Chinese Hamster

The Chinese hamster (Cricetulus barabensis) originates in North-Eastern China. They were domesticated in the early twentieth century and were originally used as laboratory animals (in the fields of cyrogenetics, diabetes and toxicology ). Interest in keeping the Chinese hamster as a pet increased throughout the twentieth century and, though they are not as common as other hamster species, they are increasingly popular. Species Information The average body weight of an adult Chinese hamster has been recorded as 28-40g. There is a conflicting, earlier report which places mature weight averages at approximately 25g (female) and 35g (male). The preferred temperature range for the Chinese hamster is 72&deg;F-74&deg;F with a relative humidity of approximately 50%. ===Social Behaviours=== Chinese hamsters, particularly the females of the species, are fiercely territorial and will fight with each other at first encounter. It is therefore essentially that they are housed individually. Interestingly, the presence of a female will decrease the fighting level of the males, although the presence of a male will have no effect on the aggression between females. ===Juvenile Development=== At birth, the average weight of a Chinese hamster is between 1.5g and 2.5g. Their ears and eyes remain closed for at least the first 10 days of life, and are usually opened by the 14th day. They begin consuming solid food after around 12 days and wean at approximately day 21, by which time they weigh between 15-17g (female) and 16-17g (male).

Specific Care Requirements
Although Chinese hamsters have requirements which overlap with most Hamster species, there are a few differences. For example, Chinese hamsters have been known to become diabetic, requiring a different diet to the oft sugar-laden Syrian hamster. Water The water intake for Chinese hamsters has been recorded as 11.4 mL/100g BW/day for males and 12.9 mL/100g BW/day for females. This would result in a 34g Chinese hamster consuming 3.876ml (male) or 4.726ml (female) of water per day. Food The daily food intake of Chinese hamsters has been recorded as about 7-10g per 100g of total body weight. However, this intake varies according to caloric density; lower calorie foods will result in a higher intake.