How to Care For a Russian Dwarf Hamster

There are many different breeds of hamsters including the Russian dwarf hamster, which is quickly becoming a popular pet to own. These hamsters are very personable and friendly. Keep in mind that these hamsters, females especially, can nip at you should they think they are being threatened.

A fully-grown Russian dwarf hamster is about 12 centimeters long. While they do come in a variety of colors, they are mostly seen in gray and white with just one line down their back. These hamsters can live more than two years.

There are three different hamster varieties, which are:

Campbell's Russian Dwarf Hamster - You can find this type of hamster in pet stores. They are also known as Djungaria because they come from the town of Djungaria, which is located in Mongolia. These hamsters can come in a large amount of colors and have very original markings on their coat.

Roboroski's Dwarf Hamster - This hamster breed is generally very small, measuring just five centimeters long. They originally come from Northern China, Eastern Mongolia desert and western Mongolia desert. The coat of a Roboroski dwarf hamster is sandy brown with an undercoat of slate gray. While these are delightful hamsters, they are highly active so they are difficult to have for pets. However, they generally keep themselves clean with continuous grooming.

Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster - This species is rare, measuring about 10 centimeter. They have a dark gray color, yet they can change colors during the winter season. They are also very personable. However, when threatened by predators, these animals are able to protect themselves by camouflaging their fur during the winter season.

How To Care For Hamsters

It doesn't matter what type of hamster you choose to own, you have to take care of them. Females tend to be more dominant than the males and are certainly aggressive when they are pregnant. If they believe they are being threatened, they may bite or nip at you.

Once the female has given birth, she will abandon the young. This means you'll need to take care of the newborn ones. When you choose to purchase a Russian dwarf hamster, it's important you understand how to take care of the babies.

Don't forget to choose a cage and purchase pet supplies that can help your pet adjust from life in a store to life in your home. Make sure you purchase a cage that's just right for your pet.

Feed your pet using loose mix or based diet or pellet diet. Want to breed your pet? Then you need to do this quite cautiously. The first thing you need to do is to place the female one in the male hamster's cage and vice versa so that they can get used to the other's scent. Once they've gotten used to it, place them in a cage together and watch how they interact and if they get along. It may take time for this process.

You must ensure to take care of your pregnant pet; this means you need to give her high calcium bread with low fat milk for up to 18 days of gestation. It's best if you do not touch the new baby hamsters for 18 days even though it will be tempting. Make sure to give them food and water so that they live. Having a hamster for your pet can be quite an experience but you must make sure to take special care of them.

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A Review of Pet Tag Machines

The need for pet tags is real and makes the production of pet tags a good business proposition. But where would a potential pet tag maker go for the equipment needed to start or enhance a business? The Hillman Group in Cincinnati manufactures and markets pet tag machines via the names PetScribe and Quick-Tag.

With Quick-Tag(TM), customized and engraved pet ID tags can be created at affordable rates in a very short time. The machine features a computerized engraver and video touch screen. The machine supports both credit card and cash payments to enable self service. Token payment is also possible, if required. Tags in different colors, shapes and sizes can be produced.

PetScribe(TM) can create engraved pet ID tags in less than sixty seconds. The machine allows engraving on both sides in two sizes (large and small). A number of tag styles including bone, large heart, bell, oval, rivet, small decorative, etc., can be used. Portable and fixed units of "model 40 B pet tag stamping press" of Your Supply Depot Ltd. are in the market.

FINDER Lost Pet Tag System(TM) uses patented communication technology. With the help of the next generation technology, someone who finds a lost pet can contact the owner using a toll-free number. The system can dial any of three stored phone numbers but the caller does not have access to these numbers. Users can change telephone numbers and messages as many times as required. The system is designed by Secure Connections in McLean, Virginia with the help of the American Humane Association.

The iMARC Pet Tag Engraver is designed for a variety of countertops. Different anodized aluminum tag styles including hydrant, rivet, heart, etc are provided for easy selection. The machine is equipped with three tag holders for different sizes. Engraving on both the sides, lower and upper case text, and logo options help in creating quality pet tags.

Pet ID tags are essential tools that help quickly find lost animals. A wide range of pet tags are available at affordable prices but even bands-20" title="diamond">diamond pet tags are available for celebrity pets. From the working dog on a sheep farm to the tiny Chihuahua in a socialite's arms, all pets should wear pet tags.

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Keeping Pets Warm

Winter has arrive in the southern hemisphere. Blankets are out of storage and on to beds. Grandma's best knitted throws live permanently on the lounge chair, and last years winter warmers do not fit our children anymore. So as you warm your toes in front of the fireplace, spare a thought for your pets. They feel the cold too!

Your pets are important, and rely on you for all of their needs. If you are feeling the cold, so are your furry, fishy, scaly and feathered friends. Fortunately there are simple and effective ways to keep us all warm this winter.

