In often confused with the Chinese hamster and the mouse, is it the same?
In this article from the TekeTrek website, we talk more about its behavior, habitats, and its most important types.
About the Chinese hamster
The Chinese hamster is a mammal from the rodent family.
In the classification of animals, it belongs to the phylum of vertebrates, the class of mammals, the class of rodents, the order of Muridae, the family of Qadaidae, and the family of Qadaidae, which consists of 7 genera, each genus having several species.
- It has short, stocky legs, a short tail, and small ears.
- Its size varies from one species to another, as its length ranges from 5 to 34 cm.
- The color of its fur also varies from one type to another, as some are black, white, grey, brown, yellow, or red.
- In addition, there are types whose fur is multi-colored.
- Its habitat also varies according to the species, as it prefers to live on the outskirts of desert areas and sand dunes where plants grow, in addition to mountainous steppes, river valleys, rocky and wooded hills and plateaus, and you may also find it in agricultural lands.
Hamster behaviors
Hamsters have several behaviors, including: they are active at night and sleep during the day.
- It builds its burrows underground to store food, reproduce, and to protect itself from high temperatures.
- Some types of hamsters are characterized by being social, while others are characterized by isolation and lack of acceptance of other hamsters in their territorial area.
- It can live in very cold areas in the winter, as it spends its time in the burrow sleeping, and wakes up only to eat.
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Food for hamsters
- Wild hamsters eat a varied diet of seeds, grains, nuts, plants and insects, while caged hamsters can eat commercial foods supplemented with vitamins and minerals.
- It can also be supplemented with food from home, for example cereals, fruits and vegetables.
Life Cycle of the Chinese Hamster
The Chinese hamster belongs to the vertebrate phylum, a mammal species within the rodent family, specifically the Cricetidae family, which consists of seven genera. Each genus contains different species. The Chinese hamster is characterized by its short, stocky legs, small ears, and a short tail. It can grow between 5 to 34 cm in length and comes in various colors, including black, white, gray, brown, yellow, and red.
The most prominent types of hamsters
Scientists differ in their classification of the number of types of hamsters around the world, but here are the most important types:
Central Asian hamster
There are two types: Mongolian and Kazakh:
- Mongolian hamster:
It lives in China, Mongolia, and the Russian Federation, where you find it in areas of sand dunes, grasslands, or semi-deserts, where it builds burrows with multiple entrances in which it stores seeds. It lives for about one to two years.
- Kazaki hamster:
It likes to live in dry and semi-desert plains, but sometimes it lives in agricultural areas and human settlements. Generally, you find it on the eastern bank of the Volga River, north of Xinjiang, then it passes through the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan.
Females give birth two or three times a year if they live in the north of their habitat, and three to four times if they live in the south of their habitat, as they give birth to 4-6 young each time.
Its diet is diverse. It may eat wild and cultivated plants, insects, and mollusks, in addition to the chicks of small birds, small wild squirrels, lizards, and mice. It lives for about two years.
Kanso hamster
You find it on forest trees whose leaves have fallen in the mountainous regions of some provinces of China, for example: Gansu and Shaanxi.
It eats plant leaves and herbs. It is a nocturnal creature that is active in the spring and summer. It lives for no more than two years, and the female gives birth to about 6 to 8 young each time.
Dwarf hamster
It includes six types, including:
Upper Hamster
It lives in the areas extending from southwest Xinjiang and northwest Tibet to western Nepal and India, as it is adapted to live in several areas, for example: pine and birch forests, desert steppes, high meadows, swamp meadows, and shrublands.
Striped hamster
It is used in biomedical research. The female gives birth to about 5 young at a time. Its back is covered with brown fur that tends to light gray, and a black line extends in the middle of the back longitudinally, while its belly is covered with gray hair that becomes white on its edges, while the color of the ears is black with white tips.
You find it in areas extending from central and northeastern China to Russia, Mongolia, and Korea, and it can also live in agricultural lands.
Tibetan hamster
Its back is covered with fur that is gray to dark brown, sometimes with black spots or stripes, while its belly is covered with white fur that fades to gray, and the sides of the body appear in a wavy color as a result of the contrast between the colors of the back and the belly. It has a white tail with dark stripes. From the top.
You find it in mountain meadows, tree swamps, and open steppes, feeding on grasses, grains, seeds, and insects.
Long-tailed hamster
It lives in the regions extending from northern China to Kazakhstan and Russia, and its weight ranges from 15 to 50 grams. Its back is covered with sandy-yellow fur, or gray tending to dark brown, while its belly is covered with white fur tending to brown.
Turkish hamster
You can find it in the grasslands and shrub areas of Anatolia, the Caucasus, southeastern Dagestan, and northwestern Iran. It relies mainly on grasses and grains for its food.
How Does the Chinese Hamster Establish Its Territory and Dens?
Chinese hamsters prefer to live in habitats suited to their species, with most preferring areas near desert edges and sand dunes, particularly in places where plants grow, as well as river valleys, hills, rocky plateaus, and wooded areas. They may also inhabit agricultural areas. The hamster digs burrows underground, where it stores food, reproduces, and protects itself from high temperatures. They are nocturnal animals, remaining active during the night and resting during the day. Some species are social and enjoy interaction with other animals, while others are solitary. Chinese hamsters typically live for two to three years.
