The Russian hamsteralso known as Siberian hamster or djungarian hamsterHamsters are small and adorable creatures that are particularly suitable for children, as they are much more docile than other hamster breeds. Although small, they have a lot of personality and are very affectionate. It is one of the most tame species in the hamster category. Would you like to choosing a hamster Russian ? here is what you need to know about these small mammals.
Description of the Russian hamster
The Russian hamster is classified as a dwarf hamsters. If you are looking to identify it, here are its characteristics:
- it is very small: from 7 to 11 cm about
- it can weigh from 40 to 90 gramsIt is therefore particularly light
- The Russian hamster is very hairy, which makes it look like a pretty ball of hair despite a small bone structure and body.
- It can be grey or white (sapphire, pearl) in general and has a ray a little darker on the back
- Their body is rounded and they have a short tail.
- It has a soft and silky body
- Gestation lasts 21 days
- The male is generally larger than the female (read the article: what sex is my hamster)
Origins of the Russian hamster
The Russian hamster is a small species native to Central Asia, specifically Siberia and Kazakhstan. It is believed that it arrived in Europe in the 1800s, when Russian merchants began importing it in large quantities. The first Russian hamsters were probably wild animals caught in the wild, but it is not known exactly when and how they were domesticated.
Behavior and character of the Russian hamster
Today, the Russian hamster is one of the most popular species of hamsters as a pet, because of its small sizeof its friendly character and its affordable price.
Russian hamsters are nocturnal animals and, in captivity, they generally sleep during the day. They are very active at night and like to play with their toys. They are also known to be very clean and not to make too much noise.
Russian hamsters are generally solitary animalsIt is important not to put two male hamsters together, as they may fight with each other. It is important not to put two male hamsters together, as they may fight.
One could even say that Russian hamsters, even if a little shy, are animals very affectionateThey like to play and interact with their human owners much more than with other hamsters! They love to be stroked. If you want to adopt more than one, choose different cages that are as far apart as possible.
Life span of the Russian hamster
Like most dwarf hamsters, a Russian hamster lives on average 1.5 to 3 yearsBut some hamsters in captivity live up to 5 years if their living conditions are ideal (habitat, foodcomfort).
Food for Russian hamsters
The feeding of the Russian hamster must be balanced and varied to allow it to develop properly and stay healthy. It should include fresh vegetables and fruits, grains, seeds, nuts and insects.
Russian hamsters are generally very greedy They like to store their food in their cheeks. It is important to feed them regularly and not to let them gorge themselves.
If you want to offer your Russian hamster a balanced and varied diet, do not hesitate to offer him the following foods:
- Fresh vegetables and fruits: carrots, apples, pears, etc.
- Cereals : breadrice, pasta, etc.
- Seeds: sunflower, flax, etc.
- Nuts: hazelnuts, almonds, etc.
- Insects: crickets, larvae, etc.
Is the Russian hamster recommended for children?
Without a doubt, it is the most recommended breed for children, due to the friendliness of this small rodent. However, be careful with small children, who might tend to handle them without paying attention. Russian hamsters are fragile, and with their few grams they won't be able to hurt anyone!
Also good to know: the Russian hamster does not biteor in a very exceptional way.
Taking good care of a Russian hamster
Russian hamsters are very easy to care for. They don't need a special cage and can live in a small room. standard cage for hamster. Russian hamsters need a safe and comfortable place to sleepas well as a cosy nest to hide. They also need a safe place to store their food and fresh water.
Russian hamsters are very clean and tidy animals. do not need to be bathed. They groom themselves by licking their fur. Russian hamsters are very easy to train and get used to their owner. They are usually very affectionate with their family and like to be petted.
Russian hamsters are very easy to care for. The cage must be equipped :
- of a wheel so that the hamster can exercise
- of a nest so that he can rest
- of a watering hole so that he can drink
- of solid bars, because they are made ofagile climbers.
Because of their inquisitive and exploratory nature, it is important to give them plenty of room to play.
Russian Hamster Care
Russian hamsters are very clean animals and do not do not require a bathIt is important to clean their cage regularly. They wash themselves regularly.
Where to buy a Russian hamster?
Buying a Russian hamster is easy if you know where to look. Most pet shops sell them, and you can also find them online, but we do not recommend this.
You can also find some in shelters, following abandonments, but you will not necessarily have the color (or the race) desired. The easiest way is to buy your hamster in a pet shop see a breeder if you have one near you.