A Longer Hamster Tail - Who's Got One?

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Many hamster owners are curious about hamster tail lengths for the dwarf Chinese hamsters. The tails of most hamsters are usually not very visible but it does depend on the species. For most hamsters it is about 1/6 of the body length except for the dwarf Chinese hamster in which it is about one inch up to the full length of the body. This causes a lot of people to mistake the Chinese hamsters for rats or mice.

If you would like a hamster with a longer hamster tail, the Chinese dwarf is definitely your best bet. Hamsters with long hair like the teddy bear hamsters have stubby little tails but you can't see them under all of the hair.

So what should you know about the long-tailed dwarf Chinese hamster before you purchase one?

Life Span

The Chinese dwarf hamster lives about 1.5-2 years on average. Their life span can definitely be affected by how well they are taken care of by their owners and the quality of the supplies in their cages.

Appearance

These hamsters do have the longer hamster tail and also tend to be a bit on the thinner side. They can be up to 12 centimeters in length. Their coats do not come in many varieties. There is the wild or normal type, the dominant spot type, and the black-eyed white type. The wild type is the most common and is very similar to mice coats. They do have a dorsal strip along the back so these hamsters are also sometimes called a "striped hamster."

Behavior

Chinese dwarf hamsters can sometimes be a little hostile at first but they are easy to tame with patience. They are actually considered one of the easier hamsters to handle. The most aggressive of these hamsters are the pregnant female and other females during the mating period. Females can become so dominant that they will actually kill other males in the cage. It is very important to keep a close eye on these hamsters if they share a cage and to learn their behavior signals. Like other breeds, they will keep themselves very busy during the night hours and sleep most of the day.

Housing

Probably one of the most important aspects of caring for a Chinese dwarf hamster is its housing. Chinese dwarfs should be kept in glass aquarium homes because they are thin enough to slink through wire cages. The lids to the cages should be secure but also allow for airflow. A mesh panel that is weighted with a stone might be a good option. Be careful anytime you take your dwarf out of his tank as they are very quick and can break free easily. Make sure all exits and hiding spots are sealed.

Food

Chinese hamsters can be fed normal hamster food available at a pet shop. You can also provide fresh fruits and vegetables. The best choices are apples, leafy greens, and carrots. A water dispenser that is changed daily should also be provided. Chinese hamsters will drink a lot so make sure the bottle never becomes empty. Don't purchase the water bowls, as you don't want your hamster to fall inside and drown

If you are enthusiastic about having a pet with a longer hamster tail such as the Chinese dwarf, continue to do more research by purchasing a detailed guide for the species.

For more information on the longer hamster tail, check out DwarfHamsterSite.com. Liz Andrews has been a hamster enthusiast for nearly 20 years. Her newest book, 'Dwarf Hamsters In a Nutshell,' teaches hamster owners absolutely everything they need to know about caring for their pet.