Dzungarian hamster is a cute and very unpretentious animal. The life span of animals may depend on factors such as heredity and breed. Rodents can rarely live up to 3 years. For this reason, when buying a Dzungarian hamster, it is important to determine its age.
How many years live in nature?
The Dzungarian hamster has a dark (gray) strip on its back, a very short tail, which is almost impossible to see, especially when the rodent is sitting. Significant white patches are present on the fur. This animal usually lives in arid steppes and semi-deserts, in Western Siberia, Dzhungarsky Alatau, Khakassia. The main area is Dzungaria, which is located between eastern Kazakhstan and northwestern China.
On this territory, in natural habitats, small animals are always in danger. Dzungarian hamsters can be trapped by such predators as bears, owls, hawks, eagles, snakes, foxes, wolves and other large animals. Winter is an adverse event for the body of the Dzungarian hamster. He endures such climatic conditions. That is why in the wild, these rodents can live only 1-1.5 years, while females usually live longer than males.
No need to domesticate a wild rodent, as the Dzungarian hamster is a vicious and stubborn animal. For the house they acquire Dzhungar hamsters, which were bred as a result of the work of breeders.
Life expectancy at home
The owner of the Dzungarian hamster can surround his pet with kindness, care, love, attention and provide him with optimal living conditions. If the hamster lives at home, he will be able to live much longer - up to 2-3 years. But there were such cases when Dzungarian hamsters could live more than 4 years. It is necessary to come to terms with the fact that small mammals do not live long, even if they are well looked after.
Factors affecting the lifespan
Dzungarian hamsters are very small and vulnerable creatures. It is necessary to provide the pet with better living conditions. It is necessary to take care of the habitat of pets. Dzhungariki do not tolerate other pets near themselves. The most important for their content is giving each hamster its own cage. If several animals live in one cage, then they will constantly fight among themselves. This lifestyle will quickly reduce the life span of the Dzungarian hamster.
Vata should not be allowed in a pet's home. If cotton wool is accidentally wrapped around a pet, then the rodent may die from suffocation. If the hamster swallows a little cotton wool, then he will begin to have problems with digestion. If the pet wants to make a nest, you can put him a napkin or paper. These materials are safe.
The Dzungarian hamster needs a lot of attention. With the animal you need to play, talk, show your care and love. You do not need to turn on the TV, radio and other equipment for the hamster that can create noise. The animal is very sensitive, if there is constantly noise and din around it, then the hamster's health will deteriorate.
Also, Dzungarian hamsters need to be protected from direct sunlight. Animals do not like too bright light, from it the health of the pet is deteriorating. The housing must be positioned so that the sun's rays could not get into it. In order for the rodent to be able to live for a long time, it is necessary to take timely care of its dwelling. It is impossible for garbage and waste products to accumulate in a cell. Litter should be removed 1 time in 2 days. Complete cleaning of the cell must be done every week.
Disease
Various diseases adversely affect the immunity of the Dzungarian hamster. If the pet is sick, then he will live less. Disease symptoms: lethargic, low activity, drowsy pet, coat quality deteriorates, breathing becomes intermittent. If at least one symptom occurs, then you must urgently consult a veterinarian. If measures are not taken, then a disease can develop.
There were times when a hamster could fall. Animals are playful and curious, so sometimes they can climb to the edges of the table and accidentally fall. If this happens, hamsters can damage their paws, get bruises and scratches. No need to treat the Dzungarian hamsters themselves. Better take the rodent to the vet.
Animals can get colds, then they will sniffle and sneeze. If the pet is sick, then he needs to pay more attention and give food, which contains many vitamins. Only a veterinarian should prescribe medications and injections. If a Dzungarian hamster eats poorly, he may have problems with his teeth. Some teeth may have wounds or lengthen. If this happens, then the veterinarian should shorten them.
If the Dzhungar hamsters have a rumbling stomach, loose stools appear, this means that the animal has digestive problems. There were times when a tumor could form in a Dzungarian hamster. Only a veterinarian can detect it, therefore the rodent should be periodically shown to a specialist.
You need to know that not always diseases can appear due to inattention of the owner. Although in most cases it all depends on the pet itself, immunity, character, and heredity are important.
How to contain?