Biological Adaptations of the Chinese Hamster to Its Environment
The Chinese hamster is well adapted to the environments it inhabits. It can survive in cold areas during the winter, spending most of its time in its burrow, only emerging to eat. In the summer, when temperatures rise, the hamster prefers to stay in its burrow throughout the day, coming out only at night to search for food.
Sleeping Patterns and Why the Chinese Hamster Is Active at Night
Being a small animal, the Chinese hamster is vulnerable to predators such as snakes, foxes, and other animals during the day. To avoid danger, it stays in its burrow during daylight hours and emerges only at night when most predators are inactive, to forage for food.
How Does the Chinese Hamster Interact with Humans?
The Chinese hamster is a pet that can be kept at home, as it interacts positively with humans and adapts quickly to life in a cage. It is popular due to its small size and charm, especially with young children, as it is completely safe and poses no harm. It is a quiet animal and does not cause any disturbances in the home.
Interaction of the Chinese Hamster with Other Pets
The Chinese hamster interacts well with non-predatory pets. It quickly adapts to other pets and enjoys playing with them, as it is a social animal. However, it should initially be kept away from dogs and cats in the house to prevent harm. Once accustomed to them, the hamster can play with these animals.
The Chinese Hamster as a Pet
Hamsters are highly sensitive creatures and prone to various illnesses such as digestive and respiratory problems. Some common health issues include:
- Respiratory problems like colds, sneezing, and nasal discharge.
- Digestive problems such as diarrhea, bacterial infections like wet tail, constipation, or viral infections that cause dangerous abdominal tumors.
- Skin diseases caused by bacteria and viruses, which can easily grow on their small skin, leading to severe conditions known as skin mites, which cause redness and itching. These can be treated with antifungal medications.
Best Environment for Keeping a Chinese Hamster at Home
Hamsters are social creatures that adapt quickly to their environment. They can be kept in cages in homes, where all their needs are met. They are also very intelligent animals, and their intelligence can be stimulated through clean toys in the cage, or by teaching them simple behaviors, allowing for interactive play and enjoyable bonding time.
Challenges in Raising a Chinese Hamster at Home
Raising a Chinese hamster at home presents certain challenges, the most prominent being their susceptibility to various diseases due to their small size. The time between the onset of symptoms and death can be very short, so it is essential to take immediate health precautions if any symptoms appear. Additionally, hamsters require constant cleaning and a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, and specially formulated food that contains proteins and minerals. Owners must ensure they have enough time to care for their hamster properly.
Ideal Diet for a Chinese Hamster According to Its Health Needs
The Chinese hamster consumes a variety of foods, including seeds, grains, nuts, and even insects when necessary. For those who keep hamsters as pets, there are commercial hamster foods available that are rich in essential vitamins and minerals to promote healthy growth and prevent diseases. You can also supplement their diet with home food like grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Role of the Chinese Hamster in Ecological Balance
The Chinese hamster plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. It consumes small insects, pests, plants, and grasses, helping to reduce the number of pests that can damage agricultural land. Additionally, its burrowing activity improves the quality of the soil, encouraging plant growth.
Sounds Made by the Chinese Hamster and Their Meanings
Chinese hamsters produce various sounds to express themselves. They make a whistling sound when they are happy, and a high-pitched squeak when they are excited. They also make sounds that resemble screams or snoring when they are stressed or frightened, with the scream often being a cry for help. Additionally, they make clicking sounds when they are suffering from respiratory issues.
Strange Facts About the Chinese Hamster You May Not Know
The Chinese hamster is a dwarf species, and one fascinating fact about them is that their teeth never stop growing throughout their life. They can live up to four years and have the ability to store food in their cheeks when they feel threatened, later chewing it again. Unlike many other rodents, the Chinese hamster also eats meat such as insects and does not rely solely on plants. Another curious fact is that Chinese hamsters are born blind and open their eyes two weeks after birth.
Difference Between the Chinese Hamster and the Syrian Hamster
There is a significant difference between the Syrian and Chinese hamsters. The Syrian hamster, also known as the golden hamster, is one of the most common pet hamsters. It is larger in size, reaching up to 18 cm in length, and prefers to live alone. It is known for its calm nature and ease of handling, making it suitable for beginners. On the other hand, the Chinese hamster has a different appearance, with a slender body and a long tail, measuring up to 12 cm. It prefers to live alone and is more shy and reserved, requiring more time to build a bond with its owner.
Difference Between a Hamster and a Rat in Terms of Appearance and Behavior
While both hamsters and rats belong to the rodent family and share similarities, they differ in physical details, behavior, and diet. Hamsters belong to the Cricetinae genus, while rats belong to the “Rattus” genus. These differences in classification result in varying behaviors and physical traits between the two species.
FAQ
common questions among the most common questions about Chinese hamsters are:
- Are Chinese hamsters good pets?
Yes, the Chinese hamster is a good pet and is famous for its small size and cuteness.
- Are Chinese hamsters rare?
Chinese hamsters are not rare and can be easily found in local animal markets.
- Are Chinese hamsters calm?
Chinese hamsters are generally calm and can be suitable as a pet for children.
- Is a Chinese hamster a dwarf?
Yes, the Chinese hamster is considered a type of dwarf hamster, because it is distinguished by its small size.
In short, the Chinese hamster is a wild animal, carnivorous, herbivorous, vertebrate, mammal, of the rodent family. It has several species, each of which lives in a specific place.
