The Siberian dwarf hamster is a particularly interesting species. This hamster has been under the scrutiny of scientists since it was first taken into captivity. So what’s so special about this guy? The thing that makes the Siberian dwarf hamster so interesting is his relationship with the sun. In fact, his scientific name, Phodopus Sungorus, is even based after this fact (ironic since they’re nocturnal creatures). You may already be familiar with the fact that their coats turn white in the winter. Well this change in physiology is caused by the sun. But their coat color isn’t the only thing that’s affected by the sun, the relationship between the Siberian dwarf hamster and the sun goes further than that.
The biggest and most obvious sign of the Siberian dwarf hamster’s relationship with the sun is his coat. His coat may turn white in the winter time, but a more accurate description would be that his coat turns white when the sun is out for fewer hours during the day.
Related Coverage
Dwarf Hamster Care
From the first glance, one realizes that this isn’t your ordinary animal – a tiny ball of soft fur with big beautiful eyes. Their charming personalities, amazing abilities and interesting biological facts have been a mystery. Once this delightful little animal attracts you, it will win your heart! Dwarf Hamster Care Essentials
Dwarf hamsters are amazing and delicate animals that require proper care for full and happy lives. This article covers the basics of dwarf hamster care including housing, food, toys, and more! Russian Dwarf Hamster Care
The Russian Dwarf Hamster is a term that usually refers to several different types as well as the Winter White Russian Dwarf hamster, Campbell’s Russian Dwarf hamster, and Roborovski’s Dwarf hamster. The Russian Winter White’s and Campbell’s Russian dwarf hamsters could also be mistaken for just one breed due to their similar size of around 8 to 10 centimeters and their coloring. Chinese Dwarf Hamsters – Why the Mystery?
Chinese dwarf hamsters are awesome pets. They are just as cute, if not cuter, than normal hamsters yet they still seem to be quite a rarity amongst pet owners. There also seems to be a sort of mystique around them…Based on how much sunlight the Siberian dwarf hamster is receiving, his body will change the color of his coat accordingly. Although this may be the most notable trait of this hamster, the changes don’t end there.
Scientists have come up with some very interesting findings with Siberian dwarf hamsters. One of them is that not only does their coat change, but other, unseen aspects of their bodies change as well. Scientists have shown that when these hamsters are exposed to less hours of sunlight, their immune system improves as well, most likely in preparation for the cold winter months. Another interesting study that shows the complexity of their relationship with the sun is one in which males were exposed to more sun than normal as they matured.
As a result of this exposure, these Siberian dwarf hamsters ended up with enhanced reproductive development.
I doubt you’ll be experimenting to enhance your hamster’s reproductive development, but you might just want to see their coats change color. One method that worked for me was keeping my hamsters in a room where the only source of light was natural. This room had no artificial lights and the sun would light up the room through the windows. I’ve also attempted to get their coats to change with artificial lights as well but it just didn’t work. This was probably because the color change is associated not only with light, but with UV rays as well. But of course performing experiments like this takes time and effort and regardless of their relationship with the sun, the Siberian dwarf hamster can be raised perfectly successfully with indoor lighting.
The dwarf hamster comes in a few varieties and all of them are awesome pets. Even though they are so small, the amount of care they need is still the same as other hamsters.
Chubby hamster is an new amusing free quest game, will be interesting for both children and grown-ups. Are you good at quest games? Check yourself start playing right now! What is much more exciting here is that it has its own plot and peculiarities.