I want a pet that's active and cute, that I can watch moving around in its environment. Roborovski hamsters have a relatively long lifespan compared to other hamsters, living for 3-4 years in captivity. (None of them, however, bore offspring. Lifespan: 2-4 years. M It is recommended that they are only handled in an area where they will be easy to catch if they escape, such as over a large box. Old Price $15.99 2 Sizes Chinese Dwarf Hamster. It has been reported as a common sighting by locals in this city and in the sand dunes of the Ordos desert.[9]. ) They were imported to the US in 1998,[19] though they are now commonly found in pet shops in several countries. It lives in the deserts of Central Asia, averaging under 2 centimetres (0.8 in) at birth and 4.5–5 centimetres (1.8–2.0 in) and 20–25 grams (0.71–0.88 oz) during adulthood. 2. The Roborovski is the smallest dwarf hamster, and combined with their speed and agility, this makes them very difficult to handle. The average life span of this species is between 1.5 to 3.5 years. The Roborovski hamster mainly feeds on seeds. Based on their natural diet, owners should feed hamster food containing mainly grains and small seeds. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. [2] Distinguishing characteristics of the Roborovskis are eyebrow-like white spots and the lack of any dorsal stripe (found on the other members of the genus Phodopus). Robo hamsters typically live for around three years. Life Jackets & Swim Suits Shoes & Socks Sweaters & Coats T-shirts & Tank Tops Stress & Anxiety ... Roborovski Dwarf Hamster. Despite their small size, they are extremely active. [12], In Tuva, the share of animal food is marginal. [42] Other sources recommend a diameter of 20 cm(8 inches).[43]. [5] The hamsters inhabit areas of loose sand and sparse vegetation and are rarely found in areas of dense vegetation and solid clay substrates. If all goes well, your pets should live about three years. This is probably because they are the smallest of the dwarf hamsters and extremely cute. Some hamsters also accept seafood such as dried gammarus. The young hamsters open their eyes by day 14. Flint und Golowkin, 1961. cited in: Flint, 1966 ("Diet" p. 36). N Currently, 10 variations of Roborovski hamsters are thought to exist. Black/blue - Originally bred in Finland, going to The Netherlands and then Germany. Providing them with multiple hiding spots is vital. This is because robos are extremely active and very fast. [11] Also the consumption of snails has been reported. The avera… [48] Softwood shavings (such as pine or cedar) are also unsuitable as they contain harmful chemicals which can damage a hamster's respiratory system. [46], Nesting materials should be easily shreddable and digestible, such as unscented toilet paper, moss, hay or leaves.[47]. The digits separate after six days and after eleven days, the body is completely formed. This gives it the longest expected life of any of the dwarf hamster species.  gram = Roborovski dwarf hamsters, also known as desert hamsters, are a sandy-brown color with a white belly and white marks over their eyes. The Roborovski Dwarf Hamster, whose scientific name is Phodopus roborovskii , is a small species of hamster measuring two to three inches long on average, with a portly body, short legs, and short tail. Syrian hamsters grow up to 5 to 7 inches (13-18 cm). The Robo Dwarf hamster or Roborovski dwarf hamster is the smallest breed of hamster, yet have a very good life expectancy. A solid sided cage or an aquarium would be the most suitable choice of housing as they are small enough to squeeze through the bars of most wire hamster cages. They can be as small as 1.5 inches full grown. Based on its population structure, Wan et al. However they are particularly nervous and, combined with their very small size and extremely lively nature, this makes them unsuitable for young children who will want to play with them, as they could easily escape when handled. A well-balanced dwarf hamster diet consists of: 1. Both are thought to be self colours behaving like melanistic and its further dilution to blue that is already found in other species. How to train a hamster – Welcome Home New Hamster – How to find if Hamster is Lost. [33], Unlike other species of hamster (see 'Golden hamster'), Roborovski hamsters can sometimes be kept in same-sex pairs or small groups if raised together from a young age. The living condition will affect the life span. It is of course possible for a Roborovski hamster to only live for 1.5 years, or for a Chinese hamster to live for over 3 years. The head length of the winter white dwarf hamster is 70–90 mm, the length of the tail is 5–15 mm, and the hind legs are 11–15 mm. [14], Pups, juveniles as well as adult hamsters are foraging food in their burrows.