Content
O russian dwarf hamster, as its name implies, is from Russia, although it is also present in Kazakhstan. It is a very common pet among children, as it does not require excessive care and has a pleasant attitude, even close, with those in charge of feeding it.
This rodent can withstand very low temperatures as it comes from the steppe.
Source- Asia
- Europe
- Kazakhstan
- Russia
physical appearance
has a small size, measuring between 7 and 11 centimeters in length and weighing between 35 and 50 grams. Its tail is short and its plump body, which many people find adorable. Overall, it can be found in nature in shades of coffee, gray and white. They have a black line on the back and a black spot on the shoulder. The belly is almost always white.
Ignoring the traditional colors, those who work in their reproduction combine specimens of different colors that result in different color agents (sepia, with a golden backline), cinnamon (grey tone), mandarin (orange) or pearl (light gray).
We can distinguish male and female by the distance between the orifices of the anus and the vulva. The female's are closer together, while the male's are further apart. It is also possible to solve the mystery if you can identify the testicles.
Behavior
It is an exceptionally hamster sweet and sociable and, perhaps for this reason, many parents choose it as a pet for their children. Although this is a friendly and friendly hamster, it is not recommended that they live in pairs of the same sex as they are territorial among their species.
They are most active at night, when you can hear them running on their classic wheel doing exercise. During the day they usually sleep more, although they can also stay awake.
One feature to take into account is that hibernate, although this does not usually happen in captivity. If they do, they can go a whole week without leaving their nest, which can make the tutor think he's dead. At this stage, they usually star in an unusual phenomenon, changing their fur and becoming lighter.
food
are rodents omnivores in nature, which means that they feed on seeds as well as on some insects. In captivity, just offer seeds like sunflower, corn, barley, safflower... You can also include fruit in your diet once or twice a week, like apples or strawberries (no citrus fruit!) or vegetables like broccoli or peppers green.
You will find specific seed preparations in pet stores. Just add the doses of fruit, vegetables and some insects if you wish. If not, you can offer unsalted cheese, boiled egg yolk or a little turkey ham.
THE fresh and clean water should not be missing. Use a drinking fountain like the one used by rabbits to make it more comfortable.
Habitat
In the wild it lives in underground burrows although in captivity we obviously use a cage. You can choose a large terrarium or an appropriately sized cage, but make sure it doesn't have too many separate bars or material that could break. Otherwise the Russian hamster will escape.
must have something for gnaw as your teeth grow non-stop throughout your life. Look for a branch or a toy you can find in pet stores. You must also offer them a wheel for them to exercise and even, if they have space, a circuit.
Clean your habitat regularly to prevent disease, always avoiding dust. You should also remove the leftover fruit and vegetables that the hamster may eat and as a result fall ill.
Illnesses
The Russian Dwarf Hamster can suffer from diarrhea if you eat too much sweets or vegetables: keep in mind that you can only eat extra food two or three times a week. You can also suffer a total shedding of hair if you are debilitated or lacking in vitamins, so buy vitamins that can be mixed with water at your usual store,
If you don't properly clean the dust from the cage, it can end up in the hamster's eyes and cause conjunctivitis. In principle, it should resolve itself in a few days, but in some cases in particular, you should go to the veterinarian to recommend antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Another common ailment is neurological paralysis which can be identified when the hamster ceases to have mobility in its hind legs. This usually happens as a result of a fall.
It can prevent all diseases by providing adequate food and regular hygiene for the animal.