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| − | {{Taxobox
| + | The '''Polish Rabbit''' is a breed of [[rabbit]]. It is a compact breed with the reputation for being high-strung. The breed was developed in [[Belgium]] as food; however as time progressed, it became more popular as a pet. |
| − | | color = pink
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| − | | name = Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster
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| − | | image = Phodopus sungorus 2 - Colour corrected.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 = [[Rodent]]ia
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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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| − | | species = '''''P. sungorus'''''
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| − | | binomial = ''Phodopus sungorus''
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| − | | subdivision_ranks = Subspecies
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| − | | subdivision =
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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 [[Golden Hamster|Syrian hamster]], and therefore called dwarf hamsters along with all ''Phodopus'' species. Features include a typically thick 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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| − | 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 is now known that the Winter whites are of their own species, ''Phodopus sungorus''.
| + | == History and Origin == |
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| − | ==Winter White Russian hamsters as pets==
| + | Despite the name, the Polish rabbit is thought to have originated in Belgium and has been exhibited in England since 1884. Many believe that they were developed from Dutch and Himalayan rabbits in the 1860s. The Polish rabbit was originally developed as a meat breed and was larger than the contemporary Polish. In the 1900s, the Polish rabbit was one of the most popular meat breeds in Europe, especially [[Belgium]]. |
| − | 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 dwarf hamster|Campbell's dwarf hamster]]. Winter White hamsters generally make excellent pets. However, a larger [[Golden Hamster|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]]{{reference needed}}.
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| − | Winter Whites, in common with the [[Campbell's dwarf hamster|Campbell's Dwarf Hamster]] are sociable and will live together peacefully with others of their own species, but are best introduced at a young age and will require a sufficiently large cage to ensure they live together happily.
| + | == Appearance == |
| | + | Today, the Polish rabbit is now considered more of a pet and is classified as a fancy breed. They are small rabbits with short ears that touch each other all the way to the tips. Due to their small size, the Polish rabbit is often confused with the Netherland dwarf, although the Polish is a little larger and the head is not rounded. The Polish rabbit weighs about three to four pounds. |
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| − | In general, dwarf hamsters typically have more of a family structure than the [[Golden Hamster|Syrian Hamster]]. Conventional beliefs that dwarf hamsters will happily live in mated pairs, with both male and female caring for the young. However, this may be a result of a frequent confusion of the Winter Whites and the Campbell's hamsters. Current research work suggest biparental care in Campbell's hamsters (Phodopus campbelli) but not in Winter Whites (Phodopus sungorus) (see research work by Dr. Katherine Wynne-Edwards at Queen's University, Ontario, Canada). Some report that same-sex pairs and larger groups don't always get along well and frequent fighting may occur and be a great distress for them, or even lead to deadly incidents. | + | Until the 1950s, most Polish rabbits were white with either red eyes or blue eyes. The red-eyed white is a true albino. The blue-eyed white has the Vienna white gene and is not a true albino. Since the 1950s, colored Polish breeds have been recognized by rabbit clubs. In 1957, the [[American Rabbit Breeder’s Association]] approved the black and chocolate Polish. In 1982, the blue variety was approved and in 1998 the broken variety was allowed. |
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| − | There are several phases (colorations) of Winter White hamsters: their normal (dark brownish-grey colouring) or sapphire (blue-grey colouring). A white pattern called pearl (white with coloured hairs) sometimes exists in either phase, producing the normal pearl or sapphire pearl forms. However, these colours may be difficult to find, and the range of colours is much narrower than in the case of the [[Campbell's dwarf hamster|Campbell's]].
| + | == Housing and Care == |
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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 dwarf hamster|Campbells]]: 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 day light; if the hamster is kept in an environment with short duration of day light (< 12 hours of light/day) for more than 6 weeks, they will change into their winter coat (white guard hair with thick inner hair) with only a single black stripe going through the center of the back. Such seasonal moulting is mediated through the nocturnal secretion of melatonin, the hormone secreted by the pineal gland. Short day lengths also triggers the regression of the gonads in both male and females, and thus Winter Whites become infertile. Because Winter White hamsters show such photoperiodic and seasonal changes in physiology and various behaviors, it is also used as a research model system for studying seasonality and photoperiodism.
| + | Because of their small size, Polish rabbits need less space in cage and barn facilities, and take up less space in apartments than some of the larger bunnies. As with other small breed rabbits, they tend to be higher strung than their larger counterparts. They are also not ideal pets for small children as they are easily dropped, injured and stepped on. Their high-strung nature makes them more suited for a mature, rabbit-loving, adult home. |
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| − | The average lifespan of the Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster is 1½ to 2 years, although they can live longer.
| + | ====Feeding==== |
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| − | <gallery>
| + | Commercial rabbit pellets are recommended. Feed 1/4 cup of pellets per 5 pounds of body weight every day. For rabbits under 8 months of age, feed unlimited plain alfalfa pellets. Fresh rinsed greens, vegetables, and fruit, as well as grains and hay, can then be given as supplements. Free choice hay, such as timothy, should always be available and changed daily. Alfalfa hay, which is too rich in calcium, should not be offered free choice to rabbits over 8 months of age. |
| − | Image:Pearl Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster - Front.jpg|Pearl Winter White - Front
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| − | Image:Pearl Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster - Side.jpg|Pearl Winter White - Side
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| − | Image:Pearl Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster - Rear.jpg|Pearl Winter White - Rear
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| − | Image:Pearl Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster - Face.jpg|Pearl Winter White - Face
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| − | </gallery>
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| − | [[Image:Phodopus_sungorus.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster, normal color]]
| + | ====Health Concerns==== |
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| − | == Campbells/Whiter White Hybrids ==
| + | As with other rabbits, Polish rabbits do not do well in high or low temperatures. They are prone to hairball obstructions and matted coats if not cared for properly. Rabbits need daily grooming to remove loose hair. Other health concerns include earmites, Pasteurella, respiratory disease, dental problems, urinary bladder stones and fractured backs. Be quick to notice any changes in diet or litter box habits and contact a rabbit veterinarian immediately. |
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| − | Of the 5 species kept as pets only the [[Campbell's dwarf hamster|Campbells]] and Winter Whites are able to interbreed and produce live offspring (hybrids). Hybrids are most often unknowingly produced through incorrect identification of the two similar species of hamsters and unfortunately the number of hybrids is increasing particularly within pet shops in many countries today where they are often mislabelled as being one or other of the pure species.
