The 5 Hamster Species | Roborovski Dwarf Hamster

Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters

Roborovski Dwarf hamsters (Phodopus robosovskii) belong to the genus Phodopus and come in a variety of patterns and colours. They are  also the fastest and smallest species of dwarf hamster, averaging at around 4-5cm in length.

Average life span: 3-3 1/2 years

Average length: 4-5 cm but can be bigger

Average weight: 20-30g, however they can be as little as 15g and as big as 45g

Can they live in pairs/groups?: Yes, Roborovski Dwarf hamsters are very social- although they can live alone and it is recommended to get a spare cage just in case of any fights. When owning groups of hamsters it is best to get even number groups, like is because hamsters like to bond in pairs- and so a bonded pair may not bond with another single hamster.

Also known as... Robo Hamsters

                                                                             Gem xx

The 5 Hamster Species | Winter White Dwarf Hamster

Winter White Dwarf Hamsters

Pearl
Picture from rikyhamstery.com

The Winter White Dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungorus) is the largest species of dwarf hamster. They are very closely related to the Campbell's Dwarf but have rounder bodies with a shorter and less pointed snout. They also come in fewer colour variations and patterns making them easier to identify- with the 4 most popular being Agouti, Sapphire, Pearl and Merle.

Winter White Dwarf's change colour in Winter with     their coats lightening or turning pure white including the dorsal stripe. 

Agouti
Picture from forum.lowyat.net

Winter White Dwarf's suit new hamster owners well due to their calm temperament.

Average life span: Around 2 years, although they can live longer

Average length: 10-12 cm

Average weight: 40-55g, although they can weigh anywhere in between 30-90g

Sapphire
Picture from www.aaahamsters.org

Diseases they are prone to: Diabetes- as many Winter White Dwarf's have been bred with Campbell's Dwarf's (a species that is at risk). However, pure Winter White Dwarf's (that are sold with a pedigree certificate) are not at risk.

Can they live in pairs/groups?: Yes, Winter White's are very social- although they can live alone and it is recommended to get a spare cage just in case of any fights. When owning groups of hamsters it is best to get even number groups, like is because hamsters like to bond in pairs- and so a bonded pair may not bond with another single hamster.

Merle
Picture from www.flickr.com

Also known as... 

Siberian Hamster, Djungarian Hamster- these are not false names just alternative names that these hamsters go by.

Winter White picture from  www.pinterest.com

                                                                             Gem :) x

The 5 Hamster Species | Campbell's Dwarf Hamster

Campbell's Dwarf Hamsters

The Campbell's Dwarf hamster (Phodopus campbelli) is a hamster species closely related to the Winter White Dwarf with the two often being confused as they both have rounded bodies with no defined neck or shape, small short legs with fluffy feet and a short tail.

 However, the Campbell's Dwarf, has smaller ears, a narrower dorsal stripe and is usually smaller that the Winter White with many more colour and pattern variations.

Average life span: Around 2 years, although they can live longer

Average length: 10-12 cm

Average weight: 30-45g, although their weight can vary between 30-60g

Diseases they are prone to: Diabetes

Can they live in pairs/groups?: Yes, Campbell's Dwarf hamsters are very social- although they can live alone and it is recommended to get a spare cage just in case of any fights. When owning groups of hamsters it is best to get even number groups, like is because hamsters like to bond in pairs- and so a bonded pair may not bond with another single hamster.

                                                                             Gem :) x

The 5 Hamster Species | Chinese Hamster

Chinese Hamsters

Black-eyed White
Picture from hamsteriyhdistys.fi

The Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) originates from the deserts of northern China and Mongolia. This hamster is often confused with being a dwarf hamster as pet shops sell them under this name due to their small size. However, Chinese hamsters are not classed as dwarfs as they are typically solitary and do not belong to the genus phodopus. 

Chinese hamsters have long flat bodies with large ears and a pointed face. They are also the only species with long tails, which can grow to 1-3 cm in length resulting in them commonly being mistaken for mice. 

Agouti
Picture from forum.lowyat.net

These hamsters can be many different colours. However the 3 most common are...

• Agouti- brown body with a grey dorsal stripe and white belly
• Dominant spot- white body with black eyes and grey spotting on it's back
• Black eyed white- white body with black eyes           

Dominant Spot
Picture from hamsteriyhdistys.fi

Average life span: 2-3 years

Average length: 8-12 cm, with males often being larger that females.

Average weight: 40-45g, however their weight can vary between 30-60g

Diseases they are prone to: Diabetes

Can they live in pairs/groups?: It is not recommended to keep Chinese Hamsters together as they can be solitary, with females pairs/groups starting to fight at around 3-4 months old and males rarely being able to live with other hamsters.

Also known as... Chinese Dwarf Hamsters

Picture of Chinese hamster from phongthuyphuongdong.vn

                                                                                  Gem :) x

The 5 Hamster Species | Syrian Hamsters

Syrian Hamsters

Syrians (Mesocricetus auratus) are members of the subfamily Cricetinae and (as their name suggests) originate from Syria. They are the largest of the 5 species, with an adult usually growing to around 5-7 inches (12-16 cm) in length and come in many coat lengths, colours and patterns.

These hamsters are also known as Black Bear hamsters, Teddy Bear hamsters, Blue Bear hamsters, Fancy bear hamster and Panda Bear hamsters- false names given to them by pet shops or breeders to make the seem more appealing to young children or to help them sell the hamster for a higher price by saying that the hamster is a 'rare species'. However, this is not true as they are all Syrian hamsters.

Syrian Hamsters suit new hamster owners very well, due to there larger size and calm temperment. They are also the easiest to tame.

Average life span: 2-3 years

Average length: 5-7 inches (12-16 cm)

Average weight: 130-150g, however their weight can vary anywhere between 100-300g

Diseases they are prone to: Wet Tail (Proliferative Ileitis)

Can they live in pairs/groups?: No, Syrian Hamsters are solitary and so cannot live with any other hamsters. Syrians often begin displaying territorial behaviour at around 6 weeks old although in some cases will continue to live happily with their siblings until 12 weeks; however, the ideal time to separate Syrians is 6-8 weeks old.

Also known as... 
Black Bear hamsters, Teddy Bear hamsters, Blue Bear hamsters, Fancy Bear hamsters, Panda Bear hamsters

Picture of  Syrian hamster from www.thelocalpetshop.co.uk

                                                                             Gem :) x

My New Blog!

Hey guys,
            and welcome to my blog all about hamsters and their care! I am an experienced hamster owner who specialises in dwarf hamster care- although I do know plenty about Syrian and Chinese hamsters also!

My next few posts will be focusing on the 5 hamster species along with the Hybrid Dwarf hamster and providing information for each- helping you decide which is best for you!

                                                                         Gem :) x