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

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''This article concerns a particular breed of rabbit, the Netherland dwarf. For information on domestic rabbits in general, see [[Domestic rabbit]].''
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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 sungorus 2 - Colour corrected.jpg
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| image_width = 250px
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| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
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| phylum = totaly cool
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| classis = fuzzy
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| ordo = [[Rodent]]ia
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| subordo = [[Myomorpha]]
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| superfamilia = freaking awesome!!!!!!
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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 = coooooooooooooooool
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| subdivision_ranks = Subspecies
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| subdivision =
 +
''Phodopus sungorus sungorus''
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(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 [[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]].
  
[[Image:Netherlanddwarfbunny.jpg|right|thumb|A pet Netherland Dwarf.]]
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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''.
[[Image:Netherland Dwarf On Brick.jpg|right|thumb|A female Netherland Dwarf.]]
 
The '''Netherland Dwarf''' is a popular [[breed]] of [[domestic rabbit]] (''Oryctolagus cuniculus'') originating in [[the Netherlands]].  Smaller than most [[List of rabbit breeds|rabbit breeds]], Netherland dwarf rabbits weigh 1 to 3 [[pound (mass)|lb]] (0.5 to 1.4 [[kilogram|kg]]) and are usually kept as [[pet]]s or exhibition animals.  They are not typically used as sources of [[meat]] or [[fur]] because of their small size.
 
  
Most rabbits sold in [[pet store]]s are Netherland dwarfs, Netherland dwarf-[[selective breeding|derived breeds]] (often referred to simply as ''[[#Dwarf breeds|dwarf breeds]]''), or Netherland dwarf [[hybrid|crosses]]. Their popularity as pets stems from their [[baby]]ish appearance and their smaller [[cage]] space requirement compared to larger rabbit breeds.
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==Winter White Russian hamsters as pets==
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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 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]]{{Fact|date=February 2007}}.
  
==History==
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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.
The Netherland dwarf breed was first produced in the [[Netherlands]] in the early [[20th century]].  Small [[List of rabbit breeds#Polish|Polish rabbits]] were bred with smaller wild [[European rabbit|rabbit]]s<ref name="ARBA book: Netherland Dwarf">
 
{{cite book
 
  | last = American Rabbit Breeders Association
 
  | authorlink = American Rabbit Breeders' Association
 
  | title = Official Guide Book: Raising Better Rabbits & Cavies
 
  | publisher = American Rabbit Breeders Association, Inc.
 
  | date = 2000
 
  | location = Bloomington, IL
 
  | pages = 65 }}
 
</ref>; after several generations the resulting animal was a very small domestic rabbit available in a wide variety of colors and patterns.  Netherland dwarfs were first imported into the [[United Kingdom]] in [[1948]]<ref name="ARBA book: Netherland Dwarf" />.  In the [[1960s]] and [[1970s]] the [[United States]] imported its first Netherland dwarf rabbits.  The breed was accepted by the [[American Rabbit Breeders' Association]] in [[1969]] using a modification of the British standard<ref name="ARBA book: Netherland Dwarf" />.
 
  
Early dwarfs, even into the 1970s and [[1980s]], had fearful and sometimes aggressive [[temperament]]sThis was a result of [[breeder]]s selecting wild [[breeder (animal)|breeding animals]] for their size.  The first dwarf rabbits behaved more like these [[wild]] rabbits than domestic animals and were not good pets. However, through generations of [[selective breeding]], the modern Netherland dwarf has become a gentle, friendly pet rabbit, though it still retains a more energetic disposition than larger breeds.
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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 youngHowever, 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.
  
==Appearance==
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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 formsHowever, 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]].
[[Image:Netherlanddwarf-loki.jpg|thumb|right|Young Netherland dwarf in a mismarked Himalayan pattern.]]
 
Netherland dwarfs' [[head]]s and [[eye]]s are disproportionately large with respect to their bodies, and their ears are tiny and carried high on the headAdditionally, their faces are rounded and shortened.  These features, a part of the animals' [[dwarfism]], cause them to look [[infant]]ile even into [[adulthood]].
 
  
Dwarf crosses frequently retain some of these characteristics, depending on the breed the dwarf is crossed with.  However, crosses rarely look as babyish as the [[purebred]] dwarfs and are usually somewhat larger.
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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 infertileBecause 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.
  
[[Purebred]] Netherland dwarfs come in a wide variety of colors, including [[List of rabbit breeds#Himalayan|Himalayan]], Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Smoke Pearl, Sable Point, Tortoiseshell, Chestnut, Siamese Sable, Opal, Lynx, Squirrel, [[List of rabbit breeds#Chinchilla|Chinchilla]], Otter, Tan, Silver Marten, Sable Marten, Smoke Pearl Marten, Orange, Fawn, Steel, Blue-Eyed White and Ruby Eyed White<ref name="ARBA book: Netherland Dwarf" />.  Other colors (including ''mismarks'') exist in non-show-quality Netherland dwarfs and in dwarf [[mongrel]] rabbits.
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The average lifespan of the Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster is 1½ to 2 years, although they can live longer.
  
