The Grandfather Hamster is actually another name for the Desert Dwarf Hamster. It is not only the smallest in size among all pet hamsters, but also the fastest. It has the longest lifespan among hamsters, living for about three and a half years.
Due to its small size, it has a yellow or brownish coat, white whiskers and eyebrows, round ears, and an appearance resembling a grandfather, hence the nickname "Grandfather". They are not suitable for people who like to play with pet hamsters. Due to their small size and speed, they are most suitable for individuals who prefer observing pets rather than playing with them.
Chinese scientific name: Desert Dwarf Hamster
Also known as: Grandfather Hamster, Xiaobao Lu
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Cricetidae
Subfamily: Cricetinae
Genus: Phodopus
Species: Roborovskii
Distribution area: Mongolia, Xinjiang, Heilongjiang, Russia
Reproduction method: Viviparous
Usually, the elderly hamsters kept in households are either bought from pet markets or adopted from friends and family. When they are brought home for the first time, the elderly hamsters may feel a little unfamiliar with the new environment and may take some time to adjust. So, how should we take care of them and how should we feed them?
First, the schedule for their care:
On the first day, let them get used to the new environment and do not disturb them at all.
On the second day, you can feed them directly by hand and speak softly to them to let them become familiar with your voice and smell.
From the third to the fifth day, you can try to pick them up directly with your hands.
From the sixth to the fourteenth day, you can take them out and gently stroke their back with your fingers when placing them on the table.
After the fourteenth day, you can take them out to play.
Second, the edible food:
1. Insects (such as mealworms)
2. Vegetables
3. Green vegetables (such as Chinese kale), carrots, pumpkin (green and yellow vegetables are better)
The water the hamsters drink should be boiled water that has cooled down or purified water! It must be absolutely clean.
4. Seeds
Normal grains and cereals (can be used as staple food but should be supplemented with other nutritious foods), sunflower seeds, peanuts, walnuts (do not give too much)
Please note that sunflower seeds have high fat content. If the hamsters eat too many, it can cause obesity, picky eating, and malnutrition. So, sunflower seeds can only be given as snacks or non-essential items for enhancing bonding, and should not be fed too much. At most, one or two seeds per meal is sufficient. However, during winter, you can give them a bit more to increase their calorie intake and help them withstand the cold.
5. Dried fruits
Apples, strawberries, cherries, bananas, grapes (because they contain a lot of sugar, please do not give too many)
6. Grains
Chicken feed, pigeon feed, bird feed, wheat, corn, millet
7. Plants
Clover, dandelion, kudzu, Plantago asiatica
8. Animal protein
Beef, chicken, boiled egg whites, cheese, milk, yogurt, small insects, pet fish food
Third, note: harmful food
1. Fruits
Almonds, plums, peaches, nectarines, nectarines, apple seeds (can cause cardiac arrest, gastrointestinal disorders, and difficulty breathing)
2. Vegetables
Onions, green onion leaves (can destroy blood components), garlic, ginger, leeks, celery (too stimulating), tomato leaves and stems, potato leaves and stems
3. Plants
Daffodils, tulips, morning glories, rhododendrons, orchids, calamus, hyacinths, ferns, calla lilies, hydrangeas, campanulas, chickweeds, iris
Fourth, inedible food
1. Human snacks, biscuits, chocolates, coffee (these two types of food can cause cardiac arrest), alcohol.
2. Human food that has been cooked. It is too oily and salty for hamsters and can cause great harm to their health, especially meat dishes or other oily snacks. Avoid giving them to hamsters!!
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