THE RUSSIAN HAMSTER
Origin
· The name hamster comes from the German hamstern meaning to hoard.
· The main types of dwarf hamster, are the Chinese and the Russian, there are only a few differences between the two. However the dwarf hamster is often more commonly referred to as the Russian Hamster.
Life expectancy
· 1½ - 2 years.
Temperament / Behaviour
· Russian hamsters are very active and energetic creatures.
· Most Russian Hamsters will nip. They can become hand tame but they always have a tendency to nip.
· If they get cold they can hibernate.
Company
· Russian Hamsters should be kept in same sex pairs or groups.
Mixing / Introducing
· They can only be mixed when young. Although it can sometimes work adult Russian Hamsters will not normally mix.
Diet
Accommodation
· Russian Hamsters can be kept in tanks or cages. It must be a cage with very narrow bars as they can squeeze though the smallest of gaps. For this reason tanks are generally better than cages.
· They need wood to gnaw on.
· In the wild they would run up to five miles a night in search of food so a solid exercise wheel should be in the accommodation. They also
love to investigate and will use toys and tubes.
· It is possible to keep them on a deep litter as they will burrow.
· Minimum tank size: 60cm x 30cm.
Cage with 2 levels: 30cm x 30cm. Obviously the larger the accommodation the better it normally is.
Maintenance
· Food and water must be changed daily.
· Cages will need cleaning weekly, if several are kept they may need cleaning more frequently. Bedding should be checked daily for any uneaten food or faeces.
· A weekly health check by an adult is required.
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