For example, dogs that are used to sleeping outside through the warmer months will need a kennel, coat and an extra blanket in the winter, while inside dogs may need a soft knitted jumper and a blanket in their beds. You may find that "on the bed" cats will use their best efforts to get under the blankets. If kitty is not allowed on the bed, then a cat igloo will keep him warm and secure.

For inside pets, heated pet beds are an excellent way to keep your four legged friend warm. They are easy to install, attractive and very kind to the power bill. They also double as a very nice foot warmer!

Smaller animals such as mice, guinea pigs and rats (which are extremely susceptible to respiratory illness) should be given extra bedding and kept out of drafts, preferably kept inside in the evenings and well away from any damp, cold areas. A hutch with an enclosed "bedroom" area, and even introducing a heat mat, are great ways to keep "jack frost" at bay.

Birds, too, should be moved away from breezy, cold areas, cages moved away from windows and cages definitely covered at night. Remember that birds are very good at masking illness, and by the time you notice that your bird is unwell, it may be too late.

Reptiles also need special attention. They should have their heat lamps and heat pads/rocks turned on and the temperature monitored with an accurate thermometer. Whilst you do not want the enclosure too cold, it is important not to "cook" them by having too much heat. Keep a daily check on your reptiles water dish, as introducing higher temperatures to the enclosure will cause the water to evaporate faster. Remember that if you reptile is not warm enough he will not be able to digest his food.

Finally to your fish. Tropical fish will need a heater in their tanks. To regulate the temperature, set your heater to 24 or 25 degrees. When it comes to Siamese fighting fish, a sudden drop in temperature can be lethal, so he needs to kept warm. If your fighting fish is in a tank of 25 litres or more, you can use a 25 watt heater to warm him up. Unfortunately if he is in a smaller tank, which most are, finding a warm spot in the house or under a desk lamp will ensure his longevity.

With a minimal amount of effort, you can have your pet family feeling warm and comfortable this winter.

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An Introduction to Hamster Illnesses

Hamsters surviving in the wild are, for most part, sturdy little creatures that are rarely troubled by infectious hamster illnesses occurring in their natural habitat. Unfortunately, all of the species bred and maintained in captivity, are highly susceptible to a wide variety of infections commonly spread by humans, as well as, most of the other domestic animals they come in contact with, making it more than challenging to reach a maximum hamster lifespan.

Adding to the difficulty of avoiding the potential threats of infection, are the incidental injuries sustained through aggressive behavior, frequently exchanged with other occupants of the hamster cage. Conflict can quickly occur as a result of territorial defense or encroachment, ownership of food or sexual posturing. Typical kinds of battle damage include cuts, abrasions and infected lumps where injuries have partially healed over.

Other causes of your hamsters illness include fungus, which can quickly grow on the surface of the hamsters bedding material when exposed to moisture from drinking water, either splashed or spilled, and also in areas of urination. Symptoms will generally manifest in the form of diarrhea, difficulty breathing and bloody urine. Other causes of respiratory problems may include allergies to materials used in hamsters cages, such as certain types of wood shavings, foods and hamster treats. Symptoms can also include sneezing, scratching and watery eyes. One highly preventable condition, cage paralysis, occurs when the deprived pet is forced to exist in a habitat that's too small to permit adequate physical activity. By dragging its rear end around, it appears to be crippled, however, the condition will generally disappear after upgrading to a larger cage and providing more opportunity for exercise.

As a consequence of its relatively small size, an infection that may typically be quite minor, for a larger animal, can be exceedingly dangerous for your tiny little friend if not treated with great haste. One complicating factor, inhibiting early detection of a hamster illness is the nocturnal aspect of the hamsters behavior, which limits the opportunity for human observation, since most hamsters spend the daylight hours snuggled up in their hideaways snoozing and resting, as they prepare for another evening of feeding, high energy investigation and physical activity.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon every hamster caring owner to include regular periods of evaluation to allow for early recognition of sick hamster symptoms, immediate intervention and treatment, to provide the greatest chance for survival. The earliest indication of trouble is likely detected in your hammie's demeanor. A sick hamster will likely be either lethargic and inactive or irritable and difficult to handle. The eyes may be watery and dull, with a sunken appearance. The hair around the tail may be wet, indicating diarrhea from possible infection. They will generally show a change in eating and drinking habits, which can contribute to another hazardous situation, dehydration and excessive weight loss.

Surprisingly, when it comes to dwarf hamsters, right up to and including the largest hamster, it seems a incredibly ironic that, while the artificial environment known in captivity most often protects the little critters from the predatory potential found in the wild, that same confinement makes exposure to an even bigger threat an unavoidable reality.

Copyright 2010 Walter Tekman. All rights reserved. Please feel free to share the entire contents of this article with your friends or post it on your site as long as it is left intact with all links unchanged, including this notice.

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