The adorable Campbell dwarf hamster
Campbell Dwarf Hamster is the most popular species of all Dwarf Hamsters, and is the variety most commonly seen in pet stores.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Another name for this hamster is the Dzungarian dwarf hamster, named for the Alatau mountain range that spans the nations of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. But the hamster’s official name is Phodopus campbelli, a rather pompous nickname for such a cute and cuddly creature.
COLORS AND TEXTURES
Campbell’s dwarf hamsters in the wild have grayish-brown fur with a white belly. However, years of selective captive breeding have produced many exciting variations with exotic-sounding names. Regardless of coloration, all hamsters of this species have a dark dorsal stripe, that is, a stripe that runs down their back.
• Agouti is the name given to the standard coloration found in nature.
• Argente has a tan top over a white underside. This variation generally sports red or black eyes.
• Opal has bluish gray fur with a white belly and red eyes. Hamsters with this coloration are commonly mislabeled as winter white hamsters, which have the same blue-gray topcoat during the summer.
• Black has solid black fur, with black eyes.
• Albino has a solid white coat, with red eyes.
The Campbell’s dwarf hamster’s coat can have variations in texture:
• Normal – short and flat
• Satin – the coat is shiny
• Rex: A short coat of sparse, soft, curly hair and curly whiskers.
SIZE MATTER
Campbell’s dwarf hamsters grow to about four inches long. The males will be slightly longer than the females. They are much smaller than normal varieties, such as the golden hamster or black bear hamster, and therefore should be kept in containers where they cannot fit through the bars of the cage.
CAMPBELL DWARF HAMSTERS AS PETS
Like all hamsters, these creatures are nocturnal, meaning their normal waking hours are at night. However, they do occasionally emerge during the day to eat and exercise. Socialized hamsters are used to humans but must be handled daily to remain tame.
Although they have a friendly temperament, they can bite if startled or frightened. Resist the urge to pick up a sleeping hamster. Remember that a hamster is low on the food chain and sudden movements will trigger a natural self-defense instinct. When you reach for your hamster, make sure the hamster sees your hand and move slowly. Offering treats, such as sunflower seeds, in the open palm will give your hamster a positive association with your hand and make it easier to grasp.
BASIC CARE
Campbell’s dwarf hamsters are easy to care for. In addition to the proper cage, a hamster wheel will be required for exercise. Toys are not only appreciated by the hamster, they are also fun accessories to buy. The most important are chew toys, so that the hamster can keep its teeth trimmed. And, of course, you’ll want to provide your hamster with adequate food and purified water.
Treats can be given in the form of seeds, nuts and vegetables. It is important to avoid sugary treats, as this species is particularly susceptible to developing diabetes. With proper care, they can live longer than their two-year life expectancy.
HAMSTER FRIENDS
An advantage of this hamster is that it gets along with its cage mates, provided they were introduced to the enclosure at the same time, when they were young. Hamsters that show a tendency to fight with each other should be separated before they hurt each other. Males and females will reproduce abundantly, so it’s important to keep them separate, unless you already have homes set up for the offspring.
PET ANIMALS
This species is known for its curious and endearing forms. Once you’ve provided the basic food and shelter requirements, you’ll find a fun companion animal in the Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster.