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| − | [[Image:54986main_mouse_med.jpg|thumb|270px|right|White fancy mouse]] | + | {{Taxobox |
| | + | | color = pink |
| | + | | name = Chinese Hamster |
| | + | | image = Chinese Hamster.jpg |
| | + | | image_width = 220px |
| | + | | image_caption = Chinese hamster, white-spotted type |
| | + | | regnum = [[Animal]]ia |
| | + | | phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]] |
| | + | | classis = [[Mammal]]ia |
| | + | | ordo = [[Rodentia]] |
| | + | | familia = [[Cricetidae]] |
| | + | | genus = ''[[Cricetulus]]'' |
| | + | | species = '''''C. griseus''''' |
| | + | | binomial = ''Cricetulus griseus'' |
| | + | }} |
| | + | The '''Chinese Hamster''' is a species of [[hamster]], scientific name ''Cricetulus griseus'', which originate in the [[desert]]s of northern [[China]] and [[Mongolia]]. These animals grow to between 7.5 and 9 cm in length and as adults can weight 50-75 grams. They live two to three years on average. |
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| − | '''Fancy mice''' ("fancy", in this context, means "hobby") are domesticated versions of the common or house mouse (''[[Mus musculus]]''). | + | A Chinese hamster's body proportions, compared with those of other hamsters, appear "long and thin" and they have (for a hamster) a relatively long tail. Chinese hamsters are not, technically, [[dwarf hamster|"dwarf" hamsters]] since this term refers to animals in the genus ''Phodopus'', (the two types of [[Phodopus sungorus|Russian Dwarf Hamster]]s and [[Phodopus roborovski|Roborovskii Dwarf Hamster]]s). |
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| − | ==Physical description==
| + | The wild colour is greyish brown above with a black stripe down the spine and a whitish belly. This colouration, combined with their lithe build and longer tail, makes them look "mousy" to some eyes and, in fact, they are members of the group called [[ratlike hamster|ratlike hamsters]]. Besides the wild colour, a well-known variation is the white-spotted Chinese hamster, which often is greyish white all over, with only a dark stripe on its back. |
| − | Fancy mice is a term to describe mice that have been selectively bred for pet or show. They can vary greatly in size, from small pet mice that are approximately 16-18 cm (6 inches or so) long from nose to the tip of the tail, to show mice that measure 30cm (12 inches) nose to tail. Pet mice weigh about 25-40 g but large show mice can weigh up to 100g. As fancy mice have a different process of [[natural selection]] than their wild cousins, they come in a variety of colours and patterns. These include black, chocolate, blue, white, cream, lilac, red, fawn, champagne, cinnamon, golden agouti, silver agouti, silver and dove. Female mice are called does and males are called bucks. If well cared for, a mouse lives for around 2 years on average, with some reaching 3 years old.
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| − | ==Mice as pets==
| + | They have quiet temperaments and are easily handled; one of their endearing traits is that of clinging to a finger with all four paws, rather like a harvest mouse on a corn stalk. Chinese hamsters can be quite nervous as youngsters but, once they are tame, display an endearing calmness and gentleness of character. |
| − | [[Image:Fancy Mouse.jpg|thumb|left|A tame black fancy mouse]]
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| − | 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 can fight with each other, unless they are 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.
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| − | ==Caging==
| + | In the past, Chinese hamsters were commonly used [[Experimental_animal|laboratory animals]], until they were replaced by the common mouse and rat, which are easier to keep and breed. However, quite a few biotech drugs are still being produced by putting the gene for the protein into [[Chinese_Hamster_Ovary_cell|Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells]], which then produce the protein. |
| − | 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 under 9mm. It is a problem for young mice to force themselves through a cage with wider bars, and it's dangerous when they get stuck there.
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| − | The best products for in-cage bedding are aspen wood shavings, dried corn cob, or a commercial paper-based material. Mice should not be given newspaper for nesting, as the ink can contain harmful preservatives. They should also not be given [[cedar shavings]], as the oils in the wood are unhealthy. Small hide-aways and toys (such as a [[cardboard]] tube) are good to have in the cage. Commercial toys are also available.
| + | Of note, some states such as California regard the Chinese hamster as a pest, and as a result require a special permit to own, breed or sell. Be sure to check with your local authorities on the subject. |
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| − | [[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.
| + | ==External links== |
| − | | + | *[http://www.hamstertips.net Chinese Hamster Tips and Care] |
| − | ==Feeding== | + | *[http://www.hamster-heaven.com Hamster Heaven] |
| − | Food for fancy mice is relatively inexpensive. [[veterinarian|Veterinarians]] generally recommend 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.
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| − | ==Breeding mice==
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| − | It is important to consider [[breeding]] carefully and thoughtfully due to the rapid reproduction rate of mice. Adequate housing for the young should be available.
