The Roborovski hamster is a small mammal of the dwarf hamster family. It is native to Mongolia and China. Very popular as a pet because of its small size and gentle character, it is also very agile and not always easy to catch!
Description of the Roborovski hamster
Very active and curious by nature, it is a very popular hamster appreciated for its small size, its keen intelligence and its totally harmless character. It is also known as the "dwarf hamster" or "pygmy hamster" since it is the smallest of the hamsters.
- It is the smallest of the common hamsters: it measures about 5 cm.
- Its weight goes from 15 to 30 grams about.
- The color of its coat varies from white to dark grey.
- It is able to jump up to 30 cm high and can run up to 8 km/h
- Its legs are relatively long compared to other species of hamsters.
- It has a thick fur.
- It has a white belly.
- It has a very short tail.
- Its gestation period varies from 19 to 22 days and can lead to the birth of 2 à 7 baby hamsters.
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Its origins
The Roborovski hamster was discovered in 1894 in Mongolia where it originates from, by the Russian zoologist Vsevolod Roborovski who gave it its name.
Its domestication and captivity as a pet began only in the 1970s. It has since spread widely and is very common among hamster owners.
Behavior and character of the Roborovski hamster
The first words that come to mind when we talk about it are : fearfulThey are lively, solitary and cute. Where other hamsters would bite to defend themselves or in the face of fearthe roborovki hamster will prefer to flee. It is therefore extremely rare that it biteswhich makes this hamster an excellent choice for give to a child.
The roborovski hamsters are one of the most popular species, partly because of their uniqueness: they are known to be particularly assetseven for hamsters, and they love to play as much as to dig. So they need a cage spacious, well equipped with a wheeltunnels and toys in sufficient quantity.
This overflowing activity is usually expressed at night, as it remains an animal nocturne and therefore very active during the later hours.
In captivity, provide them with a stimulating environment so that they can express their active nature. They are also known to be very social rodents with humans, which they are not necessarily with other hamsters. For this reason, we advise you to avoid cohabitation with other hamsters if possible, and to do not introduce a second hamster in a second time, otherwise one of them would end up very bad!
Finally, their very small size necessarily invites to a handling with as much softness as their coat is! This small size also allows him to escape easily from his cage if it is not adapted, or even from the hands of a person if this one does not hold him correctly. And good luck to catch him, it will be mission impossible!
Life span of a Roborovski hamster
In captivity, they can live up to 3 yearsBut on average, they live only 18 to 24 months. I had however a Roborovki hamster which lived almost 4 years, which leaves a rather broad range!
Feeding him
If you're thinking of adopting a Roborovski hamster, here's everything you need to know about them. power supply.
Roborovski hamsters are herbivores. This means that their diet consists mainly of plants. They like to eat seeds, herbs, fruits and vegetables.
Roborovski hamsters need a balanced and nutritious diet to stay healthy. Fortunately, there are many specially formulated foods to meet the nutritional needs of these small animals that you can find in pet shops or on the internet. Roborovski hamster food contains oat bran, rice bran, wheat bran, corn flour and soy flour. They should also contain a certain amount of essential vitamins and minerals.
Roborovski hamsters like to eat sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. You can feed them mixed seeds or let them choose their own.
Fruits and vegetables can be given too, but in limited quantities, otherwise your hamster will have diarrhea. You can give them :
- carrots
- beets
- squash
- peppers
- tomatoes
- cucumbers
- bananas
Roborovski hamster food should be rich in fiber. High-fiber foods you can feed them include:
- apples
- pears
- plums
- apricots
- prunes
- grapes
Is the Roborovski hamster recommended for children?
YesThis is one of the most popular species with children, because they are so small and cute! No risk of bitingThe only real risk with these little balls of hair is that they manage to escape from their cages or from the hands that hold them, thus generating a potential big crying fit from their young owners!
Taking good care of a Roborovski hamster
Roborovski hamsters are generally a hardy species, but they can be prone to some health problems. The main health problems of the Roborovski hamster are heart disease, respiratory disease, eye disease, and skin disease. Roborovski hamsters are also prone to spleen disease, a potentially fatal disease that can be caused by a virus or bacteria.
The roborovski hamster needs a spacious and well-ventilated habitat. Sufficient space is essential for the animal to run and explore, and to cover several kilometers every night. A real marathon runner!
Roborovki hamster diseases
The most common diseases in the roborovski hamster are the following:
- The eye disease roborovski hamster: this disease is caused by a bacterium called Mycoplasma pulmonis. It can cause inflammation and redness of the eyes, as well as watery eyes.
- The skin disease roborovski hamster: this disease is caused by a bacterium named Streptococcus. It is manifested by skin lesions, skin rashes and itching and a hair loss.
- Liver disease roborovski hamster disease: this disease is caused by a bacterium named Corynebacterium kutscheri. It manifests itself by jaundice, loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Kidney disease roborovski hamster disease: this disease is caused by a bacterium called Mycoplasma pulmonis. It is manifested by loss of appetite, weight loss, excessive thirst and frequent urination.
To prevent roborovski hamster diseases, it is important to maintain a high level of hygiene in its enclosure. Rottorovskis are also very sensitive to temperature changes, so it is important to keep them warm and away from the wind. In any case, in case of illness do not hesitate to consult a veterinarian.
Where can I buy a Roborovski hamster?
Opinions are still divided on this subject! These hamsters can be purchased at breeders, shelters or pet shops. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages:
- The breeders usually offer a wide selection of hamsters and can provide useful information on care and feeding. They breed on a "human scale" and are not intensive. Hamsters purchased from breeders are usually a little more expensive.
- The shelters generally have a more limited choice, but the adoption fees are often lower (or even non-existent!) than those of a breeder or a pet shop.
- The pet shops are usually the most convenient option, but it is important to do some research beforehand to make sure you are buying from a reputable source.
- Individuals, hamster lovers You will find many hamsters for sale on classifieds websites. It can be a good plan!