StoryBooks Pocket Pets

(Phodopus Campbell) is a species of dwarf hamster. It was discovered by W.C. Campbell in 1902 in Tuva, an area that has historically been geographically linked with both China and Russia. The Campbell's dwarf is also native to the steppes and semi-arid areas of Central Asia, the Altay Mountains, and the provinces of Heilungkiang and Hebei in Northeastern China.

 

Campbell's dwarf hamsters have an average lifespan of 18-36 months when raised in captivity. Becoming sexually mature at only five weeks, their litters often consist of 4-6 pups, although up to 14 has been recorded in a single litter. The gestation period is 18-21 days, and Campbell's hamsters may mate again immediately after birth. Unlike other hamster species, especially the Syrian hamsters, the male may play an active role in birth and rearing. He may assist the female in pulling pups from the birth canal, cleaning them, and ensuring the new mother has enough to eat. He may also guard them while the female is away from the nest. Since the pair is likely to mate again quickly, the male should be separated from the female before birth unless more pups are desired and the female is fit enough for a repeat pregnancy.

 

Unlike Syrian hamsters, Campbell's dwarfs are sociable and may be kept in colonies. If the hamsters are introduced at a young age, generally younger than eight weeks, they will often happily coexist in same-or mixed-sex groups. (Note that mixed-sex groups should be avoided as hamsters are lively breeders.) Contrary to some claims, the hamsters do not have to be related to live together peacefully. Some Campbell's dwarfs live together for long periods of time, such as over a year, only to eventually and unexpectedly end up fighting to the point of requiring separation. Pet owners should plan for the possibility of providing additional accommodations should this occur. There have been numerous reports of Campbell's living together peacefully throughout their life time. however, It never hurts to be prepared. Dwarfs do squabble from time to time making annoying noises. In spite of all the noise, rarely is even a scratch seen on the animals. This seems to occur more often with females than males as females will go through their menstrual times.

 

 

Diabetes is becoming a common problem in Campbell's hamsters and is an inherited problem. Unless an individual hamster's ancestry is known to be free of the illness, a Campbell's dwarf should not fed any sugary foods (including fruit, corn, peas, carrots, yogurt drops, and some mass-manufactured "treats"), nor should they be bred.

 

Like all hamsters, Campbell's dwarfs are rodents and therefore must gnaw regularly to keep the incisors from growing into the skin of the mouth and causing health problems. Some pet owners provide dog biscuits to assist with this. Wooden chew toys should be used with care as splinters may injure the hamster. Teeth should be examined regularly to ensure they are not growing unchecked.

 

In the wild, Campbell's dwarfs consume a variety of grains, seeds, and vegetables. For the pet hamster, commercial seed mixes are available and should be augmented with occasional fresh vegetables. Care should be taken in selecting a seed mix that does not include harmful foods, some of which are suitable for other rodents (including other types of hamsters). The following items should be avoided:

 

almonds

garlic

potato tops

raw potatoes

rhubarb

rhubarb leaves

tomato leaves

raisins (can get lodged in cheek pouches)

anything sweet unless diabetes has been ruled out

 

In addition to diabetes, hamsters can develop tumors (both benign and malignant), as well as glaucoma. It is possible to remove benign and malignant tumors with surgery. Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done about glaucoma, as the eye will eventually prolapse. If your hamster consumes a lot of water, or a lot of urine is present in one corner of the cage this might be the case. A good board to post questions if your concerned is HoneyHams

 

 

 

Dwarf hamster make good pets. Because of their size and affordability, Dwarf hamsters are an obvious choice for first time pet owners. When handled often, they become quite tame. It is highly recommended to adopt a Dwarf from a reputable breeder. They will be more docile and have a less tendency to bite. Dwarf hamsters are not suitable for small children however, unless they are taught how to properly hold a dwarf and are trusted under a watchful eye of a parent. Dwarfs are great for young teenagers, but most dwarf owners believe it or not are adults. Most adults who own hamsters are enthusiasts and often show and work with their genetics.

 

 

*Breeders notes*

 

Campbell's dwarfs are becoming more popular today then they ever have been. Because most have been found in pet stores, they have been labeled to nip more. I, myself have worked in stores as a teen and I would always clinge my teeth when someone asked to see what I though was the most adorable little creature EVER. This is for when not properly handled at a young age. Pet stores order their animals in and the distributor they get them from if not a local breeder usually end up with UN socialized Dwarfs that are fearful of everything. I'm a gerbil person, but when I adopted my first pair of Camps from a breeder I instantly changed my mind about their behavior. Hamsters do nip mind you. One reason is you may have a delicious sent on you left over from -- oh lets say a PB&J sandwich "LOL" but they don't nip to hurt. If they draw blood then there is a problem. It's best to wash your hands before you handle them so you won't have a smell.

 

 Females with young, even though they where handled since birth will be on the go looking for an invader that enters their domain. But usually after the pups are weaned and gone the mothers go back to their gentle selves. I believe it takes a gentle hand for the Campbell's. My children also take delight in hand raising them. My son is only five so he needs one on one time from me. But he does love his Hammies. My daughter is eight and also a girl so she is a lot gentler with them. She's a gerbil girl though too. My son is the Hamster Man. I find that the mottle hamsters are a little more high strung. I believe this to be the spotted gene which is my favorite gene. I've noticed it too with my high white mottled gerbils. They too, with patience can be very friendly little guys.

 

Dwarfs are supposedly nocturnal, but here they can often be seen running on their wheels during the day. All hamsters have poor eyesight. When approaching them during sleep it's best to knock on the cage before entering. Like knocking on your front door if you will. They would have to be watched as well with high area's such as tables for they cannot see the side to good. I know the Syrian Hamsters are more nocturnal, but I feel the Dwarf is more active during the day.