[15]. Cited in: Ross, 1994 ("Ecology" p. 3). [31][32] Hamsters frequently groom themselves, and instead of water, a sand bath should be offered to help them stay clean and healthy. Your email address will not be published. [42] Size is still debated, however the general consensus is that a wheel should be no bigger than 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) because of their Robo hamsters are small and it will be hard for them to move a wheel much bigger. Roborovski hamsters, like many rodents, will naturally avoid large open spaces, opting to stick close to the walls if forced to cross one, where they feel safest. ) Dwarf hamsters often live longer than Syrians, with a life expectancy that depends on the species. According to Fox (2006) white faced and derived breeds are considered torture-breeding and therefore breeding them is forbidden by law in several European countries like Germany or Austria. Roborovski's Hamster ( Phodopus roborovski ) are smaller than all other hamsters, and are also the fastest. The cusps of the lower molars are directly opposite and not alternate, as seen in other members of the genus, and the incisive foramen of the Roborovski hamster is greater than 4 millimetres (0.16 in) in length and is shorter than the length of the upper tooth row, which is uncharacteristic of the other two members of the genus.[20]. They specify the functional relation between the daily food intake (N) and the body-weight (M) to be [49][50] Conversely, hardwood shavings such as aspen are perfectly safe to use. [44], To support their natural behaviour of foraging and stockpiling, feed should be scattered around the enclosure, hidden in several spots, or slightly buried beneath the substrate (Approximately 1tsp of food per hamster per day). Breeding in captivity has also produced a darker variation of the naturally sandy-coloured agouti fur. Here are guidelines on the average lifespan of different hamster species. Appearance: ... Roborovski dwarf hamsters are the smallest of the four breeds and also the quickest. Robo Dwarf Hamster Lifespan: 3 – 3.5 years. Russian Dwarf Hamster Lifespan: 2-3 years. 1,780 They dig and live in burrows with steep tunnels as deep as six feet underground. Roborovski Hamsters Are the Fastest Hamster Species Although they are among the smallest of hamsters, they are also the fastest — and can cover a decent amount of distance. Robo Dwarf Hamsters. The distinguishing characteristics of the Roborovski Hamsters are the white spots where their eyebrows would be. [6] Captive bred Roborovski do often breed all year round. The average life span of a dwarf hamster is even shorter at 2 years, and in very rare cases a little above that. Old Price $15.99 2 Sizes Long-Haired Hamster. − For example, if you want to keep 2 hamsters, your cage should be 36 inches (91 cm) long and 18 inches (46 cm) wide. A bowl is preferable to a bottle, as it encourages a more natural and comfortable drinking posture. "platinum" — a combination of the dominant white face gene and the husky gene that produces a hamster that looks similar to a white-faced when young, but fades with age to nearly white, "head spot" — a combination of the dominant and recessive pied genes that creates a pure white animal with one patch of colour on the head, "white-from-white-faced" or "dark-eared white" — a combination of the dominant white-faced gene and the husky gene that produces a white hamster that retains a greyish undercoat and ears, "white-from-pied" or "pure white" — a combination of the two pied genes that produces a pure white hamster, "red-eyed" — a recessive mutation that produces a cinnamon-coloured hamster with a chocolate undercoat, dark brown (red) eyes, and pale ears. The hamster life cycle may not be very long, but they do have lives which are full of fun! Syrian Dwarf Hamster Lifespan: 1.5 – 2 years. Chinese Dwarf Hamster Lifespan: 2 – 3 years. Russian dwarf hamsters: 15 months to 2 years; Roborovski dwarf hamsters: 3-3.5 years; Syrian hamsters: 2-3 years; Chinese dwarf hamsters: 2-3 years; Siberian dwarf hamsters: 18months -2 years This concern is not seen in recessive white face (husky). Black and blue are two recessive genes still being investigated. [7][8] Their efficient use of water makes them particularly suited to the steppe and desert regions they inhabit. As with most dwarf hamsters, Robos are very quick. Flint and Golowkin determined in 1958 and 1959 that nearly 100 percent of the cheek pouches' content consisted of plant food, whereas animal food was only found in 23 percent of the hamsters' pouches at all in 1958 and 32  percent in 1959. [22][23] [3] Roborovskis are known for their speed and have been said to run up to 6 miles a night.