Table Of Contents

Quick Profile

Height

1.50 - 2 inches

Weight

0.06 - 0.09 pounds

Lifespan

2 - 4 years

Environment

Cage

Personality

agile , curious , quick , timid

Activity Level

Active

Affection Level

Not Affectionate

Handleable

No

Coexist

Yes

Hypoallergenic

No

Sheds

Yes

Travel Friendly

No

Child Friendly

No

Difficulty - Medium

Cost

  • Their diet requires careful attention to maintain proper nutrition and weight.

Time

  • Their active hours during the night may require adjustments to the owner's schedule for proper care and interaction.

Knowledge

  • Due to their small size, speed, and sometimes timid nature, Roborovski hamsters can be difficult to handle and tame. While they can live in pairs or small groups, introducing new hamsters can be challenging and requires careful monitoring. Understanding their behavior, health needs, and environmental requirements is crucial for proper care.

Maintenance

  • Roborovski hamsters need a large enclosure with specific features like deep substrate for burrowing and small bar spacing to prevent escapes. Their habitat needs frequent cleaning and maintenance to ensure a healthy living environment.

Guide

  • Home sweet home! Your Robo needs a spacious palace measuring at least 80 cm x 50 cm x 35 cm (that's 2.5 ft x 1.6 ft x 1.1 ft for the metrically challenged).
  • Think bigger is better - these little speed demons love to zoom around, so give them a hamster highway if you can!
  • Temperature should be a cozy 18°C-26°C (64°F-79°F) - not too hot, not too cold, just right for our Goldilocks hamsters.
  • Keep the humidity around 40% - we're going for "desert chic," not "tropical paradise".
  • Substrate depth should be at least 15 cm (6 inches) - Robos are the tiny construction workers of the pet world and love to dig.
  • Provide multiple hiding spots - these shy little guys need their "me time".
  • Add an exercise wheel with a solid surface, at least 16 cm (6.3 inches) in diameter - no hamster legs caught in bars, please!
  • Feed a high-quality commercial dwarf hamster food as the main course.
  • Portion size should be about 1-2 teaspoons per day - yes, that's it! They're tiny, remember?
  • Dinner time is evening time - these nocturnal nibblers prefer late-night snacks.
  • Offer small amounts of fresh veggies and fruits as treats (think tiny hamster-sized bites).
  • Absolutely NO chocolate, onions, garlic, or citrus fruits - unless you want a very unhappy hamster.
  • Keep fresh water available 24/7 in a small dish or bottle - hydration is key, even for desert dwellers.
  • Throw in some chew toys - their teeth never stop growing.
  • Good news! Robos are naturally clean and don't need baths - they're like the cats of the hamster world.
  • Provide a sand bath for your hamster to roll around in - it's like a day at the beach for them.
  • Clean the habitat weekly, but spot clean daily - nobody likes a stinky house.
  • Replace bedding completely every 2-3 weeks - out with the old, in with the new!.
  • Trim nails if needed, but be very careful - those tiny toes are delicate.
  • Robos are the Usain Bolts of the hamster world - they need lots of exercise.
  • Provide an exercise wheel, tunnels, and climbing toys - think "hamster ninja warrior course".
  • Offer different textures to explore - variety is the spice of life, even for hamsters.
  • Hide treats around the habitat for foraging fun - it's like Easter egg hunting, but with seeds.
  • Rotate toys regularly to keep things interesting - boredom is the enemy!
  • Care Tips
    • Find an exotic vet who knows their hamster stuff - not all vets are created equal.
    • Watch for signs of illness like lethargy, loss of appetite, or unusual droppings.
    • Keep an eye on their teeth - overgrown choppers can be a real pain.
    • No vaccinations needed, but regular check-ups are a must.
    • Watch out for wet tail, a potentially fatal condition - diarrhea in hamsters is no joke.
  • Illnesses To Look Out For
    • Respiratory Infections
      • Respiratory infections in Roborovski hamsters can manifest as inflammation of the airways and lungs. These infections are often characterized by symptoms such as sneezing, labored breathing, and nasal discharge. If left untreated, they can potentially progress to more severe conditions like pneumonia.
    • Wet Tail
      • Wet tail, scientifically known as proliferative ileitis, is a serious bacterial infection affecting the intestines of Roborovski hamsters. This highly contagious condition primarily impacts young hamsters and is marked by severe diarrhea, leading to a visibly wet tail area. Other symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, and unkempt fur.
    • Diabetes
      • Diabetes in Roborovski hamsters occurs when the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't effectively use the insulin it produces. While more common in dwarf hamster species, Roborovski hamsters can also be affected. Symptoms typically include increased thirst and urination. Obesity can be a contributing factor to the development of diabetes in these small pets.
    • Skin Diseases
      • Roborovski hamsters can suffer from various skin conditions, including mite infestations, fungal infections like ringworm, and allergic reactions. These issues often result in symptoms such as hair loss, skin irritation, and excessive scratching. In some cases, small injuries can lead to abscesses, which are pockets of infection under the skin.
    • Dental Problems
      • Dental issues in Roborovski hamsters often stem from overgrown teeth, particularly the incisors. This condition can lead to difficulty eating and potential injury to the mouth or cheeks. Regular dental check-ups and providing appropriate chewing materials can help prevent these problems.
  • Start handling your Robo early and often, but be gentle - they're fast and can be skittish.
  • Use food rewards for positive reinforcement - the way to a hamster's heart is through its stomach.
  • Be patient - Rome wasn't built in a day, and your Robo won't become a circus performer overnight.
  • Respect their boundaries - sometimes they just want to be left alone, like a moody teenager.