where do roborovski hamsters come from

Roborovski

hamsters are found in desert regions, such as the basin of the lake Zaysan in Kazakhstan and regions of Tuva, Mongolia and Xinjiang in China. The hamsters inhabit areas of loose sand and sparse vegetation and are rarely found in areas of dense vegetation and solid clay substrates.

Full Answer

What is the lifespan of a Roborovski hamster?

The Roborovski hamster lives the longest with an average lifespan in captivity of 26 months and a typical lifespan of 19 to 40 months, according to ADW. In the wild, the lifespan of the Roborovski hamster is considerably lower at just 12 to 18 months; mainly due to increased parasite load, predation pressure and extremely cold winters.

Do Roborovski dwarf hamster make good pets?

Yes, Roborovski hamsters can make good pets, but unlike Syrians, Robos won’t sit on your lap as they’re hyperactive and prefer to explore their cage, run on their wheel, eat and sleep. As such, Robos are known as ‘look-don’t-touch’ pets because they’re hard to tame, don’t like being petted or cuddled and don’t need human company.

Can you handle a Roborovski hamster?

The Roborovski Hamster is a very attractive, very tiny bundle of energy. They are the smallest species of hamster, and are best kept as a pet to watch rather than to handle. They rarely bite, and can be tamed, but are very wriggly. The sight of a group of Roborovski Hamsters racing around their toys is captivating.

How fast can a Roborovski hamster run?

The Roborovski Hamster is also the fastest of hamsters, though they do not have any speed on record. However, if you want to see them at their top speed, you should know that the Robos are active at dawn and dusk only. They are also less active in the summer months when they prefer to be their burrows.

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Do Roborovski hamsters like to be held?

What is this? Roborovski hamsters do not like to be held or cuddled and do not form trusting relationships with humans easily. As they grow to be roughly the size of an adults thumb, they can easily squeeze through the bars of a standard hamster cage and so careful consideration needs to be given to housing.

Are Robo hamsters Russian?

The Roborovski hamster originates from Russia. It is the smallest species of hamster, the most timid and often considered the cutest. These adorable little hamsters are most active at night and in the early morning. They are very playful and curious and will have a go at just about anything.

Do Robo hamsters bite?

You will know when a Roborovski hamster trusts you when it doesn't try to bite you when you put your hand in the cage. Your hamster will climb on top of your hand with no problem at all. It is important to know that sometimes these animals can also bite you as a form of greeting.

How much is a Robo hamster?

Purchasing or Adopting Your Robo Hamster Expect to pay around $20, though this can vary depending on factors such as the animal's age and level of tameness.

What is the friendliest hamster?

The Syrian hamster is the most popular hamster breed, at least partially because it is the friendliest and the largest, but also because it was introduced in the 1940s when lab hamsters were first introduced into captivity and into family homes.

Do Roborovski hamsters get lonely?

Do Roborovski Hamsters Get Lonely? Roborovski hamsters don't get lonely, but they're one of the most tolerant hamster breeds to keep in pairs. However, while Robos are one of the smallest hamster species, they still require plenty of room.

Do Robo hamsters need sand baths?

All hamsters need a sand bath, but what minimum size your sand bath needs to be varies amongst each species. Roborovski hamsters (Phodopus roborovskii) are exclusive desert dwellers, so need larger sand areas: it is recommended that at least 1/3 of their enclosure be sand.

Do Robo hamsters stink?

If they do, it may be a sign of an ailment. For example, a symptom of wet tail is a foul odor. If you're sensitive to smell, perhaps consider a female robo dwarf hamster instead of a male. Males have a scent gland that means they smell a little more than their female counterparts.

How long do Roborovski hamsters live?

2 – 3 yearsRoborovski dwarf hamster / LifespanThe average lifespan for the Roborovski hamster is 2–3 years, though this is dependent on living conditions (extremes being four years in captivity and two in the wild). Roborovskis are known for their speed and have been said to run up to 6 miles a night.

Can 2 Robo hamsters live together?

Robo hamsters are one of the few breeds that thrive when paired together. When housed together at an early age, the hamsters will play, sleep and even eat together. Because Robos are best-suited for observation, having two Robo hamsters housed together can make the Robos more entertaining.

Do Robo hamsters carry diseases?

