Despite Campbells and Winter Whites being separate species, we've decided to write about them together because our residents have always been hybrids of the two species.
General Information:
Winter Whites:
Winter whites can also be referred to as Siberian, or Djungarian dwarf hamsters as they originate in Kazakhstan and Siberia. They often live in colonies in the wild. They can cohabit in captivity, but its possible fighting may occur. If your hamsters start fighting, they should be separated before serious, and potentially fatal injuries occur.
Winter whites are well adapted to the snowy climate and will change colours (generally whiter) to match their climate, although this behaviour may not occur in captivity.
Campbells:
Campbells originate in Russia and Northern China. They usually live in colonies in their natural environment. They can cohabit, but squabbling may potentially occur.
It's said amongst experienced owners that pure Campbells are the most successful when cohabiting with their own species. If your hamsters are fighting, they should be separated before serious, and potentially fatal injuries occur.
They have an average lifespan of 2 years in captivity.
Hybrids:
Campbells and Winter Whites would never meet in the wild. It has been proven that they're both biologically and morphologically very similar. Both species belong to the same 'Phodopus' genus.
A hybrid is a result of breeding a Campbell with a Winter White at any point within a hamster’s ancestry. It varies between individuals how many characteristics from either species a hamster will inherit.
The 'National Hamster Council' advise against deliberate production of hybrid offspring as they can reportedly inherit an array of numerous health complications.
Pet shop dwarf hamsters (not including Roborovskis) are nearly always hybrids. Distinguishing the difference between a pure Campbell and a pure Winter White can be challenging - even to experienced owners.
Hybrids have an average lifespan of around 2 years in captivity.
Care:
Housing/Enrichment:
Minimum cage dimensions should be approximately L 80cm x W 50cm.
Your cage should allow a deep layer of a safe substrate to allow a hamster to burrow and to carry out their natural instincts- we currently use cardboard bedding or bedkind for hamsters.
Be mindful of the bar spacing when purchasing a cage, some dwarfs are small enough to squeeze through the bars, especially when younger.
Plenty of enrichment is essential to keep your pet mentally and physically stimulated. We highly recommend purchasing a sold floored wheel that is roughly 20cm in diameter.
There is nothing to scientifically support spinal damage when providing small wheels (specifically those that cause hamsters to run with an 'arched' spine), but a clear preference for larger wheels has been documented.
Other forms of enrichment include secure housing, tunnels, and safe sand baths. We personally prefer to have 1/3 the substrate in the enclosure bathing sand rather than using sand baths themselves.
Like all rodents, ensure there is plenty for your dwarf hamster to chew to encourage a natural gnawing behaviour which will help keep their ever-growing teeth at a suitable length.
Ideal temperatures for your dwarf hamster are approximately around 18°C - 23°C in the UK, but this can vary significantly depending on the circumstances.
There isn’t much information regarding torpor and hamsters. We know that temperature isn't the sole reason a hamster will go into a state of torpor. Some hamsters are more ‘prone’ to it than others. The multitude of variable factors makes torpor difficult to research. Hamsters living in different parts of the world will become more accustomed to the climate they’ve been raised and simultaneously become less accustomed to others.
Socialising:
Campbells/Hybrids/Winter Whites mostly exhibit nocturnal behaviour, meaning they’re most active at night. As a result, most of the socialisation with your hamster will occur during the night time. Although, we've often found social hamsters will wake up so they can greet their owners when their cage is disturbed.
Unsocialised dwarfs can be temperamental to handle, this can be worse with young age. If you find your hamster bites being picked up, try encouraging them to sit in a toy and gently slide them into a flat palm.
We often find that biting-behaviour can be triggered due to anxiety when grabbed, rather than anxiety about being held. Remember, hamsters are prey species. Make sure you're confident when handling your hamster as this will reassure them that they're safe and secure.
Diet:
As an omnivorous species, Campbells and Winter Whites require both plant-based and meat-based materials in their diet. Purchasing a high-quality hamster mix alongside healthy treats will keep your hamster's well-nourished.
We personally mix our own hamster food.
Dwarf hamsters are more predisposed to diabetes: characterized by above-normal glucose levels present in the blood which leads to numerous severe health problems.
We encourage all dwarf hamster owners to look after their hamster’s wellbeing. They require a lower in sugar diet (you do not have to entirely remove sugar from a healthy dwarf's diet – simply restricting it will be ok). Monitor their weight to help reduce the risk of certain types of diabetes.
Remember, sugar doesn’t directly cause diabetes.
