Russian Dwarf Hamster
By Russ Fleederman
Dwarf hamster lovers - even so-called pet experts - are often completely confused by the designations and differences among those species of dwarf hamster known collectively as the Russian Dwarf Hamster. This article will attempt to dispel some of that confusion, and illustrate some of the endearing qualities of these diminutive creatures.
First off, people referring to Russian Dwarf Hamsters usually mean one of three distinct sub-species: Roborovski's Dwarf Hamster, the Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster, and the Campbell's Russian Dwarf Hamster. Of these three, the Roborovski's (AKA the "robo") is by far the smallest, measuring a scant 4 to 5 cm at maturity. The other two reach approximately twice that size, that is 8-10 cm.
While the Winter White is the hardest to find of the three, it is by no means rare, and a little diligent searching will turn up sources. The search is definitely worthwhile, for the Winter White Dwarf Hamster is known as a friendly, easy-to-tame pet. Often, these beautiful animals are found in same-sex pairs living happily together - something of an anomaly for hamsters, which often are known for fights between animals of the same sex. Not so the Winter White, which gets it's name from its unusual ability to change color from gray to white in the colder seasons of the year. Since this is due to a drop in hours of daylight, animals kept under artificial light often don't go through this color change.
The Campbell's Russian Dwarf Hamster is also known as the Djungaria Hamster, for the Djungaria region of Mongolia from which it hails. These are the most common Russian Dwarf, and if you find a hamster labeled a "Russian Dwarf" in a pet shop, most likely it will be a Campbell's. Due to the large numbers of breeders, the species has developed a large variety of color patterns, and everything from mottled brown to grayish-blue to spotted is within the "normal" range.
Native to the Mongolian desert regions, and therefore colored a sandy-tan on top, the Roborovski's Dwarf Hamster is uniquely outfitted to burrowing in sand by virtue or it's slightly elongated legs, longer than either the Winter White or the Campbell's. Because these hamsters are so very tiny - and quick - they are among the most difficult to keep as pets. They can squeeze between all but the most tightly spaced bars, and into the smallest nooks and crannies imaginable, and are therefore master escape artists. They are also extremely active!
Get to know these species of Russian Dwarf Hamster. They will assuredly bring a smile to your face!
Russ Fleederman is a dwarf hamster expert. For more great tips on the Russian dwarf hamster and a FREE dwarf hamster mini-course, visit http://www.dwarf-hamster.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Russ_Fleederman
http://EzineArticles.com/?Russian-Dwarf-Hamster&id=2301639