| + | The average life span of a breeding Polish rabbit is 5 to 6 years. By [[spaying or neutering]] your Polish early in life, you can increase their life expectancy to around 10 years. |
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| − | Although hybrids make suitable pets the breeding of hybrids should be avoided as it can cause health and birthing problems and also the widespread breeding and distribution of hybrids could threaten the existence of both pure species in captivity. Therefore if intending to breed Russian hamsters it is important to ensure that both hamsters being bred are a pure form of, and of the same, species to avoid producing hybrids.
| + | ==See also== |
| | | | |
| | + | *[[Rabbit]] |
| | + | *[[Domestic rabbit]] |
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| − | == External links == | + | ==External links== |
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| − | *[http://www.petwebsite.com/hamsters/dwarf_winter_white_russian_hamsters.htm Pet Web Site (formerly The Complete Hamster Site) section on Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamsters] | + | *[http://www.arba.net American Rabbit Breeder's Association] |
| − | *[http://www.petwebsite.com/hamsters/hybrid_hamsters.htm Pet Web Site (formerly The Complete Hamster Site) section on Hybrid Hamsters]
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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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| − | *[http://www.furrycritters.co.uk FurryCritters]
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| − | [[Category:Hamsters]] | + | [[Category:Pet rabbits]] |
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| − | [[cs:Křečík džungarský]] | + | [[nl:Pool Roodoog]] |
| − | [[de:Dsungarischer Zwerghamster]] | + | [[de:Hermelinkaninchen]] |
| − | [[es:Phodopus sungorus]]
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| − | [[fr:Hamster russe]]
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| − | [[it:Phodopus sungorus]]
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| − | [[he:אוגר סיבירי]]
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| − | [[nl:Russische dwerghamster]]
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| − | [[ja:ジャンガリアンハムスター]]
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| − | [[pl:Chomik dżungarski]]
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| − | [[sl:Sibirski hrček]]
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| − | [[fi:Venäjänkääpiöhamsteri]]
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| − | [[zh:短尾侏儒倉鼠]]
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The Polish Rabbit is a breed of rabbit. It is a compact breed with the reputation for being high-strung. The breed was developed in Belgium as food; however as time progressed, it became more popular as a pet.
History and Origin
Despite the name, the Polish rabbit is thought to have originated in Belgium and has been exhibited in England since 1884. Many believe that they were developed from Dutch and Himalayan rabbits in the 1860s. The Polish rabbit was originally developed as a meat breed and was larger than the contemporary Polish. In the 1900s, the Polish rabbit was one of the most popular meat breeds in Europe, especially Belgium.
Appearance
Today, the Polish rabbit is now considered more of a pet and is classified as a fancy breed. They are small rabbits with short ears that touch each other all the way to the tips. Due to their small size, the Polish rabbit is often confused with the Netherland dwarf, although the Polish is a little larger and the head is not rounded. The Polish rabbit weighs about three to four pounds.
Until the 1950s, most Polish rabbits were white with either red eyes or blue eyes. The red-eyed white is a true albino. The blue-eyed white has the Vienna white gene and is not a true albino. Since the 1950s, colored Polish breeds have been recognized by rabbit clubs. In 1957, the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association approved the black and chocolate Polish. In 1982, the blue variety was approved and in 1998 the broken variety was allowed.
Housing and Care
Because of their small size, Polish rabbits need less space in cage and barn facilities, and take up less space in apartments than some of the larger bunnies. As with other small breed rabbits, they tend to be higher strung than their larger counterparts. They are also not ideal pets for small children as they are easily dropped, injured and stepped on. Their high-strung nature makes them more suited for a mature, rabbit-loving, adult home.
Feeding
Commercial rabbit pellets are recommended. Feed 1/4 cup of pellets per 5 pounds of body weight every day. For rabbits under 8 months of age, feed unlimited plain alfalfa pellets. Fresh rinsed greens, vegetables, and fruit, as well as grains and hay, can then be given as supplements. Free choice hay, such as timothy, should always be available and changed daily. Alfalfa hay, which is too rich in calcium, should not be offered free choice to rabbits over 8 months of age.
Health Concerns
As with other rabbits, Polish rabbits do not do well in high or low temperatures. They are prone to hairball obstructions and matted coats if not cared for properly. Rabbits need daily grooming to remove loose hair. Other health concerns include earmites, Pasteurella, respiratory disease, dental problems, urinary bladder stones and fractured backs. Be quick to notice any changes in diet or litter box habits and contact a rabbit veterinarian immediately.
The average life span of a breeding Polish rabbit is 5 to 6 years. By spaying or neutering your Polish early in life, you can increase their life expectancy to around 10 years.
See also
External links
nl:Pool Roodoog
de:Hermelinkaninchen
