Chinese hamsters, also known as dwarf hamsters, are found mainly in the deserts of Mongolia and China . They are small rodents who like to make their own homes in the deserts by digging holes and residing in them. They are called dwarf hamsters due to their similar characteristics and size.
Where do Chinese hamsters live in the wild?
Wild Chinese hamsters are found in Central and North West China, as well as parts of Russia, Mongolia and Korea . They live in arid country, though have also spread into cropland. Chinese hamsters in the wild eat mainly grains and legumes. They are most active in the first half of the night.
Where can you find dwarf hamsters in the wild?
In the wild they like to live in warm, dry areas, like sand dunes or the edge of deserts, which explains why the first hamsters were discovered in Syria. They also live in the wild in more diverse countries, such as Greece, Romania, Belgium and northern China .
Do Chinese hamsters hibernate?
In the wild, Chinese Hamsters do not hibernate continuously but awaken from time to time to eat stored food. As the weather becomes colder, Chinese Hamsters enter into deep-sleep and the intervals between spells of waking become longer.
Why are Chinese dwarf hamsters illegal in California?
Why is it illegal to own a hamster in California? The ban is due to the fear of a new invasive species population . If a hamster was to start populating in California it could quickly breed out of control. They could also harm native plants and animals.
Are Chinese hamsters dwarf?
Chinese hamsters, also known as Chinese striped hamsters or Chinese dwarf hamsters, are small rodents native to deserts of China and Mongolia. 1 They' re not technically dwarf hamsters , but they received that name due to their small size in comparison to other common pet hamsters, such as the Syrian hamster.
Do Chinese dwarf hamsters bite?
Even though they're often thought of as ideal pets for kids and are usually cuddly, affectionate companions, in some situations, hamsters can and do bite . ... Those tiny teeth may not do as much damage as those of other animals, but a bite will hurt and should be discouraged.
What Cage is best for a dwarf hamster?
- Prevue Pet Products Animal Home – Best Overall. ...
- Habitrail Cristal Hamster Cage – Best Value. ...
- Savic Hamster Heaven Metro Cage – Premium Choice. ...
- Ferplast Favola Hamster Cage. ...
- Midwest Critterville Arcade Hamster Cage. ...
- IRIS Hamster Cage. ...
- Ferplast Hamster Cage. ...
- GalaPet Hamster Cage.
Do dwarf hamsters like to be held?
Most dwarf hamsters take well to people holding them , but they will nip if they feel uncomfortable. Calm, gentle handling from a young age can help them to feel safe when held.
Where do dwarf hamsters come from?
This hamster is listed as of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is native to China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Russian Federation.
How cold is too cold for hamsters?
Suitable Temperature
As for colder weather, make sure the room temperature never dips to less than 60 degrees , as that could lead to exhaustion and lethargy. With temperatures under 50 degrees, your pet hamster could go into hibernation mode. Extreme cold can kill hamsters.
How do you tell if a hamster has passed away?
When a hamster has died they will feel stiff to the touch if you try to pet them or touch them in any way. Their muscles will feel stiff and their whole body will just generally feel harder than it usually does.
What to do if hamster is hibernating?
Try placing your hamster on a warm heating pad that is heated to about 90°F (32°C) for 30-60 minutes. This will help your pet warm up quickly and help them come out of their state of hibernation. If you don't have a heating pad, try putting your hamster on a towel on top of a radiator. This will have the same effect.
Is releasing a hamster illegal?
Releasing hamsters into the wild is likely illegal, as well . Animal cruelty laws protect pets from such treatment. Environmental laws protect native plant and animal species from the threat posed by the release of nonnative species. ... There are several hamster and small animal rescue groups that can assist you, as well.
What states are hamsters illegal in?
Chinese Hamsters
Believe it or not, these popular critters are illegal to own in California and Hawaii . Similar to ferrets, Chinese hamsters' natural habitat is very similar to the climate in these states.
Are hamsters banned in California?
If you are looking for a rodent as a pet, therefore, we recommend that you stick to those rodents that are legal in California – specifically, domesticated races of golden hamsters, dwarf hamsters, rats, mice, guinea pigs, and chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger).