Roborovski dwarf hamsters also showed clear signs of clinical disease including snuffling, dyspnea, and ruffled fur. Overall, the very active behavior otherwise typical for this species was dramatically reduced. Three days after infection, multiple individuals appeared to be terminally ill.

What fruit can Roborovski hamsters eat?

Speaking of fruits and vegetables – hamsters need them too! Fresh fruits (rinsed in water) are good too, such as apples, pears, bananas, grapes and most berries. But remember never to give any citrus fruits like oranges, limes, lemons or grapefruit. Only give small amounts at a time.

What is the difference between Robo and Russian Dwarf hamsters?

Russian Dwarf Hamster They are much more active than the Syrian hamster but less active than the Roborovski hamster and therefore easier to handle. Russian dwarf hamsters like to be kept in pairs IF introduced at a young age (housing two hamsters from the same litter is ideal).

Where are Russian Dwarf hamsters from?

1. The Winter White Dwarf Hamster, also called the Siberian or Russian hamster, hails from Siberia and Kazakhstan, and its Latin name is Phodopus sungorus. They are common pets in Europe, Asia and North America—one of the five most popular hamster species in the United States.

How long do Russian hamsters live?

12 monthsWinter white dwarf hamster / Lifespan (In the wild)

What is the biggest hamster in the world?

Syrian hamsterWhile the capybara is sometimes called the world's largest hamster, it's not a hamster. The largest hamster is the Syrian hamster, also called the teddy bear hamster and the golden hamster. Syrian hamsters get up to 6 or 7 inches in length, almost double the size of a dwarf hamsters, and prefer being housed separately.

When do Roborovski hamsters breed?

The breeding season for the Roborovski hamster is between April and September. The gestation period is between 20 and 22 days, producing three to four litters.

How many variations of Roborovski hamsters are there?

Currently, 10 variations of Roborovski hamsters are thought to exist. Only one is standardised in the UK as of 2018 as per UK National Hamster Council with 4 genes recognised and others still under dispute.

What is the difference between a Roborovski hamster and a Campbell's dwarf hamster?

The Roborovski hamster is distinguished from the Djungarian hamster ( Phodopus sungorus) and Campbell's dwarf hamster ( Phodopus campbelli) due to its smaller size, sandy coloration of fur and its lack of a dorsal stripe. When observed from behind, the neurocranium is rounded and does not appear to be as rectangular as Phodopus campbelli and Phodopus sungorus. The cusps of the lower molars are directly opposite and not alternate, as seen in other members of the genus, and the incisive foramen of the Roborovski hamster is greater than 4 millimetres (0.16 in) in length and is shorter than the length of the upper tooth row, which is uncharacteristic of the other two members of the genus.

How big are hamsters?

It lives in the deserts of Central Asia, averaging under 2 centimetres (0.8 in) at birth and 4.5–5 centimetres (1.8–2.0 in) and 20–25 grams (0.71–0.88 oz) during adulthood. Distinguishing characteristics of the Roborovskis are eyebrow-like white spots and the lack of any dorsal stripe (found on the other members of the genus Phodopus ). The average lifespan for the Roborovski hamster is 2–3 years, though this is dependent on living conditions (extremes being four years in captivity and two in the wild). Roborovskis are known for their speed and have been said to run up to 6 miles a night.

What is the smallest hamster?

Roborovski dwarf hamster. The Roborovski hamster ( Phodopus roborovskii ), also known as the desert hamster or Robo dwarf hamster, is the smallest of three species of hamster in the genus Phodopus.

How long is the incisive foramen of a Roborovski hamster?

The cusps of the lower molars are directly opposite and not alternate, as seen in other members of the genus, and the incisive foramen of the Roborovski hamster is greater than 4 millimetres (0.16 in) in length and is shorter than the length of the upper tooth row, which is uncharacteristic of the other two members of the genus.

What do hamsters eat?

They are omnivorous; they primarily eat grains, vegetables, fruit, and plants, but they will also eat meat and insects in small quantities. Roborovski hamsters remain underground in winter and survive in that season by stockpiling some food in warmer weather and storing it in special food chambers within their burrow system.

What is a robo dwarf hamster?

Roborovski Hamster – The Complete Guide To The Robo Dwarf Hamster. Roborovski hamsters are also called desert dwarf hamsters, robo hamsters, and robo dwarf hamsters. They are one of the most popular breeds. These little rodents are super sweet, but there are other aspects you should consider, such as Roborovski hamster lifespan, tameness, health, ...

