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

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[[Image:54986main_mouse_med.jpg|thumb|270px|right|White fancy mouse]]
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{{Taxobox
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| color = pink
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| name = Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster
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| image = Phodopus_sungorus2.jpg
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| image_width = 250px
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| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
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| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
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| classis = [[Mammal]]ia
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| ordo = [[Rodentia]]
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| subordo = [[Myomorpha]]
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| superfamilia = [[Muroidea]]
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| familia = [[Cricetidae]]
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| subfamilia = [[Cricetinae]]
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| genus = ''[[Phodopus]]''
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| subdivision_ranks = Binomial name
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| subdivision =
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*''Phodopus sungorus''
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*''Phodopus sungorus sungorus''
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(see text)
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}}
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'''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. They live mainly in [[Siberia]] and are also found in [[Dzungaria]], [[Kazakhstan]], [[Mongolia]] and [[Manchuria]].
  
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'''Fancy mice''' ("fancy", in this context, means "hobby") are domesticated versions of the common or house mouse (''[[Mus musculus]]'').
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Up until recently, it was debated whether the Winter White hamster was a [[sub-species]] of the [[Campbell's dwarf hamster|Campbell's]] (''Phodopus campbelli'') or not; however, it has now been proven that the Winter whites are of their own species, ''Phodopus sungorus''.
  
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==Physical description==
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==Winter White Russian hamsters as pets==
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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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They are often found on the [[pet]] market, in [[Europe]] and [[Asia]] more so than in the [[United States|U.S.]]. They are rarely found in pet stores in Canada. 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]].
  
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==Mice as pets==
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Winter Whites, other than their close relatives, the Campbell's, often cannot be housed together in groups. Although quite some pet owners report that their winter white hamsters enjoy each others company, it is much more common that --after reaching sexual maturity--, they start fighting violently, causing serious injury to each other. Hence, it is usual (though not undisputedly) recommended to keep them solitary. Although if two females are introduced at a young age they will live happily together.
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[[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==
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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.
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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.
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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.
  
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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.
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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.
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how I can edit this
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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.
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When in the winter coat, Winter Whites will become infertile.
  
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==Feeding==
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[[Image:Phodopus_sungorus.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster, normal color]]
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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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== External links ==
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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 they 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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*[http://www.hamster-heaven.com Hamster Heaven]
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*[http://www.xander.it/video.htm Xander.it] - Winter White video gallery
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[[Image:Mice 24 Nov 2004.jpg|thumb|Baby Mice.]]
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*[http://www.petwebsite.com/hamsters/dwarf_winter_white_russian_hamsters.htm PetWebSite pages on Winter Whites]
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*[http://www.furrycritters.co.uk FurryCritters]
  
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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 [[Blindness|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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[[Category:Hamsters]]
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[[Category:Animals kept as pets]]
  
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[[de:Dsungarischer Zwerghamster]]
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==Mice clubs==
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[[es:Phodopus sungorus]]
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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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[[fr:Hamster russe]]
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[[it:Phodopus sungorus]]
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==External links==
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[[he:אוגר סיבירי]]
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*[http://www.fancymice.info Fancy Mice]
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[[nl:Russische dwerghamster]]
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*[http://www.rmca.org Rat & Mouse Club of America]
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[[ja:ジャンガリアンハムスター]]
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*[http://www.miceandrats.com/miceas.htm Mice as Pets]
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[[pl:Chomik dżungarski]]
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*Varieties of [http://www.miceandrats.com/standmic.htm Fancy Mice]
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[[fi:Venäjänkääpiöhamsteri]]
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*[http://www.nationalmouseclub.co.uk National Mouse Club]
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[[zh:短尾侏儒倉鼠]]
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*[http://www.dmrm.de Mouse Club of Germany]
 
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[[Category:Animals kept as pets]]
 
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[[Category:Old World rats and mice]]
 
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[[de:Farbmaus]]
 

Revision as of 08:49, 15 October 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. They live mainly in Siberia and are also found in Dzungaria, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Manchuria.

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.. They are rarely found in pet stores in Canada. 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, other than their close relatives, the Campbell's, often cannot be housed together in groups. Although quite some pet owners report that their winter white hamsters enjoy each others company, it is much more common that --after reaching sexual maturity--, they start fighting violently, causing serious injury to each other. Hence, it is usual (though not undisputedly) recommended to keep them solitary. Although if two females are introduced at a young age they will live happily together.

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

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