[4]. 3. The Roborovski hamster (Phodopus roborovskii), also known as the desert hamster or Robo dwarf hamster, is the smallest of three species of hamster in the genus Phodopus. You also risk inbreeding and birth defects. High-quality hamster lab blocks and limited amounts of grains, vegetables, fruits and Timothy hay. Siberian Dwarf Hamster 1.5 – 2 years Chinese Dwarf Hamster 2 – 3 years Roborovski Dwarf Hamster 3 – 3.5 years. Lifespan: On average, they live for 2 years. Apr 20, 2019 - Explore Taylor W's board "Roborovski hamster" on Pinterest. If you do not like to feed them alive, you can purchase dried insects. Breeds. Dwarf hamsters do not have long life span. After a period of three days, the whiskers become visible and after five days, the first dorsal hairs develop. See more ideas about hamster, hamster diy, hamster care. According to Formosow the stock of several burrows indicate an almost insect-based diet. Wild Hamsters tend to Live Longer. Size: 6-7 inches. "mottled" or "pied" — both dominant and recessive mutations have been identified, these hamsters have the agouti colouring (or husky/blue/black/cinnamon) with irregular patches of white over their heads, bodies and sometimes their faces. Most pet shops have established hamster suppliers, so you may have nowhere for them to go. This can be achieved by placing branches, tunnels and various other hides in close arrangement. The breeding season for the Roborovski hamster is between April and September. Campbell’s Russian Dwarf Hamsters and Russian Winter White Dwarf Hamsters have similar lifespans. Bird sand is also not suitable, because it contains sharp elements such as shards of broken shell.[39]. If you want to have more than 1, increase the size of the cage by 0.5x for each additional hamster you house in it. In South Korea, they are almost as common as the winter-white Russian dwarf hamster. Allen, 1940; Thomas, 1908. Specific Dwarf Hamster Breed Lifespans. These are the smallest of the dwarf hamster species, staying at or less than a third of the size of a Syrian hamster, and are much more active. Studies (such as Bernard Hill’s documentary “Wild China”) have shown that Robo dwarf hamsters can run up to 100 miles in a single night. If you ever get an escape artist Roborovski hamster, you’ll have a hard time trying to catch him! Generally speaking though, the above lifespans should give you a good idea of what to expect when choosing which type of hamster to keep. This is an adequate size cage for 1 Robo hamster. Roborovski hamsters are very active, so a species-appropriate wheel is a necessity. To provide a means of cleaning itself and to help mimic its natural habitat, a large bowl of sand should be available at all times. The average life span for the Roborovski or Robo dwarf hamster is between three years and 3.5 years. If you’re considering a Robo dwarf hamster as a pet, then you should first learn the best ways to care for one. Winter White Dwarf Hamster Lifespan: 2.5-3.5 years. Russian dwarf hamster lifespan – they live on average between 15 months and 2 years. It’s odd to write this, as most wild animals don’t outlive household animals, however, this isn’t true of hamsters. Temperament: Friendly towards humans, … Russian expeditioner Lt. Vsevolod Roborovski first made note of these hamsters, discovering them on an expedition in July 1894, though they were not studied scientifically for the best part of another decade, until Konstantin A. Satunin made observations in 1903. On average, different types of hamster live for the following amounts of time… [16] The London Zoo imported them into the UK in the 1960s, but the first Roborovski hamsters studied in Britain were imported in the 1970s from Moscow Zoo. They are omnivorous; they primarily eat grains, vegetables, fruit, and plants, but they will also eat meat and insects in small quantities. [37] Additional levels do not count toward the base area. 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