The Russian Campbell’s Hamster
Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster gets their name from their founder W.C. Campbell, though these are often found in pets shop labelled ‘Russian’. They grow up to 12cm with the males being larger than the females and they live on average for 2 years. They have a thick woolly coat that comes in many colour varieties.
Cambell’s hamsters have a broad body and head with a blunt nose and furry feet. These hamsters are sociable and like to live in single sex pairs or small groups. They are nocturnal, but it is not unusual to see them active during the daytime.
The hamsters
pictured above left are the wild type or ‘Normal’ coloured Cambell’s
hamsters. Albino
and Argente (pictured above right) are just two of the colours available
in this species. For a full colour list please refer
to the National Hamster Council Website www.hamsters-uk.org.