What is the Dwarf Siberian Hamster Lifespan?
The dwarf Siberian hamster is also known as the Russian white hamster. During the winter months, its fur turns nearly all white, allowing the hamster to camouflage itself. The Siberian hamster was originally trapped for use in a research laboratory in Omsk near Siberia, Russia. The dwarf Siberian hamster became popular as a pet in the 1970s. With good care, your dwarf Siberian hamster can live to 2 years old; some may live a bit longer.
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Indentification
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The Campbell's dwarf Russian hamster is often mistaken for the dwarf Siberian hamster. The dwarf Siberian hamster is slightly distinguishable from its lookalikes and is rarely found in pet stores. The Campbell's dwarf Russian hamster is very close in looks to the Siberian hamster and until recently were considered the same species. The Campbell's hamster is the more popular type of hamster found in pet stores. The dwarf Siberian hamster's nose is longer and the face is missing the puff at the nose the Campbell's Russian has. The colors are similar as is the body shape. The Campbell's Russian has a slight pink tinge to the fur where the Siberian does not.
Habitat
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Habitat is important to the longevity of your Siberian hamster. Keeping the cage clean is necessary to minimize pests and disease, and providing a wheel for regular exercise will also keep your Siberian hamster in good health. Do not use pine or cedar shavings in your hamster's cage; these bedding materials can be toxic.
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Diet
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The dwarf Siberian hamster eats seeds, larvae and insects in the wild; in captivity, the common diet is a mix of seeds commercially made for rodents. During the winter months, hamsters store food. To keep your hamster healthy and extend its life, do not destroy its food stash and do not overfeed fresh food.
Illness/Accidents
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The dwarf Siberian hamster is not immune to pests, diseases, tooth decay or other ills that can plague animals. Regular examinations of your hamster's teeth, ears, fur, feet, eyes and overall body will help catch a problem before it becomes serious. Siberian hamsters are not generally prone to disease in the wild, but in captivity the hamster is capable of catching your colds and flus. The Siberian hamster is nearly blind so do not leave him unattended on high surfaces.
Considerations
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Discuss with the pet store the purity of the dwarf you wish to purchase. Interbreeding of the Campbell's and Siberian hamster does occur, and this can affect life span and health. The preference between male and female is a personal choice; both are social and the male helps to raise the pups. However, it has been suggested not to add a young hamster to an older one's habitat as fights are inevitable.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit hamster image by claudiameyer from Fotolia.com hamster on a nut image by Silvia Ottaviano from Fotolia.com
