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