Please don't hesitate to ask for more questions.
General Information:
Winter Whites:
Winter whites can also be referred to as Siberian, or Djungarian dwarf hamsters as they originate in Kazakhstan and Siberia. They often live in colonies in the wild. They can cohabit in captivity, but its possible fighting may occur. If your hamsters start fighting, they should be separated before serious, and potentially fatal injuries occur.
Winter whites are well adapted to the snowy climate and will change colours (generally whiter) to match their climate, although this behaviour may not occur in captivity.
Campbells:
Campbells originate in Russia and Northern China. They usually live in colonies in their natural environment. They can cohabit, but squabbling may potentially occur.
It's said amongst experienced owners that pure Campbells are the most successful when cohabiting with their own species. If your hamsters are fighting, they should be separated before serious, and potentially fatal injuries occur.
They have an average lifespan of 2 years in captivity.
Hybrids:
Campbells and Winter Whites would never meet in the wild. It has been proven that they're both biologically and morphologically very similar. Both species belong to the same 'Phodopus' genus.
A hybrid is a result of breeding a Campbell with a Winter White at any point within a hamster’s ancestry. It varies between individuals how many characteristics from either species a hamster will inherit.
The 'National Hamster Council' advise against deliberate production of hybrid offspring as they can reportedly inherit an array of numerous health complications.
Pet shop dwarf hamsters (not including Roborovskis) are nearly always hybrids. Distinguishing the difference between a pure Campbell and a pure Winter White can be challenging - even to experienced owners.
Hybrids have an average lifespan of around 2 years in captivity.
Care:
Housing/Enrichment:
Minimum cage dimensions should be approximately L 80cm x W 50cm.
Your cage should allow a deep layer of a safe substrate to allow a hamster to burrow and to carry out their natural instincts- we currently use cardboard bedding or bedkind for hamsters.
Be mindful of the bar spacing when purchasing a cage, some dwarfs are small enough to squeeze through the bars, especially when younger.
Plenty of enrichment is essential to keep your pet mentally and physically stimulated. We highly recommend purchasing a sold floored wheel that is roughly 20cm in diameter.
There is nothing to scientifically support spinal damage when providing small wheels (specifically those that cause hamsters to run with an 'arched' spine), but a clear preference for larger wheels has been documented.
Other forms of enrichment include secure housing, tunnels, and safe sand baths. We personally prefer to have 1/3 the substrate in the enclosure bathing sand rather than using sand baths themselves.
Like all rodents, ensure there is plenty for your dwarf hamster to chew to encourage a natural gnawing behaviour which will help keep their ever-growing teeth at a suitable length.
Ideal temperatures for your dwarf hamster are approximately around 18°C - 23°C in the UK, but this can vary significantly depending on the circumstances.
There isn’t much information regarding torpor and hamsters. We know that temperature isn't the sole reason a hamster will go into a state of torpor. Some hamsters are more ‘prone’ to it than others. The multitude of variable factors makes torpor difficult to research. Hamsters living in different parts of the world will become more accustomed to the climate they’ve been raised and simultaneously become less accustomed to others.
Socialising:
Campbells/Hybrids/Winter Whites mostly exhibit nocturnal behaviour, meaning they’re most active at night. As a result, most of the socialisation with your hamster will occur during the night time. Although, we've often found social hamsters will wake up so they can greet their owners when their cage is disturbed.
Unsocialised dwarfs can be temperamental to handle, this can be worse with young age. If you find your hamster bites being picked up, try encouraging them to sit in a toy and gently slide them into a flat palm.
We often find that biting-behaviour can be triggered due to anxiety when grabbed, rather than anxiety about being held. Remember, hamsters are prey species. Make sure you're confident when handling your hamster as this will reassure them that they're safe and secure.
Diet:
As an omnivorous species, Campbells and Winter Whites require both plant-based and meat-based materials in their diet. Purchasing a high-quality hamster mix alongside healthy treats will keep your hamster's well-nourished.
We personally mix our own hamster food.
Dwarf hamsters are more predisposed to diabetes: characterized by above-normal glucose levels present in the blood which leads to numerous severe health problems.
We encourage all dwarf hamster owners to look after their hamster’s wellbeing. They require a lower in sugar diet (you do not have to entirely remove sugar from a healthy dwarf's diet – simply restricting it will be ok). Monitor their weight to help reduce the risk of certain types of diabetes.
Remember, sugar doesn’t directly cause diabetes.
Please don't hesitate to ask for more questions.