The Roborovski hamster is a small mammal from the family of dwarf hamsters. It originates from Mongolia and China. Very popular as a pet due to its small size and gentle nature, it is also very agile and not always easy to catch!
Description of the Roborovski hamster
Inherently very active and curious, it is a highly popular hamster appreciated for its small size, keen intelligence, and completely harmless nature. It is also known as the “dwarf hamster” or “pygmy hamster” as it is the smallest of the hamsters.
- It is the smallest of the common hamsters: it measures about 5 cm.
- Its weight ranges from 15 to 30 grams approximately.
- The color of its fur varies from white to dark gray.
- It is capable of jumping up to 30 cm high and can run up to 8 km/h.
- Its legs are relatively long compared to those of other hamster species.
- It has thick fur.
- It has a white belly.
- It has a very short tail.
- Its gestation period ranges from 19 to 22 days and can result in the birth of 2 to 7 baby hamsters.
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Its origins
The Roborovski hamster was discovered in 1894 in Mongolia, where it originates, by the Russian zoologist Vsevolod Roborovski, who named it after himself.
Its domestication and captivity as a pet only began in the 1970s. It has since spread widely and is very common among hamster owners.
Behavior and character of the Roborovski hamster
The first adjectives that come to mind when talking about them are: timid, lively, and solitary, cute. While other hamsters might bite to defend themselves or out of fear, the Roborovski hamster will prefer to flee. Thus, it is extremely rare for it to bite, making this hamster an excellent choice to give to a child.
Roborovski hamsters are one of the most popular species, partly due to their unique character: they are known to be particularly active, even for hamsters, and they love to play as much as to dig. They therefore need a spacious, well-equipped cage with a wheel, tunnels, and sufficient toys.
This overflowing activity typically manifests at night, as they remain nocturnal animals and thus very active during late hours.
In captivity, provide them with a stimulating environment so they can express their active nature. They are also known to be very sociable rodents with humans, which they are not necessarily with other hamsters. For this reason, we recommend not trying to create cohabitation with their peers if possible, and to especially not introduce a second hamster at a later time, lest one of the two end up very badly!
Finally, their very small size invites handling with as much gentleness as their fur is soft! This small size also makes it very easy for them to escape from their cage if it is not suitable, or even from the hands of a person if not held correctly. And good luck trying to catch them, that will be an impossible mission!
Lifespan of a Roborovski hamster
In captivity, they can live up to 3 years, but on average, they only live 18 to 24 months. However, I once had a Roborovski hamster that lived nearly 4 years, which ultimately leaves quite a wide range!
Feeding them
If you are considering adopting a Roborovski hamster, here is everything you need to know about their feeding.
Roborovski hamsters are herbivores. This means their diet consists mainly of plants. They enjoy eating seeds, herbs, fruits, and vegetables.
Roborovski hamsters require a balanced and nutritious diet to stay healthy. Fortunately, there are many specially formulated foods available to meet the nutritional needs of these small animals, which you can find in pet stores or online: these Roborovski hamster foods contain 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 enjoy eating sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. You can feed them mixed seeds or allow them to choose their own seeds.
Fruits and vegetables can also be given, but in limited quantities, otherwise your hamster may develop diarrhea. You can give them:
- carrots
- beets
- squash
- peppers
- tomatoes
- cucumbers
- bananas
Roborovski hamster foods must be high in fiber. Foods rich in fiber that you can feed them include:
- apples
- pears
- plums
- apricots
- prunes
- grapes
Is the Roborovski hamster suitable for children?
Yes, it is one of the most loved species by children because they are so small and cute! No risk of biting, the only real risk with these little fur balls is that they manage to escape from their cages or from the hands holding them, potentially causing a huge outburst of tears from their young owner(s)!
Taking good care of a Roborovski hamster
Roborovski hamsters are generally a robust species, but they can be prone to a few health issues. The main health problems of the Roborovski hamster are heart disease, respiratory illnesses, eye diseases, and skin diseases. Roborovski hamsters are also prone to spleen disease, a potentially fatal condition that can be caused by a virus or bacteria.
The Roborovski hamster needs a spacious and well-ventilated habitat. Sufficient space is crucial for the animal to run and explore, as it can travel several kilometers each night. A true marathon runner!
Diseases of Roborovski hamsters
The most common diseases in the Roborovski hamster are as follows:
- Eye disease of the Roborovski hamster: this disease is caused by a bacterium named Mycoplasma pulmonis. It can cause inflammation and redness of the eyes, as well as watering.
- Skin disease of the Roborovski hamster: this disease is caused by a bacterium named Streptococcus. It manifests as skin lesions, itching, and hair loss.
- Liver disease of the Roborovski hamster: this disease is caused by a bacterium named Corynebacterium kutscheri. It manifests as jaundice, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
- Kidney disease of the Roborovski hamster: this disease is caused by a bacterium named Mycoplasma pulmonis. It presents with loss of appetite, weight loss, excessive thirst, and frequent urination.
To prevent diseases in the Roborovski hamster, it is important to maintain a high level of hygiene in its enclosure. Roborovski hamsters are also very sensitive to temperature changes, so it is important to keep them warm and sheltered from the wind. In any case, if illness occurs, don’t hesitate to consult a veterinarian.
Where to buy a Roborovski hamster?
Opinions on this topic are always divided! These hamsters can be purchased from breeders, shelters, or pet stores. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages:
- **Breeders** usually offer a wide selection of hamsters and can provide useful information on care and feeding. They operate on a “human scale” breeding rather than intensive. Hamsters bought from breeders are generally a bit more expensive.
- **Shelters** usually have a more limited selection, but the adoption fees are often lower (or even non-existent!) compared to breeders or pet stores.
- **Pet stores** are generally the most convenient option, but it’s important to do some research beforehand to ensure you are buying from a reputable source.
- Individuals, **hamster enthusiasts**: you will find many hamsters for sale on classified ad websites. It can be a good deal!