Difference between revisions of "AY Honors/Small Mammal Pets/Answer Key"

Revision as of 16:49, 19 April 2006

Template:Taxobox Winter White Russian hamsters are a species of hamster in the genus Phodopus. They are typically half the size of the better-known Syrian hamster, and therefore called dwarf hamsters along with all Phodopus species. Features include a typically dark gray dorsal stripe and furry feet. The tail is so short that it hardly shows when the hamster is sitting. As winter approaches and the days get shorter, Winter Whites' dark fur greys until it is almost completely white (hence the name). In the wild, this adaptation helps them evade predators in the snow covered Steppes of winter.

Up until recently, it was debated whether the Winter White hamster was a sub-species of the Campbell's (Phodopus campbelli) or not, however, it has now been proven that the Winter whites are of their own species, Phodopus sungorus.

Winter White Russian hamsters as pets

They are often found on the pet market, in Europe and Asia more so than in the U.S.. Care is similar to that of the Campbell's hamster. Winter White hamsters generally make excellent pets. However, a larger Syrian hamster would be more suitable for younger children as they can be handled more clumsily. Winter White hamsters should not be fed food containing sources of monosaccharides because of the risk of developing diabetes mellitus.

Winter Whites, like their close relatives the Campbell's, can be housed together in pairs or trios, or perhaps more. They enjoy each others company and are possibly the most communal hamsters in terms of living arrangements.

In general, dwarf hamsters typically have more of a family structure than the Syrian hamster. Dwarf hamsters will happily live in mated pairs, with both male and female caring for the young, but some report that same-sex pairs and larger groups will rarely get along well, as they wouldn't live together like that in nature. Frequent fighting may occur and be a great distress for them, or even lead to deadly incidents. This is in contrast to the Campbell's species and remains an item of dispute among hamster owners.

Winter White hamsters used to be only available in their typical brown/black "normal" color, but they are now available in a variety of colors. Colors include at least normal (dark gray/brown), pearl normal, sapphire and pearl sapphire variations. However, these colors may be difficult to find, and the number of available colors is much smaller than in the dwarf Campbell's hamster.

Winter White hamsters, also called Siberian hamsters, come from the steppes of Siberia and Kazakhstan and possess an adaptation not seen in Campbell's; they can moult into a white winter coat. This camouflages them against the snow and also gives them their name. This moulting is brought on by the amount of sunlight, if the hamster is kept in a dark environment, they will change into their "winter" coat. When in the winter coat, Winter Whites will become infertile.

Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster, normal color

External links

de:Dsungarischer Zwerghamster fr:Hamster russe fi:Venäjänkääpiöhamsteri it:Phodopus sungorus ja:ジャンガリアンハムスター nl:Russische dwerghamster pl:Chomik dżungarski zh:短尾侏儒倉鼠

