Roborovski hamster

Roborovskis (Phodopus roborovskii; formerly, Cricetulus bedfordiae) or desert hamsters (also known simply as Robos or Robs)[2] are the smallest of all hamsters, averaging under an inch (2 cm) at birth, and (rarely) three inches (7.5 cm) during adulthood. Distinguishing characteristics of the Roborovskis are eyebrow-like white spots and the lack of any dorsal stripe (found on the other members of the Phodopus genus). The average lifespan for the Roborovski hamster is three years, though this is dependent on living conditions (extremes being four years in captivity and two in the wild).[citation needed] Roborovskis are known for their speed and have been said to run the equivalent of four human marathons per night on average.[3]

Habitat and diet
distribution of Phodopus roborovskiiRoborovski hamsters live in and around the Gobi Desert, throughout Mongolia's desert steppe and the adjacent territories of Kazakhstan, Russia (Tuva), and Northern China. Their efficient use of water makes them particularly suited to the steppe and desert regions they inhabit. They dig and live in burrows with steep tunnels that are as far as six feet underground. In the wild, Roborovski hamsters are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk.

They are omnivorous; they primarily eat grains, vegetables, fruit, and plants, but they will also eat meat and insects in small quantities. Roborovski hamsters remain underground in winter and survive in that season by stockpiling some food in warmer weather and storing it in special food chambers within their burrow system.

History of human contact
Lt. Vsevolod Roborovski first made note of these hamsters, discovering them on an expedition in July 1894, though they were not studied scientifically for the best part of another decade, until Konstantin A. Satunin made observations in 1903.[4] The London Zoo imported them into the U.K. in the 1960s, but the first Roborovskis studied in Britain were imported in the 1970s from Moscow Zoo. (None of these hamsters, however, bore offspring.)[5] [6] Continental European countries had more success in breeding some Roborovskis, however, and the Roborovskis currently in the U.K. and are descendants of a batch imported from the Netherlands in 1990. They were imported to the U.S.A. in 1998,[7] though they are now commonly found in pet shops in several countries. In South Korea, they are almost as common as the Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster.

Variation
Currently there are four confirmed variations of Roborovski hamsters.[citation needed]
 * agouti — a natural grayish-brown with white underside and "eyebrows"
 * "husky" — a mutation producing a white-faced hamster
 * a white spotted variation
 * white: fully white without any spots or agouti fur. their faces are identical to those of regular roborovski.

Breeding in captivity has also produced a darker dilution of the naturally sandy-coloured agouti fur.
 * Wild/Agouti.
 * Husky/White faced

Breeding
Litter of Roborovskii in a straw nest.The gender of a Roborovski is determined in the following manner: Female openings are very close together and may even look like a single opening, while male openings are further apart. Males usually have a visible scent gland near the navel above the two openings, appearing as a yellow stain.

Roborovski hamsters may reach sexual maturity as early as five weeks but usually do not breed until the 5 months after they are born, usually in early spring. It is advised when keeping them as pets that females should not be mated until they are closer to four months of age. Males usually reach sexual maturity at 3 months. The gestation period of Roborovski hamsters is usually 22 days but can be up to 30, according to some sources.[according to whom?] As the birth day grows closer, the female will become more aggressive towards the male and often banish him from the nest till after the birth. The female Roborovski hamster can bite an owner if she is handled while she is heavily pregnant. This happens in most cases. Litters are usually small, being typically four to six pups, though larger litters of up to ten have been reported. If the male is still around the female shortly after she gives birth, he will often attempt to mate with her again.[8]
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As pets
oborovski hamsters, being fast, agile, and naturally timid or shy, are generally recommended as "look but don't touch" pets. Loud noises can agitate the hamsters, and they are extremely skittish and fast. As they rarely bite, Roborovski hamsters may make good pets for owners who enjoy interactive play (in which the hamster explores its owner). This may also provide time for taming the Roborovski. Roborovski hamsters, being very sociable, are fun to watch.[neutrality is disputed] As light may sometimes disturb them, it is recommended that red lights be used to allow an owner to view the hamsters without disturbing them because Roborovski hamsters are unable to see red light.

Roborovski hamsters are great climbers, just like other hamsters. They also like to tunnel and run. Roborovski hamsters are known to sleep in their wheels, especially in wheels with banked edges.

Although claimed to be hypoallergenic, Roborovski hamsters have been associated with the development of asthma in previously asymptomatic owners.[9]

Roborovski hamsters do not particularly take to eating the pellets found in most common retail hamster foods.[7] [10] [8]