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| − | Female mice should not be bred before 12 weeks or after 8 months; doing so can be very dangerous, and some mice can die while giving birth. Bucks and does should be housed in separate enclosures until breeding is desired, at which point that can be placed together. The doe should be placed in the buck's enclosure, otherwise the doe will fight with the buck to defend her territory. Does come into [[estrus|heat]] around every five days, so the pair can be kept together for up to ten days.
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| − | [[Image:Mice 24 Nov 2004.jpg|thumb|Baby Mice.]]
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| − | When a mouse is pregnant, they grow very round near to the time of birth. The [[gestation]] period is approximately 18 to 21 days. Typical [[litter (animal)|litter]] size is 8 to 12 young, 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, the unborn litter, and the new babies.
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| − | Baby mice, also called [[pup|pups]], are born [[blind]], naked, and [[deaf]]. Their eyes are closed and their ears are stuck to the sides of their heads. After giving birth the mother should be left alone for a while, otherwise she might panic and eat the pups. She might also eat any [[dead]] or sickly offspring.
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| − | Pups begin to grow hair at two to four days. Ears open at three to five days, and the pups will start [[vocalization|vocalizing]]. Eyes open at 14 days, and the babies will start exploring the world around them. At three weeks old they look like miniature versions of adult mice. At four to five weeks the pups should be separated from each other, otherwise they will breed with their siblings.
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| − | ==Mice as Feeder Animals==
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| − | A very common use of mice currently is to feed many species of [[snakes]], [[lizards]], and even [[tarantulas]]. Most pet stores now carry mice for this purpose. They breed quickly, grow quickly, are easy to care for, and come in a wide variety of sizes due to this. This makes them suitable for consumption by many different size animals. Mice also seem to be a desirable food item for a very large variety of [[carnivores]]. Common terms used to refer to different age/size mice are pinkies, fuzzies, hoppers, and adults. Pinkies are newborn mice that have not yet grown fur. Fuzzies have some fur but are generally not very mobile, hoppers have a full coat of hair and are fully mobile but are smaller than adult mice. These terms also refer to the various growth stages of [[rat]]s (also see [[Fancy rat]]).
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| − | ==Mice clubs==
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| − | 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.''
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| − | ==External links==
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| − | *[http://www.fancymice.info Fancy Mice]
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| − | *[http://www.rmca.org Rat & Mouse Club of America]
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| − | *[http://www.miceandrats.com/miceas.htm Mice as Pets]
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| − | *Varieties of [http://www.miceandrats.com/standmic.htm Fancy Mice]
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| − | *[http://www.nationalmouseclub.co.uk National Mouse Club]
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| − | *[http://www.dmrm.de Mouse Club of Germany]
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| − | [[Category:Animals kept as pets]] | + | [[Category:Hamsters]] |
| − | [[Category:Old World rats and mice]] | + | [[fr:Cricetulus]] |
| − | [[de:Farbmaus]] | + | [[nl:Chinese dwerghamster]] |
| | + | [[pl:Chomik chiński]] |
Template:Taxobox
The Chinese Hamster is a species of hamster, scientific name Cricetulus griseus, which originate in the deserts of northern China and Mongolia. These animals grow to between 7.5 and 9 cm in length and as adults can weight 50-75 grams. They live two to three years on average.
A Chinese hamster's body proportions, compared with those of other hamsters, appear "long and thin" and they have (for a hamster) a relatively long tail. Chinese hamsters are not, technically, "dwarf" hamsters since this term refers to animals in the genus Phodopus, (the two types of Russian Dwarf Hamsters and Roborovskii Dwarf Hamsters).
The wild colour is greyish brown above with a black stripe down the spine and a whitish belly. This colouration, combined with their lithe build and longer tail, makes them look "mousy" to some eyes and, in fact, they are members of the group called ratlike hamsters. Besides the wild colour, a well-known variation is the white-spotted Chinese hamster, which often is greyish white all over, with only a dark stripe on its back.
They have quiet temperaments and are easily handled; one of their endearing traits is that of clinging to a finger with all four paws, rather like a harvest mouse on a corn stalk. Chinese hamsters can be quite nervous as youngsters but, once they are tame, display an endearing calmness and gentleness of character.
In the past, Chinese hamsters were commonly used laboratory animals, until they were replaced by the common mouse and rat, which are easier to keep and breed. However, quite a few biotech drugs are still being produced by putting the gene for the protein into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, which then produce the protein.
Of note, some states such as California regard the Chinese hamster as a pest, and as a result require a special permit to own, breed or sell. Be sure to check with your local authorities on the subject.
External links
fr:Cricetulus
nl:Chinese dwerghamster
pl:Chomik chiński
