Campbell Dwarf Hamster is the most popular species of all the Dwarf Hamsters, and is the variety most commonly seen in pet shops.
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
Another name for this hamster is the Dzungarian Dwarf Hamster, named after the Alatau mountain range that spans the nations of China, Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. But the hamster's official name is Phodopus campbelli, a rather pompous moniker for such a cute, cuddly creature.
COLORATIONS AND TEXTURES
Campbell Dwarf Hamsters in the wild have a gray-brown coat with a white belly. However, years of selective breeding in captivity have yielded many exciting variations with exotic sounding names. Regardless of the coloration, all hamsters of this species have a dark dorsal stripe - that is, a stripe that runs down their back.
• Agouti is the name given to the standard coloration found in the wild.
• Argente has a cinnamon top on a white underside. This variation generally sports either red or black eyes.
• Opal has a blue-gray coat with white belly and red eyes. Hamsters with this coloration are commonly mislabeled as Winter White Hamsters, which have the same blue-gray topcoat during the summertime.
• Black has a solid black coat, with black eyes.
• Albino has a solid white coat, with red eyes.
The coat of the Campbell Dwarf Hamster may have variations in texture:
• Normal - short and flat
• Satin - the fur is shiny
• Rex - a short coat of curly, sparse, soft hair, and curly whiskers.
MATTERS OF SIZE
Campbell Dwarf Hamsters grow to be about four inches in length. The males will be slightly longer than the females. They are much smaller than regular varieties, such as the Golden Hamster or the Black Bear Hamster, and therefore must be kept in containers where they cannot squeeze through the bars of the cage.
CAMPBELL DWARF HAMSTERS AS PETS
Like all hamsters, these creatures are nocturnal, meaning that their normal waking hours are during the night. However, they emerge occasionally during the daytime for food and exercise. Socialized hamsters are used to humans, but must be handled on a daily basis if they are to remain tame.
Although they have a friendly temperament, it may nip if startled or frightened. Resist the temptation to pick up a sleeping hamster. Remember that a hamster is low on the food chain, and sudden movements will arouse a natural instinct for self-defense. When reaching for your hamster, be sure the hamster sees your hand, and move slowly. Offering treats, such as sunflower seeds, on your open palm will give your hamster a positive association with your hand, and make it easier to pick up.
BASIC CARE
Campbell Dwarf Hamsters are easy to care for. In addition to the appropriate cage, a hamster wheel will be required for exercise. Toys are not only appreciated by the hamster, but are fun accessories to buy. Most important are chew toys, so that the hamster may keep his teeth properly trimmed. And of course, you will want to supply your hamster with appropriate food and purified water.
Treats may be given in the form of seeds, nuts and vegetables. It is important to avoid sugary treats, as this species is particularly susceptible to developing diabetes. With proper care, they may live longer than its life expectancy of two years.
HAMSTER FRIENDS
One advantage to this hamster is that it gets along with its cage mates, as long as they were introduced to the enclosure at the same time, as youngsters. Hamsters that display a tendency to fight with one another must be separated before they do harm. Males and females will reproduce abundantly, so it is important to keep them apart unless you already have homes lined up for the offspring.
COMPANION ANIMALS
This species is known for its inquisitive and endearing ways. Once you have provided the basic requirements of food and shelter, you will find an amusing companion animal in the Campbell Dwarf Hamster.
Author Resource:
In addition to writing about health and fitness, Harrold Carter writes about beauty products and beauty products .
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