AY Honors/Small Mammal Pets/Answer Key

Roborovskis(Phodopus Roborovski) are the smallest of the hamsters commonly kept as pets; they are also the fastest. They don't have the classic dorsal stripe on the wild color, and so far only come in the one color. On average, they live the longest of any pet hamsters, living about three to three and one-half years of age.

They are easily startled and are generally quite shy but curious. They're social and usually sleep together in one place. They aren't good pets for families with children. They're just too small and fast. They're obviously also not a good fit for someone who wants a hamster that they can cuddle. Roborovski's are certainly not cuddlers.