General Information:
Though they’re certainly small, Chinese hamsters are not considered true dwarf hamsters. As their name suggests, Chinese hamsters originate from China and Mongolia.
They have an average lifespan of 2 – 2 ½ years, but ages of up to 4 years have been reported.
Chinese hamsters are nocturnal omnivores and make wonderful pets. Their care doesn't differ too much from that of other, more common domesticated species of hamster. Chinese hamsters are uncommon pets as most pet stores don't sell them.
Care:
Housing/Enrichment:
Cage dimensions should be roughly L 70cm x W 42cm.
Be mindful of bar spacing, Chinese hamsters can easily squeeze through small gaps. Safer alternatives include Dunas, ZooZones, or glass tanks.
As Chinese Hamsters enjoy burrowing, the cage suggestions above also allow you to provide a deep layer of suitable substrate for your hamster to carry out natural behaviours.
Provide plenty of toys and enrichment for your hamster. A solid-floored wheel approximately 20cm in diameter will provide your hamster with plenty of exercising opportunity. Secure housing, wooden bridges, chew toys, and tunnels are also great forms of enrichment.
Ideal temperatures for Chinese hamsters are approximately 18°C - 23°C, but this can vary depending on circumstances.
There isn’t much information regarding torpor and hamsters, but we do know that temperature is not the sole reason a hamster will go into torpor. Some hamsters are more ‘prone’ to it than others. It’s also difficult to research. Hamsters living in different parts of the world will become more accustomed to the climate they’ve been raised and simultaneously will become less accustomed to others.
Diet:
As Chinese hamsters are omnivores, we feed ours on a diet suitable for dwarf hamsters as they're lower in sugar. It's common for Chinese hamsters to develop diabetes. Diabetes is characterized by above-normal glucose levels present in the blood which can lead to severe health consequences. Please remember that sugar doesn't directly cause diabetes. To prevent diabetes, your hamster should maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle.
We’ve not seen a commercially available diet for specifically for Chinese hamsters to date, and little research appears to be done on their nutritional requirements.
Socialising:
Chinese hamster temperaments varies depending on the individual, but for the most part, they’re handleable and can often be tamed.
There is controversy amongst experts regarding cohabiting Chinese hamsters. In our opinion, it highly depends on the individuals.
Chinese hamsters are notoriously unpredictable towards their own kind. If you do happen have a cohabiting pair, we would advise that you’re prepared for a situation which may involve permanently separating your hamsters. Although, we do not think it is necessary to separate them if they’re peacefully cohabiting.
Don't cohabit, or seek cohabiting Chinese hamsters if you’re an inexperienced owner.
Please feel free to ask more questions.
Though they’re certainly small, Chinese hamsters are not considered true dwarf hamsters. As their name suggests, Chinese hamsters originate from China and Mongolia.
They have an average lifespan of 2 – 2 ½ years, but ages of up to 4 years have been reported.
Chinese hamsters are nocturnal omnivores and make wonderful pets. Their care doesn't differ too much from that of other, more common domesticated species of hamster. Chinese hamsters are uncommon pets as most pet stores don't sell them.
Care:
Housing/Enrichment:
Cage dimensions should be roughly L 70cm x W 42cm.
Be mindful of bar spacing, Chinese hamsters can easily squeeze through small gaps. Safer alternatives include Dunas, ZooZones, or glass tanks.
As Chinese Hamsters enjoy burrowing, the cage suggestions above also allow you to provide a deep layer of suitable substrate for your hamster to carry out natural behaviours.
Provide plenty of toys and enrichment for your hamster. A solid-floored wheel approximately 20cm in diameter will provide your hamster with plenty of exercising opportunity. Secure housing, wooden bridges, chew toys, and tunnels are also great forms of enrichment.
Ideal temperatures for Chinese hamsters are approximately 18°C - 23°C, but this can vary depending on circumstances.
There isn’t much information regarding torpor and hamsters, but we do know that temperature is not the sole reason a hamster will go into torpor. Some hamsters are more ‘prone’ to it than others. It’s also difficult to research. Hamsters living in different parts of the world will become more accustomed to the climate they’ve been raised and simultaneously will become less accustomed to others.
Diet:
As Chinese hamsters are omnivores, we feed ours on a diet suitable for dwarf hamsters as they're lower in sugar. It's common for Chinese hamsters to develop diabetes. Diabetes is characterized by above-normal glucose levels present in the blood which can lead to severe health consequences. Please remember that sugar doesn't directly cause diabetes. To prevent diabetes, your hamster should maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle.
We’ve not seen a commercially available diet for specifically for Chinese hamsters to date, and little research appears to be done on their nutritional requirements.
Socialising:
Chinese hamster temperaments varies depending on the individual, but for the most part, they’re handleable and can often be tamed.
There is controversy amongst experts regarding cohabiting Chinese hamsters. In our opinion, it highly depends on the individuals.
Chinese hamsters are notoriously unpredictable towards their own kind. If you do happen have a cohabiting pair, we would advise that you’re prepared for a situation which may involve permanently separating your hamsters. Although, we do not think it is necessary to separate them if they’re peacefully cohabiting.
Don't cohabit, or seek cohabiting Chinese hamsters if you’re an inexperienced owner.
Please feel free to ask more questions.