Hamster

The Campbell's dwarf hamster, also known as the Campbell's hamster, is a small species in the subfamily of hamsters. It has an average body length of 102 mm and an average weight of 23.4 grams. It has cheek pouches on both sides that can temporarily store food in the mouth and transport it to burrows for storage. It has small eyes and its ears are covered in fur, with the ear shells exposed. It has sebaceous glands behind the ears. It has short legs, wide feet, and a thick, short tail. It is a nocturnal terrestrial animal found in a wide range of natural habitats such as undeveloped deserts, grasslands, and high mountain zones, and can be found at an altitude of 2000 meters. The Campbell's dwarf hamster has a very small body size, with a body length ranging from 80 to 103 mm. Its fur is short and smooth, with a soft light yellow and light gray fur covering its belly, while the back and head are a woody brown color with short deep gray fur. A clear charcoal stripe runs from between the ears to the tail. The foot pads and tail are covered in smooth white fur. In addition, like other members of the subfamily of hamsters, the Campbell's hamster has cheek pouches that extend to the shoulder blades. Males are larger than females.

The Campbell's dwarf hamster is distributed in Kazakhstan, Outer Mongolia, Russia and China. Its natural habitat is vast, including undeveloped deserts, grasslands and high mountainous areas, and can be found at an altitude of 2000 meters.

The Campbell's dwarf hamster is suitable for all people who like small pets. The hamster has a gentle personality and rarely bites. It can perceive visual, tactile, auditory, and chemical stimuli. During the day, it is basically the hamster's resting time. They like to hide during the day and come out at night. Their vision is poor and can only distinguish shapes in a blurry manner, and they can only distinguish black and white colors.

1. Tumor

Pet symptoms: When touching the pet, there is an obvious protrusion in a certain part of the body, and the protrusion becomes larger over time.

The Campbell's dwarf hamster, like humans, develops tumors when there are abnormalities in body cells, and they can be benign or malignant. When a tumor is found on the Campbell's hamster's body, a tissue section examination is needed to diagnose the nature of the tumor. If the tumor is malignant, surgical removal is required. However, after the surgery, there is still a chance for the malignant cells to spread to other parts, causing tumor metastasis and recurrence.

2. Skin disease

Pet symptoms: The Campbell's hamster may experience hair loss, scratching, redness and hair loss on the skin.

First, keep the environment clean and dry, actively consult a veterinarian, and seek good medical advice; finally, conduct relevant examinations such as skin microscopy for the pet, determine the skin problems, and then apply corresponding medications.

3. Heart disease

Pet symptoms: Loss of appetite, poor physical activity, and difficulty breathing.

If the Campbell's hamster shows the above symptoms, it may be suspected of having heart disease. Actively consult a veterinarian, and after professional medical consultation, conduct detailed examinations according to the veterinarian's advice. For example, X-ray examination can be used to observe whether it has diseases such as cardiac hypertrophy; after the diagnosis is confirmed, in order to stabilize the condition, treatment can be given using heart tonics, vasodilators, etc.

4. Malocclusion

Symptoms: Drooling, inability to fully close the mouth, loss of appetite, etc.

Recommended treatment: To prevent malocclusion in Campbell's hamsters, buy some harder food or minerals for them to chew on regularly. If malocclusion is found in the Campbell's hamster, a veterinarian should be consulted to grind the teeth for it.

5. Constipation

Pet symptoms: A significant decrease in bowel movements, or even no bowel movements.

When the pet's living environment changes, the Campbell's hamster may experience constipation; in addition, hamsters may also experience constipation due to bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.

First, keep the cage clean, secondly, provide the pet with fresh and fiber-rich food, and provide sufficient water; under the guidance and advice of a professional veterinarian, use appropriate medication for the symptoms. If the condition is severe, timely medical treatment should be sought.

6. Cold

Pet symptoms: Drooping ears, low spirits, wet nose, weakened activity.

Once the Campbell's hamster has a cold, it must be treated immediately. If the problem is not serious, you can try to use some anti-inflammatory drugs to treat it. However, the dosage must be controlled. Hamster colds can be prevented by occasionally feeding the pet foods rich in vitamin C; at the same time, take appropriate measures to keep them warm and avoid placing the cage in windy areas.

Wild Campbell varieties reproduce 3-5 times a year, while captive varieties reproduce year-round. The reproduction of Campbell hamsters varies depending on the geographical location. Breeding begins in April and May, respectively in the Tuva and Tannu-Ola regions of Mongolia, and ends in late September or early October.

The range of offspring per litter is 1 to 12, with an average of 8. The gestation period is 13.5 to 22 days. Average gestation period: 17.5 days. Average weaning age is 17 days. Average time to independence is 23 days. The average age for sexual or reproductive maturity is 48 days for females and 23 days for males.

At birth, Campbell hamsters are completely helpless and hairless. They have incisors and small claws, but their ears and eyes are sealed. The pups rely on parental care until weaned at around 17 days old. Female hamsters are primarily responsible for caring for the pups. However, male hamsters can assist in the birthing process by consuming amniotic fluid, placenta, and fetal membranes.

The Campbell's dwarf hamster will clean itself, so owners do not need to bathe them frequently. However, when the hamster's fur is dirty, it should be cleaned promptly. You can use a towel dipped in warm water to gently wipe the hamster and wash away the dirt. If you must give the hamster a bath, it is best to do so when the weather is warm. After bathing, use a hairdryer to completely dry the fur to prevent the hamster from catching a cold and getting sick.