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| Other Names |
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| Lifespan |
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On average the Roborovski hamster can live to 3 years, there are exceptions to this with some living longer and others shorter lives. |
| Breeding |
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The ideal age for the female Roborovski hamster to start breeding is between about 8 months of age. The male stays with the female during the pregnancy and after the young have been born. The male is involved in the upbringing of the young.
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| Average Litter Size |
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The Roborovski hamster can produce, on average, 4-6 young. |
| Gestation Period |
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The gestation period is between 23-30 days. |
| General Physical Description |
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The Roborovski hamster exists in only one colour at the present time. |
| Size |
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On average the Roborovski hamster is 4-5cms long. |
| Feeding |
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A well-balanced dry hamster mix will contain all the necessary nutritional requirements that a hamster needs. They do enjoy the occasional treat in the form of fruit and vegetables. Do make sure these are limited as too much can cause diarrhoea. Avoid giving too much lettuce as this can lead to liver problems. An earthenware bowl is the best type of feeding dish to use, as they are harder to knock over than the plastic ones, also they not chewable. A water bottle fixed to the outside of the cage, with the water tube going into the cage, ensures a fresh water supply is available. |
| Cage & Bedding |
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A glass or plastic aquarium also make suitable cages for this hamster. A basic standard hamster cage is not ideal for the Roborovski hamster as the bars are usually too far apart and they can squeeze through easily, a cage designed for housing mice is better. Wood shavings should be used for the floor of the cage. Fine sawdust can cause eye irritations and cedar shavings can cause allergic reactions and irritations to the hamster due to the oil it contains. Bedding material should be provided and the best thing to use is shredded paper or hay. Do not use straw as it can cause eye injuries. Other bedding that is not suitable is any man made fibres and materials that can, and will, become stuck in the cheek pouches and cause stomach blockages. The hamster can also get its limbs stuck in the bedding. The cage should be cleaned out weekly and any old food removed. If it is necessary to wash the cage then only use a cleaner specifically designed for cleaning small rodents cages. An earthenware food bowl and a drinking bottle will also be required to feed and water the hamster. |
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| Suitability For Children |
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The Roborovski hamster is not an easily handled hamster as they are extremely lively. They are probably better to be observed than handled. |
| Character & Temperament |
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The Roborovski Russian hamster is quite a sociable individual by nature, living in pairs or groups. They must be socialised at a young age, before they have been on their own for a time, and before they are 3 months old. |
| Sleeping Habits |
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The hamster is nocturnal, but can be active for short periods during the day. They are more active at night, so this is the ideal time for them to be fed. |
| Toys & Exercise |
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The cage itself could be furnished with items, such as a wheel, to provide exercise for the hamster. Some hamsters do not like wheels or the hamster balls that they can run around the house in. The ball is better suited to the larger hamsters, like the Syrian, the smaller hamsters have some trouble trying to push the ball around. As hamsters love to burrow a box filled three quarters full with shavings is ideal so they can burrow and tunnel as much as they like. They also like to climb. It is possible to provide plenty to entertain this hamster with using household items, such as toilet roll tubes and boxes. |
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| Types of Coat |
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They are short haired hamsters. |
| Colour |
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The Roborovski hamster comes in one colour only at present. They are golden brown with a white stomach and eyebrows. |
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| Intelligence |
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Hamsters can become accustomed to the sound of your voice, and will show various degrees of response. It may even be possible, using treats as rewards, to train the hamster to carry out some of its natural activities. |
| Show Characteristics |
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| Country of Origin |
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Northern China and Mongolia. |
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