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[Image:54986main_mouse_med.jpg|thumb|270px|right|White fancy mouse]]
+{{Taxobox
+| color = pink
+| name = Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster
+| image = Phodopus_sungorus2.jpg
+| image_width = 250px
+| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
+| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
+| classis = [[Mammal]]ia
+| ordo = [[Rodentia]]
+| subordo = [[Sciurognathi]]
+| infraordo = [[Myodonta]]
+| superfamilia = [[Muroidea]]
+| familia = [[Cricetidae]]
+| subfamilia = [[Cricetinae]]
+| genus = ''[[Phodopus]]''
+| subdivision_ranks = Binomial name
+| subdivision =
+*''Phodopus sungorus''
+*''Phodopus sungorus sungorus''
+(see text)
+}}
+'''Winter White Russian hamsters''' are a species of [[hamster]] in the genus ''[[Phodopus]]''.  They are typically half the size of the better-known [[Syrian hamster]], and therefore called dwarf hamsters along with all ''Phodopus'' species. Features include a typically dark gray dorsal stripe and furry feet. The tail is so short that it hardly shows when the hamster is sitting. As winter approaches and the days get shorter, Winter Whites' dark fur greys until it is almost completely white (hence the name). In the wild, this adaptation helps them evade predators in the snow covered Steppes of winter.
-'''Fancy mice''' ("fancy", in this context, means "hobby") are domesticated versions of the common or house mouse (''[[Mus musculus]]'').
+Up until recently, it was debated whether the Winter White hamster was a [[sub-species]] of the Campbell's (''Phodopus campbelli'') or not, however, it has now been proven that the Winter whites are of their own species, ''Phodopus sungorus''.
-==Physical description==
+==Winter White Russian hamsters as pets==
-Fancy mice are approximately 16-18 cm long from nose to the tip of the tail, and weigh about 35 g for females and 50 g for males. As fancy mice have a different process of [[natural selection]] than their wild cousins, they come in a variety of colors and patterns. Most fancy mice tend to be black, brown, or white in their primary color, but others (blue, champagne, white-[[albino]], chocolate, cream, dove, fawn, lilac, red, silver, or cinnamon) in color are available. Female mice are called ''does'' and males are called ''bucks''.
+They are often found on the [[pet]] market, in [[Europe]] and [[Asia]] more so than in the [[United States|U.S.]]. Care is similar to that of the Campbell's [[hamster]]. Winter White hamsters generally make excellent pets.  However, a larger Syrian [[hamster]] would be more suitable for younger children as they can be handled more clumsily. Winter White hamsters should not be fed food containing sources of [[monosaccharide]]s because of the risk of developing [[diabetes mellitus]].
-==Mice as pets==
+Winter Whites, like their close relatives the Campbell's, can be housed together in pairs or trios, or perhaps more. They enjoy each others company and are possibly the most communal hamsters in terms of living arrangements.
-[[Image:Fancy Mouse.jpg|thumb|left|A tame black fancy mouse]]
-Mice are kept as pets in many countries for a number of reasons. Fancy mice are small, inexpensive, clean, and generally have a good [[temperament]]. Female mice are popular with many owners since they tend to cohabitate with other mice better than males. Additionally, the urine of female fancy mice does not contain as strong of an odor as that of the male mice. Bucks will fight with each other, unless they were introduced at a very young age, and they produce urine with a strong, musky smell. Some people, however, prefer the personality and curiosity of male mice. It is a good idea to keep fancy mice in groups of at least two if possible, as mice are sociable animals. However, if a buck and a doe of breeding age are put in the same cage they will produce a new litter every three weeks until separated.
-==Caging==
+In general, dwarf hamsters typically have more of a family structure than the Syrian hamster.  Dwarf hamsters will happily live in mated pairs, with both male and female caring for the young, but some report that same-sex pairs and larger groups will rarely get along well, as they wouldn't live together like that in nature. Frequent fighting may occur and be a great distress for them, or even lead to deadly incidents. This is in contrast to the Campbell's species and remains an item of dispute among hamster owners.
-Mice should be kept in well-ventilated areas. Fish tanks or cages with bars and plastic flooring make good housing. Give attention that the distance between the bars is below than 9mm. Also at the doors. It is no problem for young mice to force themselves through a cage with wider bars, and it's dangerous when they get stuck there.
-The best products for in-cage bedding are aspen wood shavings, dried corn cob, or a commercial paper-based material. Mice can also be given newspaper with black-and-white printing for nesting. But mice should not be given [[cedar shavings]], as the oils in the wood are unhealthy. Small hide-aways and toys (such as a [[cardboard]] tube) are also good to have in the cage. Commercial toys are also available.