What is the fastest hamster?

Phodopus roborovskii is more commonly known as the Roborovski hamster. Roborovski hamsters are the fastest hamsters. They are extremely active. Some owners have measured their robo dwarfs running 100 miles a night in their wheels! Their fur is soft and fine.

Do you have a Roborovski?

So, do you think you want a Roborovski hamster? Do you already own one and love it? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear about it!

How big can a dwarf hamster grow?

The robo dwarf hamster can be just 4 – 5cms long. That’s super tiny! They can grow to be 6-8cms long.

How long do hamsters live?

Some have lived up to four years. This is slightly longer than the average for other pet hamster breeds. Baby Robo hamsters are weaned at about 19 days, and hamsters become sexually active at 4.5 months or so. They tend to breed in the summer months, with litters ranging averaging six.

How to get a hamster to stop hyperactivity?

Going through the taming process has also been shown to reduce hyperactivity in Robo hamsters. First, let your hamster get used to its surroundings. Allow it a safe, comfortable place. If it feels safe in its cage, don’t keep poking it with your finger while it is in there. Then, let your hamster get used to you.

Why do hamsters need a wheel?

Because Roborovskis are so active, even more so than other types of hamster, a wheel is a necessity.

What is the behavior of a Roborovski hamster?

Roborovski hamsters are nocturnal so they usually wake at dusk and are active at night. They are generally gentle and rarely nip but they are very fast and agile which makes handling them difficult.

How big is a robo hamster?

The smallest and fastest of any hamster, the Rob or Robo is about the size of a bean when born and when fully grown is no bigger than an adult's thumb, or 2 to 3 inches. These shy little creatures originated in the deserts of Mongolia, China, and Russia.

What Do Robo Hamsters Eat & Drink?

Select a commercial hamster food that’s specifically formulated for dwarf hamsters. Follow the label’s feeding instructions, and consult your veterinarian on the quantity as well. In general, you should feed your hamster daily by putting the food in a small dish. The ideal time to do this is in the evening when the hamster is just waking up. Discard uneaten food after 24 hours.

How long do hamsters live?

If all goes well, your pets should live about three years. 1 . The natural coloration of Roborovski hamsters is sandy brown on their backs, with a white belly. In the wild, this enables them to blend in with their desert surroundings. They also have distinctive white marks over their eyes.

What color are hamsters?

The natural coloration of Roborovski hamsters is sandy brown on their backs, with a white belly. In the wild, this enables them to blend in with their desert surroundings. They also have distinctive white marks over their eyes. There is a white-face variety of Roborovski hamster, but it's not as common.

How to train a hamster to take treats?

While your hamster is happiest if you just drop in the treats with food, it can be trained to take treats from your hand. Gently rest your hand, palm up, with the treat in your fingers. Natural curiosity will do the rest. Illustration: The Spruce / Madelyn Goodnight.

Where did the dwarf hamsters come from?

These shy little creatures originated in the deserts of Mongolia, China, and Russia. Dwarf Roborovski hamsters are curious beings that don't like to be held. 1  They are content to socialize with their own kind while you watch from outside their home. 1:52.

Physical Appearance

As we have already mentioned before, this hamster is tiny, measuring only 5 centimetres and weighing a maximum of 20 grams. They are brown on the back and white on the belly. We highlight its white spots above the eyes, which give it an awake and sweet touch.

Behavior

The roborovski hamster has an independent, nervous and sometimes cranky character, as it is a nocturnal animal that will not react well if we wake it up. The surface will also depend on his personality as there are roborovski, who is playful and friendly.

Feeding for Hamster Roborovski

The diet should be based on tiny seeds, thus adapting to its small body, do not choose any commercial feed. Read the container well because it should ideally contain: red millet, peeled oats, white millet, sunflower seeds, corn, birdseed, flax, whole wheat, peas, niger, rapeseed, sorghum, vetches, yeros, barley, safflower, hives, Kajang and churas.

Habitat

Find a suitable habitat for your little roborovski. The best option is a terrarium or a classic cage with metal bars small enough to prevent it from escaping. Remember that it is very clever and elastic.

Diseases

Our little friend can suffer from a disease such as paralysis of the hind legs, usually due to a fall from heights. Keep it at rest and if it does not improve, go to the vet.

Where Do Hamsters Come From Before The Pet Store?

