General Information:
Roborovskis are a commonly kept dwarf hamster, often referred to as “robos” for short. They’re known for their small size (smallest in their genus) and fast-handling. They originate in central Asia around Mongolia, northern China and northern Russia. They are highly adapted to their environment and live in burrows up to 6ft deep.
In the wild, they’re an omnivorous and social hamster and exhibit crepuscular behaviour.
Their average lifespan is 2-3 years, but ages of up to 4 years have been reported.
Care:
Housing/Enrichment:
Roborovskis are widely considered to be a pet that is difficult to handle, this means their cage will be their main source of entertainment, so your cage must meet the minimum requirements – or larger.
Robos are extremely active rodents and renowned for their speed. They're also naturally skittish, but providing a safe enclosure for them that meets their needs will massively help with their temperament.
A barless enclosure is a must for these tiny guys; glass tanks make a great option. If a tank is not an option, we also enjoy using Duna Multi Maxis, and Bucastate cages. These cages still provide enough space, and you’re able to provide a decent layer of a substrate. Minimum cage dimensions should be approximately L 100cm x W 50cm.
We use paper based beddings and Cheshire Choice shavings, but other great options include fitch, and hemp. Mixing substrates so they can hold a strong and sturdy burrow is a must.
We also advise a large bathing sand section to the care, we advise approximately 1/3 of the substrate be bathing sand, no smaller than 45cm by 30cm. Rept
Roborovskis absolutely love to run, so their exercise wheel is one of the most important pieces of enrichment to get right. Suitable wheels should be roughly 21cm in diameter with a solid floor. We use Trixie wheels as they’re more affordable than most pet shop wheels and easy to clean, but wooden wheels, Nite angel, and Bucastate wheels are also an excellent choice.
You can provide a variety of clutter for your robo0 including; tubes, houses, multichamber hides, chew toys, dig boxes, branches, cork tunnels and more.
Temperatures should be roughly 18°C-26°C and humidity around 40%.
Hamsters are permissive hibernators and at temperatures around 4°C may enter torpor.
Useful Links:
Roborovskis are a commonly kept dwarf hamster, often referred to as “robos” for short. They’re known for their small size (smallest in their genus) and fast-handling. They originate in central Asia around Mongolia, northern China and northern Russia. They are highly adapted to their environment and live in burrows up to 6ft deep.
In the wild, they’re an omnivorous and social hamster and exhibit crepuscular behaviour.
Their average lifespan is 2-3 years, but ages of up to 4 years have been reported.
Care:
Housing/Enrichment:
Roborovskis are widely considered to be a pet that is difficult to handle, this means their cage will be their main source of entertainment, so your cage must meet the minimum requirements – or larger.
Robos are extremely active rodents and renowned for their speed. They're also naturally skittish, but providing a safe enclosure for them that meets their needs will massively help with their temperament.
A barless enclosure is a must for these tiny guys; glass tanks make a great option. If a tank is not an option, we also enjoy using Duna Multi Maxis, and Bucastate cages. These cages still provide enough space, and you’re able to provide a decent layer of a substrate. Minimum cage dimensions should be approximately L 100cm x W 50cm.
We use paper based beddings and Cheshire Choice shavings, but other great options include fitch, and hemp. Mixing substrates so they can hold a strong and sturdy burrow is a must.
We also advise a large bathing sand section to the care, we advise approximately 1/3 of the substrate be bathing sand, no smaller than 45cm by 30cm. Rept
Roborovskis absolutely love to run, so their exercise wheel is one of the most important pieces of enrichment to get right. Suitable wheels should be roughly 21cm in diameter with a solid floor. We use Trixie wheels as they’re more affordable than most pet shop wheels and easy to clean, but wooden wheels, Nite angel, and Bucastate wheels are also an excellent choice.
You can provide a variety of clutter for your robo0 including; tubes, houses, multichamber hides, chew toys, dig boxes, branches, cork tunnels and more.
Temperatures should be roughly 18°C-26°C and humidity around 40%.
Hamsters are permissive hibernators and at temperatures around 4°C may enter torpor.
Useful Links:
Credit: http://hamsterhideout.com/forum/topic/153048-please-judge-my-hamster-cage-setup/
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Adopter Emily from Pawen's roborovski set up.
Another photo of Emily at Pawen's roborovski set up
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Socialising:
Roborovskis can be tamed, exactly how much an individual robo tames varies considerably. Consistency is key to taming. We’ve had robos happy to sit in hands and others who'd absolutely scream the place down when held.,
A lot of people prefer to offer their robos a playpen for out-of-the-cage playtimes. We use empty ball pits for our hamsters as it keeps them contained without the risk of squeezing through bars.
Once upon a time it was fairly common to see roborovski's cohabbiing. Often times, this ended up with a pair needing to be split due to serious fights breaking out. As time as gone on, we no longer recommend keeping dwarfs in pairs.
Diet:
Roborovski dwarf hamsters are omnivores, meaning they require both plant material and meat elements in their diet. In their natural environment, they’ve been found to eat a variety of seeds and insects.
In captivity, you can provide your dwarf hamster with a good quality hamster mix and healthy treats to keep your hamster well-nourished.
Avoid garlic, onion, and citrus foods.
Useful Links:
Please feel free to ask more questions!
Roborovskis can be tamed, exactly how much an individual robo tames varies considerably. Consistency is key to taming. We’ve had robos happy to sit in hands and others who'd absolutely scream the place down when held.,
A lot of people prefer to offer their robos a playpen for out-of-the-cage playtimes. We use empty ball pits for our hamsters as it keeps them contained without the risk of squeezing through bars.
Once upon a time it was fairly common to see roborovski's cohabbiing. Often times, this ended up with a pair needing to be split due to serious fights breaking out. As time as gone on, we no longer recommend keeping dwarfs in pairs.
Diet:
Roborovski dwarf hamsters are omnivores, meaning they require both plant material and meat elements in their diet. In their natural environment, they’ve been found to eat a variety of seeds and insects.
In captivity, you can provide your dwarf hamster with a good quality hamster mix and healthy treats to keep your hamster well-nourished.
Avoid garlic, onion, and citrus foods.
Useful Links:
- www.rodipet.co.uk/pet-foods/rodipet-organic-dwarf-hamster-food-junior-500g.html
- www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small_pets/food/bunny_food/hamster_food_bunny/1104418?mkt_source=1334735&variantid=1104418.0&gclid=Cj0KCQjwub-HBhCyARIsAPctr7yC3-ExMfbm824Mlc3Vcau-m8WYUSOQBjNoOKf7wvQ1LryGjlGV0Y0aAhzQEALw_wcB
- www.chubbycheekshamsterfood.co.uk/product-page/hammykins-dwarf-hamster-food
Please feel free to ask more questions!