+Winter White hamsters used to be only available in their typical brown/black "normal" color, but they are now available in a variety of colors. Colors include at least normal (dark gray/brown), pearl normal, sapphire and pearl sapphire variations. However, these colors may be difficult to find, and the number of available colors is much smaller than in the dwarf Campbell's hamster.
-[[Cat]] owners must also take special precautions to ensure that the mouse's housing is secure, as even the friendliest of domestic cats have been known to torment or kill fancy mice if given the chance.
+Winter White hamsters, also called Siberian hamsters, come from the steppes of Siberia and Kazakhstan and possess an adaptation not seen in Campbell's; they can moult into a white winter coat.  This camouflages them against the snow and also gives them their name.
+This moulting is brought on by the amount of sunlight, if the hamster is kept in a dark environment, they will change into their "winter" coat.
+When in the winter coat, Winter Whites will become infertile.
-==Feeding==
+[[Image:Phodopus_sungorus.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster, normal color]]
-Food for fancy mice is relatively inexpensive. Veterenarians generally recomend a product called ''lab block,'' a scientifically-formulated blend originally designed for mice in laboratories. Dry [[dog food]] is another good option when lab block is unavailable, as it offers balanced nutrition for a mouse and helps keep their teeth conditioned. Special mouse food found in pet stores also makes a good diet. In order to keep variety in their diets, mice can also eat oats, oily seeds, clean [[egg shell]], breakfast cereal, and stale [[bread]]. Fruit and vegetables can be offered occasionally. They should also have clean water at all times and some sort of chewing wood in order to keep their teeth from growing too long.
-==Breeding mice==
+== External links ==
-It is important to consider breeding carefully and to do so thoughtfully due to the very fast reproducton rate of mice, and the housing of the young.
+*[http://www.xander.it/video.htm Xander.it] - Winter White video gallery
+*[http://www.petwebsite.com/hamsters/dwarf_winter_white_russian_hamsters.htm PetWebSite pages on Winter Whites]
-Mice should not be bred before 12 weeks or after 8 months. Doing so can be very dangerous and some mice can even die while giving birth. Don't forget, when a mouse gets to 9 months old they are already very old. Bucks and does should be housed in separate enclosures until you want to breed. When the time comes you can place them together. Place the doe in the buck's tank, otherwise the doe will fight with the buck to defend her territory. Does come into heat around every five days, so it is best to leave them together for ten days or so.
+*[http://www.furrycritters.co.uk FurryCritters]
+*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/720421.stm  Djungarian fathers care for the pups]
-[[Image:Mice 24 Nov 2004.jpg|thumb|Baby Mice.]]
-You can tell when a mouse is pregnant because they grow very round near to the time of birth. The gestation period goes 18 - 21 days. She will likely give birth to 8-12 though it can be more. It is best to remove the buck otherwise he will mate with the female as soon as the first litter is born, putting a huge strain on the mother, unborn litter and the new babies.
-Baby mice (pups) are born blind, naked and deaf. Their eyes are closed and ears are stuck to the sides of their heads. It’s best to leave the mother alone for a while, otherwise she might panic and eat the babies. She might also eat any dead or sickly offspring, getting the litter down to a reasonable size. You can tell if the babies have drunk any milk because their tummies turn white.
-Hair begins to grow at two to four days; you can see what the patches in marked mice will look like now. Ears open at three to five days and they will start vocalizing more. Eyes open at 14 days and now the babies will start exploring the world around them. At 3 weeks old they look like miniature versions of adult mice. At 4-5 weeks pups must be separated otherwise they will breed with their siblings.
-==Mice clubs==
-Many fancy mice clubs have been set up around the globe. Shows are also held so owners can display their mice. ''See External links below.''
-==External links==
-*[http://www.rmca.org Rat & Mouse Club of America]
-*[http://www.miceandrats.com/miceas.htm Mice as Pets]
-*Varieties of [http://www.miceandrats.com/standmic.htm Fancy Mice]
-*[http://www.nationalmouseclub.co.uk National Mouse Club]
-*[http://www.dmrm.de Mouse Club of Germany]
+[[Category:Hamsters]]
 [[Category:Animals kept as pets]]
-[[Category:Old World rats and mice]]
-[[de:Farbmaus]]
+[[de:Dsungarischer Zwerghamster]]
+[[fr:Hamster russe]]
+[[fi:Venäjänkääpiöhamsteri]]
+[[it:Phodopus sungorus]]
+[[ja:ジャンガリアンハムスター]]
+[[nl:Russische dwerghamster]]
+[[pl:Chomik dżungarski]]
+[[zh:短尾侏儒倉鼠]]