The food requirements for these hamsters are basically the same as those of the Syrian hamster: a mixed seed and grain diet with the addition of small amounts of peanuts, sunflower seeds and dog biscuit. Jam jars for hiding, wheels for exercising, and the inner part of toilet rolls for burrowing are all appreciated. Cage furniture such as branches or twigs may be added but on the whole they are rarely used. Hay or soft toilet or kitchen tissue should be provided as bedding.

The floor should be covered in a fairly deep litter of either wood shavings or sawdust. The size of the aquarium depends on the number of animals kept. Multi-unit habitats are suitable for this species, but only if the vertical tunnels are equipped with ladders.Ī better idea for a habitat may be an aquarium fitted with narrow wire mesh top. They’re able to squeeze through the bars of cages originally designed for the Syrian hamsters, so be certain that you get a cage with very narrow bars.

One problem in keeping all these species is their size. It is the smallest of the hamster species and is at present only available in a single color: a pale sandy brown with a striking white underbelly. The common name for this species is based on the fact that in the short winter days their fur will turn white to match the surroundings that they would find in the wild. This hamster is often known in the United States as the Siberian hamster. They have a great variety of mutations in color (black, argent, dove, mottled, patched, opal, albino, blue and more) and coat (satin and rex). This is probably the most common of the three species available in captivity. It is only on rare occasions that dwarf hamsters fight seriously. Do not interfere with this behavior or you may find that they will actually fight for real. So do not panic if you hear lots of squeaking and fighting in the cage.

They are also vocal little animals and spend quite a lot of time play-fighting. In captivity, however, they appear to live most happily in pairs or small groups of the same or different sexes. The dwarf Russian is also a highly social species that lives in small family groups and large colonies in the wild. Adult males grow only to 8 cm or 3 inches. The dwarf Russian is smaller than commonly kept golden or Syrian hamsters. The dwarf Russian hamster is one the newer species of hamster to make its appearance in the last few years – and is different in size and character from the familiar pets kept by millions.

Skin winter dwarf hamster lifespan