==Netherland dwarfs as pets==
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<gallery>
:''Main article: [[Domestic rabbit#Rabbits as Pets|Domestic rabbit]]''
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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>
  
===Behavior===
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[[Image:Phodopus_sungorus.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster, normal color]]
Netherland dwarf rabbits have the same basic behavioral traits as other domestic rabbits. They can be litter-trained but are not very good with cats or dogs.  
 
  
Female netherland dwarfs take a while to mellow out. You may have to wait up to 5 years for your female to want to have anything to do with you. They are very aloof but like you underneath, as i have said they may not show this till they are a bit older. They will come to you if frightened by cats or the vet. Mine stands up on her back legs and practically begs to be picked up. They like heights and love sitting on things (logs, walls, shoulders).
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== Campbells/Whiter White Hybrids ==
  
Netherland dwarfs do not know how little they are. You may buy a cute little bunny but you may end up with a miniature rottweiler (particularly females) who may bite and scratch to show who is boss.
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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.
  
They tend to have [[wikt:spunky|spunkier]] and more energetic [[temperament]]s than larger breeds of rabbit and are rarely content to sit still when outside of the cage. They are curious animals and have a tendency to nibble on nearby objects and even human beings.  However, they are extremely fragile animals and easily stressed, and as such they do not make good pets for young children.
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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.
  
===Diet===
 
Like other domestic rabbits, dwarf rabbits consume [[grasses]], [[cereal|grains]], and other succulent [[Leaf vegetable|greens]]. Their [[digestive system]] is somewhat less hardy than their larger cousins, and many leafy vegetables such as lettuce and cabbage can give them health problems.  Generally [[hay]] and a [[pellet]]ed feed should make up the largest portion of their diet.
 
  
==Dwarf breeds==
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== External links ==
  
Rabbit breeds derived from breeding larger rabbits with the Netherland dwarf are known as ''dwarf breeds''. Most smaller breeds, like the Mini-Rex, the Jersey Wooly, and the Holland lop, are results of such breedings. Generally dwarf breeds are slightly larger than the typical Netherland dwarf, not growing larger than 4 to 5 lb (1.8 to 2.3 kg). Most have shortened faces compared to larger rabbits, and some even preserve the rounded [[head]], large [[eye]]s, or small [[ear]]s of the Netherland dwarf.
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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]
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*[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]
  
Most dwarf breeds are intended to bring a specialized characteristic, such as a specific fur type, into a smaller rabbit.  Mini-Rex were created through the breeding of dwarfs with [[List of rabbit breeds#Rex|Rex]] rabbits, a fur breed with a short, [[plush]] coat, and retain both the dwarf's size and the Rex fur.  Jersey Woolies are a dwarf version of the [[Angora rabbit]], a [[wool]]-producing breed.  [[List of rabbit breeds#Lop|Lop]]-eared rabbit breeds, interbred with dwarfs, were used to create [[Holland Lop]] and Mini-lop rabbits.
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[[Category:Hamsters]]
  
==Notes==
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[[cs:Křečík džungarský]]
<references />
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[[de:Dsungarischer Zwerghamster]]
 
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[[es:Phodopus sungorus]]
==See also==
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[[fr:Hamster russe]]
* [[Dwarf rabbit]]
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[[hr:Bijeli ruski hrčak]]
* [[List of rabbit breeds]]
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[[it:Phodopus sungorus]]
* [[American Rabbit Breeders' Association]]
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[[he:אוגר סיבירי]]
* [[Cuteness]]
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[[nl:Russische dwerghamster]]
 
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[[ja:ジャンガリアンハムスター]]
[[Category:Pet rabbits]]
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[[pl:Chomik dżungarski]]
[[Category:Leporids]]
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[[ru:Хомячок джунгарский]]
 
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[[sl:Sibirski hrček]]
[[th:เนเธอร์แลนด์ดวอฟ]]
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[[fi:Venäjänkääpiöhamsteri]]
[[zh:荷蘭侏儒兔]]
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[[zh:短尾侏儒倉鼠]]
[[de:Farbenzwerg]]
 
[[nl:Kleurdwerg]]
 

Revision as of 00:17, 23 March 2007

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 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.

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 is now known 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 dwarf 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 mellitusTemplate:Fact.

Winter Whites, in common with the 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.

In general, dwarf hamsters typically have more of a family structure than the 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.

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.

Winter White hamsters, also called Siberian hamsters, come from the steppes of Siberia and Kazakhstan and possess an adaptation not seen in 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.

The average lifespan of the Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster is 1½ to 2 years, although they can live longer.

Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster, normal color

Campbells/Whiter White Hybrids

Of the 5 species kept as pets only the 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.

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.


External links

cs:Křečík džungarský de:Dsungarischer Zwerghamster es:Phodopus sungorus fr:Hamster russe hr:Bijeli ruski hrčak 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 ru:Хомячок джунгарский sl:Sibirski hrček fi:Venäjänkääpiöhamsteri zh:短尾侏儒倉鼠