Home
The cage of the Dzungarian hamster should be with horizontal rods. Since they can easily install a wheel, a drinking bowl, a feeding trough.If the cage is with horizontal rods, then the Dzungarian hamster will be able to climb the walls and cling its paws to the ceiling. The main thing is that the distance between the rods is about 11 millimeters, so that the Dzungarian hamster cannot escape.
For these animals, a one-story dwelling is standard. Such cells are cheap, they can be easily cleaned. In two-story and three-story cages, you can place many different accessories. You can also purchase wheels, tunnels and labyrinths. If the dwelling will be multi-storey, then the Dzungarian hamster will sleep on the top floor. The lower floor is for games.
The owner of the hamster is sometimes interested in how much his pet can run during the night. To do this, you can purchase a cell with a mileage counter. Together with the cage you need to buy a walking ball.
Food
First you need to figure out which products are allowed for dzhungariki. These animals need to eat diverse. No need to give the hamster the same product every day. But dry food should be given daily. Large products (vegetables and fruits) must be cut. The optimal piece size is 1 centimeter. It is necessary to periodically give foods that are additives to dry food.
- White and green vegetables: zucchini, cucumber, turnip. Colored: carrots, pumpkin. It is enough to give 2 times in 7 days.
- Grass and greens should be given 1 time in 2 days.
- Protein-containing foods: meat and egg. They must be given 1 time in 7 days.
- Fruits, berries and dried fruits - 1 time in 14 days.
- Less often you need to give nuts and seeds.
It must be ensured that all food is fresh and of high quality. All spoiled foods must be discarded. Fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed and peeled. Many owners use ready-made dry feed. They should be produced under well-known brands that specialize in food for rodents. The composition of such feeds includes the necessary nutrients, minerals and vitamin supplements that will help maintain the hamster's health. Some foods contain foods such as dried vegetables, fruits, and other substances that balance nutrition.
For a pet, you need to select high-quality feed that is produced by trusted companies. It is recommended not to purchase cheap feed. You need to buy those that are designed specifically for the hamster of the Dzungarian breed, as prohibited substances may appear in mixtures for other species. The daily intake of food is 1 tablespoon. A balanced and nutritious diet does not require large expenses.
What should not be given to Dzungarian hamsters? Consider a list of prohibited foods that can kill an animal. Fluffy pet can be poisoned by such substances as: hydrocyanic acid in almonds, nitrates in watermelon. Persimmons can provoke constipation, and spices have a laxative effect. You can’t give bread and beans to the Dzungarian hamster, because gases can form in the animal’s stomach, and this can even kill the pet.
You can not give fatty foods, seeds should be given only in rare cases. You can’t feed an avocado hamster from fruits, and it’s also forbidden to give fried foods. There is no need to offer pasta to the animal because they are too hard. Citruses can cause an allergic reaction. In order for the pet to have a good digestive system, you need to follow these recommendations.
Hygiene
Hamsters need to be cleaned in case of any need. For example, you can wash a Dzungarian hamster if the coat is dirty or parasites appear. But the animal itself is clean. Even if a mess forms in the cage, the hamster itself is always washed. If the pet is old or sick, then he will not be able to wash himself. In order for the animal to smell pleasantly, you need to constantly clean up its dwelling. There are several methods of bathing a Dzungarian hamster. Hygienic procedures can be carried out at home.
- Sand baths. You need to purchase a basin and sand for the hamster.In the bath you need to pour sand and run the animal there. It will be happy to roll in the sand from side to side. If the hamster gets tired of swimming, then it will be necessary to immediately remove the basin.
- Wet wipes and cotton pads. If the hamster accidentally gets dirty and cannot clean itself, it needs to be wiped with a cotton pad, which was previously wetted in water. You can use a simple wet towel. The best to choose baby wet wipes, as they lack chemical elements. After the procedures, the animal needs to be dried.
- Swimming in the water. You can wash the hamster under a stream of liquid, it should be warm, not hot. The head and face of the jungar should be left dry. Wash carefully and quickly. Then the pet needs to be dried with a hairdryer, which has a minimum speed. Or you can gently wipe the hamster with a soft towel. The pet must be protected from drafts.
Dzungarian hamster is a very unpretentious pet. The main thing is to properly care for him, to create comfortable living conditions, to feed him well and properly in order to prolong his pet's life.
For how to properly care for the Dzungarian hamster, see the next video.
