Choosing a pet for your home or family is an important decision. Adding an animal to a household creates a change in the balance of energy to which you and your family are accustomed. Many people become charmed with the novelty of owning a dog or a cat, but do not realize that these are very dependent animals which require a lifestyle adaptation on the part of their owners and fellow household members. For first time pet owners, or lovers of small animals, dwarf hamsters make excellent pets.
These tiny rodents originated in the Siberian desert, and are therefore often called desert hamsters. They were traditionally bred for captivity in Russia and China, but have been known to be kept as pets in Mongolia and surrounding Siberian plain. Dwarf hamsters are native to the dry areas of this region, and still make thriving nests among the arid grasses of Northern China and Russia.
Dwarf hamsters have a different appearance when bred in captivity to that of their native counterparts. This is because their coats serve camouflage purposes to defend against predators. In captivity, they are not exposed to the snowy conditions of the northern regions of their homeland. Instead, a grayish brown backing covers the top of the body, while the belly and legs usually remain white.
Dwarf hamsters belong to the species group Phodopus. They are incredibly small in size, only two to five inches in length. Although male hamsters tend to be bigger than their female companions, captive animals are difficult to determine on this factor. Captivity determines size more than gender. Combined housing is possible when housemates are placed young and heterosexually.
It is sometimes difficult to determine the gender of tiny creatures. Female hamsters have eight nipples on their belly and genitals that are closely placed together. Their male counterparts are slightly larger and display a protruding scrotum on their rear end. Sexual maturity occurs within months of birth.
Multiple pet housing is not recommended for newly acquainted mature animals. In order to achieve successful cohabitation, only place pets that have been together since infancy together. They should also be the same gender unless it is a breeding cycle.
Mealworms and vegetable bits typically cover the diet of your new pet. Most store bought foods are sufficient for proper health. Fruits that are high in sugar should be avoided as they are not optimal for your healthy hamster. Dietary supplements should include a gnawing block to keep sharp teeth filed at all times to prevent injury to yourself or your animals.
Dwarf hamsters make excellent pets for first time pet owners and lovers of small animals. You can find fantastic dwarf baby hamsters care tips on our website, now.
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