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.
Useful Links: Care:
Housing/Enrichment:
Minimum cage dimensions should be approximately L 100cm 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 hemp, cardboard, meadow hay, and suitable wood shavings for hamsters. Tanks make an excellent option for hamsters as it allows for them to have very deep bedding to build burrows in, whereas most commercial cages do not.
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 28cm in diameter. Trixie wheels make a brilliant option and are easily cleaned. 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.
Hamsters are permissive hibernators and at temperatures around 4c may enter torpor.
Useful Links:
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.
Useful Links: Care:
Housing/Enrichment:
Minimum cage dimensions should be approximately L 100cm 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 hemp, cardboard, meadow hay, and suitable wood shavings for hamsters. Tanks make an excellent option for hamsters as it allows for them to have very deep bedding to build burrows in, whereas most commercial cages do not.
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 28cm in diameter. Trixie wheels make a brilliant option and are easily cleaned. 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.
Hamsters are permissive hibernators and at temperatures around 4c may enter torpor.
Useful Links:
- www.bargain-pet-supplies.co.uk/shop/barney-hamster-cage-blue-100x54x45cm/
- www.amazon.co.uk/Trixie-61011-Rotating-Hamsters-Assortment/dp/B00365P9NY/ref=asc_df_B00365P9NY/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=255759595579&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18300738291886206503&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006648&hvtargid=pla-421884349185&psc=1
- www.wilko.com/tiny-friends-farm-chinchilla-hamster-gerbil-degu-bathing-sand-1kg/p/0498988?gclid=CjwKCAjwlYCHBhAQEiwA4K21m_6XVJyEq1DpT6sNe0X3hbUh6UDnQNC6XwBC_0UxBefGRhVR-CIUyhoCnzMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
- www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/detolf-glass-door-cabinet-white-80269122/
- www.internetreptile.com/internet-reptile-cork-bark-medium-tube-short/?utm_medium=cpc&gclid=CjwKCAjwlYCHBhAQEiwA4K21mykUjuDa8t79pdA5JtFdbyZ4ucF9WaYYL48CSAVxghitY0HQRbMovhoCDgkQAvD_BwE#fo_c=2683&fo_k=e0272b0be2ebe6c1f916bbc0c2aa355a&fo_s=gplauk
- www.onbuy.com/gb/sizes-multi-chamber-hamster-6-room-hideout~c7556~p37917602/?exta=gshp&stat=eyJpcCI6IjI2Ljk5IiwiZHAiOjAsImxpZCI6IjUwODAyMjk2IiwicyI6IjQ5IiwidCI6MTYyMzc2OTYzOSwiYm1jIjoiMTAuMCJ9&lid=50802296&gclid=CjwKCAjwlYCHBhAQEiwA4K21m6NXshRUO4hvOtiMZjrNCxtmyHo85ynzCHpXz6PCPCpKqPfr_aq98BoCYdQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
- www.burnhills.com/equestrian-c3/for-the-stable-c12/stable-supplies-c212/bedding-c213/ecoshiv-hemp-shiv-hemp-horse-bedding-aprox-20kg-p4737/s17407?cid=GBP&gclid=CjwKCAjwlYCHBhAQEiwA4K21m77ih0jrY45q0WxLgrSvNK0fc6FZbmRkz_jb4Q3c2m9LbC5nyUVctRoCFrwQAvD_BwE
Credit: https://co.pinterest.com/amp/pin/335729347216650186/
Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/paisleypetal/hamster/
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Credit: https://how-to-care-for-hamsters.tumblr.com/post/139905294590/what-do-you-think-about-carol-fangs-hamster-cage
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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.
Useful Links:
Common Diseases:
Hybrids can be prone to a variety of health issues, some individuals can be particularly sickly. Here are some common health issues to look out for:
Please don't hesitate to ask for more questions.
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.
Useful Links:
- www.tinypawsmcr.org.uk/product/dwarf-hamster-mix-500g/
- www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small_pets/food/bunny_food/hamster_food_bunny/620085?mkt_source=1334735&variantid=620085.0&gclid=CjwKCAjwlYCHBhAQEiwA4K21m5iJIdRsyQ_2jxZNEUz_ts8iCNWRwIyd99twjM8XDWNbMi7VCn9tQBoCjlYQAvD_BwE
- www.rodipet.co.uk/pet-foods/rodipet-organic-dwarf-hamster-food-junior-500g.html
- www.rodipet.co.uk/pet-foods/rodipet-organic-dwarf-hamster-food-senior-500g.html
- ratrations.co.uk/hamster
Common Diseases:
Hybrids can be prone to a variety of health issues, some individuals can be particularly sickly. Here are some common health issues to look out for:
- Cheek Pouch Prolapse: Hamsters use their cheek pouches to store a variety of items such as food and bedding. Unfortunately, this means they can become impacted and, if left untreated, can actually rupture. Usually, a general anaesthesia is advised to flush and empty the cheek pouches. If there is evidence of abrasions and infection, they may require a course of antibiotics too. It’s very important you seek medical attention if you suspect your hamster may have prolapsed their cheek pouches.
- Antibiotic Associated Diarrhoea and Enterotoxemia: Hamsters can suffer from adverse reactions when using antibiotics because their gut flora is predominantly gram-negative. Diarrhoea and enterotoxemia (A condition induced by the absorption of large volumes of toxins produced by bacteria such as Clostridium perfringens from the intestines) can lead to more severe disease and even death. It’s vital your veterinarian is experienced and knowledgable about treating hamsters.
- Diabetes Mellitus: Russian dwarf hamsters, and some lines of Chinese hamsters, are particularly prone to developing diabetes. Husbandry is the best way to prevent the occurrence of diabetes; it’s incredibly important your hamster maintains a healthy and active lifestyle alongside a good species specific diet. Symptoms of diabeties include polyuria (increased urination), weight loss, and polydipsia (increased fluid intake).
- Pyometra: Pyometra is a life threatening uterine infection which can be described as either open or closed; open would define an infection where the cervix is open and a foul smelling pus can freely drain from the vagina. Closed would define a closed cervix meaning the pus cannot drain from the body. Though, in our experience, Syrian hamsters seem far more prone to pyometras than other hamster species, if your female hamster shows any signs of a pyo, it’s essential you act fast as an individual can very quickly crash and die. Personally, we always opt for spaying instead of conservative management. Or, if an individual is too sick for surgical intervention, usually humane euthanasia is kindest. It’s important to learn and become familiar with the creamy postovalatory vaginal discharge that occurs during ovulation, and is completely normal in hamsters.
- Amyloidosis: Amyloidosis is a condition described as a build-up of a protein called amyloid in organs and tissues throughout the body; in hamsters, usually in the spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands or the liver. This condition is much more common in females. Common signs are organ failure, oedema, proteinuria, anorexia and many others.
- Neoplasias: Hamsters seem particularly prone a number of cutaneous tumours such as melanomas, melanocytomas, and epitheliotropic lymphoma, and gastrointestinal tumours such as squamous papilomas and adenomas. Histopathology may be required to determine what tumour a hamster may have developed, and the prognosis and treatment required.
Please don't hesitate to ask for more questions.