Winter White hamsters are known by many names, including the Russian Dwarf Winter White Hamster, Siberian Hamster, and Furry Hamster. Each name accurately describes an aspect of this prized animal, such as the hamster’s white winter coat, diminutive size, place of origin, and furry feet. Perhaps the most descriptive name would be Winter White Russian Siberian Furry Dwarf Hamster. Try asking for one of those at the pet store!
Winter White hamsters are only 3 to 4 inches long at maturity. His bulging eyes give credit to his poor eyesight. Other distinguishing features are a curved spine, roman nose, and short tail. Like all hamsters, this species has expandable cheek pouches for carrying food.
In the Siberian steppes that are the natural home of the winter white hamster, the white coat is a vital survival tool, providing them with camouflage against vast plains of snow. When the days lengthen, the snowy white mantle transforms into summer clothing: slate gray mantle, pearl white belly, and dark gray upperparts.
In captivity, they rarely wear the white coat that gives them their name, making positive identification difficult. It is rare to find purebreds in North American pet stores. They are often confused with the Campbell’s Russian Dwarf Hamster, which is the most common dwarf hamster on the market. Even a hamster identified as a Winter White Hamster in a pet store may have been mislabeled. Although Campbell’s and Winter White Hamsters are separate species, they can interbreed with disastrous results. Hybrid offspring are prone to disease and ruin the purity of the breed. Therefore, it is advisable to get your winter white hamsters from a professional breeder if he plans to allow his hamsters to breed.
An aquarium provides the ideal habitat for them because their small size allows them to fit through the bars of traditional hamster cages. A proper combination of foods with occasional supplements will keep your hamsters healthy. They also require plenty of fresh water, which is best delivered in bottles, rather than bowls.
The small size of the Winter White Hamster makes it susceptible to toxins, and therefore it is advisable to choose organic treats (vegetables and well-rinsed dandelion greens) and use glass or stoneware bowls instead of plastic ones. Avoid sugary foods, which can lead to diabetes. Never feed junk food and if you give cereals as treats, avoid those with sugar in the ingredients list. Some cooked, organic, steel-cut oats have just the right texture, fiber and nutrition, and aren’t too sticky. Small amounts of chicken or ham can be offered as an occasional treat. It is important to avoid toxic bedding, such as cedar or pine, which can trigger allergies. Of the wooden bedding, only shredded poplar is approved for hamsters. Hay, straw, and paper are fine too.
The introduction of same-sex hamsters into the habitat at different times can lead to territorial disputes. It is best to place your hamsters in their new home at the same time, when they are young. However, even hamsters that have been raised together can become hostile over time. Fighting hamsters should be placed in separate containers, so it is wise to have an extra cage on hand.
There are many lovely hamster accessories available, including chew toys, which are absolutely necessary for the health of the animal’s teeth. Hamster toys with tunnels and hideouts replicate the natural burrow and gallery habitat of the winter white hamster and will make your pet feel comfortable. Although hamsters are nocturnal, they often go through short bursts of activity during the day, such as running on a hamster wheel.
These hamsters are among the friendliest of all breeds. They enjoy interacting with humans, biting and biting less than other hamsters. However, due to their small size, they are not suitable as pets for very young children, who may inadvertently harm them.
With proper nutrition, a clean environment, proper bedding, and veterinary care, your hamster should live out its natural lifespan of two years or more. In general, the winter white hamster makes an ideal and beautiful pet.