Hamsters that you buy at a pet store will have come from a breeder , not the wild. This is especially true for breeds like the Syrian hamsters that are especially hard to locate and capture. Pet stores should be able to provide you with some specific information about where their hamsters come from, such as who the breeder is and how you could contact them if you have more questions.

What Happens If You Release a Hamster into the Wild?

Your hamster will not know how to hunt and forage for food, will not know how to defend himself, and will not have the immune system to fight off things like parasites. All of this to say, a pet hamster released into the wild would inevitably end up dying from one or more of a number of different dangers.

Do Hamsters Live in the Wild in America?

No, you are not going to find a wild hamster in America. Of the 18 or more hamster species known in the world today, none of them are native to the United States. Additionally, while different breeds of hamsters have been brought over to America as pets and domesticated animals, none have been brought over and released as wild hamsters. If this were to happen and they were able to successfully survive and reproduce, they would be considered an invasive species and could mess up the food chain/ecosystem.

Can I Keep a Wild Hamster as a Pet?

The answer to this is a little bit more complicated than you might think. If you are asking whether it is possible to domesticate a hamster caught in the wild, the answer is yes, especially if you catch one while it is still young. All domesticated hamsters that we have today can be traced back to a hamster that was at one point a wild hamster.

Where do hamsters come from?

Reaching from southern Turkey, Syria, Russia, Siberia, Mongolia, parts of China, hamsters are mostly Asian in descent.

When was the Syrian hamster first sighted?

The Syrian was first sighted in 1839, but didn’t become a pet until the past few decades. You see what happened was that all the way back in 1930 a zoologist named Israel Aharoni was able to find a mother hamster, with a litter of 11 babies.

How many types of hamsters are there?

It’s a whole story, really. And there’s more than just one hamster type. Today there’s 5 types of hamster available for purchase, and they’re all a bit different.

Why are hamsters so deceptive?

For this reason, and the fact that they’re mostly nocturnal and sleep during the day, hamsters are deceptive pets. They look cute and sound easy to take care of, but need constant handling in order to remain tame.

How big are hammies?

These hammies are larger than a Dwarf, but smaller than a Syrian. As in, the reach up to 4 inches/ 10 cm, yet they’re classified as Dwarf types, given that they’re still smaller than the Syrian.

Where do robos live?

Robos live in parts of Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China. The regions of those countries that the hamster lives in are particularly dry and sandy, with very little vegetation and water, so this hammy has learned to be great at surviving on very little water.

What color are hamsters?

They’re the most diverse-looking hamsters out there. They can be all in one color, spotted, ringed, with a dominant spot, golden, or ashen, or pretty much any color combination you can imagine.

Some basic facts

Hamsters are distinguishable from other rodents due to some specific traits like the short tails, the small ears, and the stubby legs. They can have many different colors, including black, brown, yellow or red.

Types of dwarf hamsters

Officially, there are three types of these cuties: The Roborovski dwarf hamster and the two Russian breeds, the Winter White and Campbell’s dwarf hamster. Breeders are also able to create a hybrid by mixing the Winter Whites and the Campbell’s. There’s also a fourth species named the Chinese dwarf hamster.

Roborovski dwarf hamster

The Roborovski or “robo” dwarf hamster is the smallest hamster species which can be kept as pets. Even when reaching adulthood, it measures less than three inches. In the wild, you can find this species in the deserts of Russia, northern China, and Kazakhstan. Their diet consists of vegetables, fruits, grains, and even meat in small amounts.

Russian dwarf hamster

The name “Russian dwarf hamster” can refer to both of the breeds we mentioned earlier since they are very similar and are often confused for each other.

The Winter White Dwarf Hamster

Also known as the Russian dwarf hamster, the Winter White has an average life expectancy of two years but can live well in its fourth year when being kept in captivity and looked after properly. The hamster’s coat is very soft and less wooly by comparison to the previously mentioned breed, the Campbell.

Overview

Breeding

The sex of a Roborovski is determined visually; female openings are very close together and may even look like a single opening, while male openings are further apart. Males usually have a visible scent gland near the navel above the two openings, appearing as a yellow stain in older animals.
The breeding season for the Roborovski hamster is between April and September. The gestation period is between 20 and 22 days, producing three to four litters. The litter size is between three …

Distribution and habitat

History of human contact

Variation

As pets

In film

Further reading