Chinese Hamster - Cricetulus griseus

Description

The Chinese Hamster is not as widely kept as a pet as the Russian Hamsters and this is probably due to their mouselike appearance and the fact that fewer numbers exist due to some difficulties in breeding them. The Chinese Hamster has a slender mouselike body which is approximately 10-12cm in length. It has expandable cheekpouches.
The Chinese Hamster is sociable and will live with others of its own kind in single or mixed sex groups provided that hamsters are introduced at a young age. However, within breeding groups the females can become very aggressive towards the males when pregnant and so it is important that they are housed in a large cage with many hiding places where the males can seek refuge. The Chinese Hamster is nocturnal but can be quite active for short periods during the day. It is extremely timid and can be fast moving and they are very good climbers. The Chinese Hamster makes a good pet although because it is fast moving can be difficult to catch but once caught they are a pleasure to handle. They are able to squeeze through the bars of some hamster cages and so cages designed for mice, glass or plastic aquariums make more suitable cages. The average lifespan of the Chinese Hamster is 2-3 years although they can live longer.




Category
Rodents