keep the fresh food and seeds from being spill on the floor. Lab blocks can be fed through wire mesh hopper to keep the food from falling.
