The Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus or Cricetulus barabensis griseus)
The Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus or Cricetulus barabensis griseus) is a rodent in the genus Cricetulus of the subfamily Cricetidae that originated in the deserts of northern China and Mongolia. They are distinguished by an uncommonly long tail in comparison to other hamsters, most of whose tails are stubby. Chinese hamsters are primarily nocturnal, however they will stay awake for brief periods, in between naps, throughout the day.
Description
Cricetulus griseus has a body length of 82-127 mm and a tail length of 20-33 mm. Newborns weigh only 1.7 grams, adults weigh 30-45 grams. Males have a rather large scrotum compared to their body size. Compared to hamsters in other genera of the subfamily Cricetidae, most of which have rather compact bodies, the proportions of Cricetulus griseus appear slender and they have a relatively longer tail compared to hamsters in other genera. On average, they live two to three years in captivity.
Wild colouration is brownish grey with a dark stripe down the spine, black and grey ticks and a whitish belly. This colouring, combined with their flexible build and longer tail, makes them look "mouse-like" compared to Golden and Dungarian hamsters.
Taxonomy
The taxonomic names of the Chinese hamster and the closely related Chinese striped hamster are unsettled. Some authorities consider the Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) and the Chinese striped hamster (Cricetulus barabensis) different species, whereas others classify them as subspecies, in which case the Latin name of the Chinese hamster becomes Cricetulus barabensis griseus, and the Chinese striped hamster becomes Cricetulus barabensis barabensis.
Domestication
Cricetulus griseus were first domesticated as laboratory animals, but have now largely fallen out of use. They have subsequently been kept as pets (although not as often or as widely as golden hamsters).
Laboratory animals
In the past, before scientists started using other rodents, Chinese hamsters were used quite often as laboratory animals. They have been replaced by laboratory mice and rats, which are more convenient to breed and keep in smaller cages. However, some biotech drugs are still made by placing a protein gene into Cricetulus griseus ovary cells, which then produce the protein.
Pets
Cricetulus griseus females were usually kept as pets, while males were used solely for breeding. Because this species is solitary, males tend to be aggressive, especially if kept in enclosures that are too small or where other individuals are present. They can be skittish, but are quickly tamed. Once tamed successfully, they are easy to handle. Cricetulus griseus can be quite nervous as babies, but once tamed, they become tame and show their calm and gentle nature. One of their cute habits is to cling to the trainer's finger with all four paws - like a baby mouse harvesting on a cereal stalk.
Prohibitions
Some US states, such as California and New Jersey, consider Cricetulus griseus to be a pest or exotic animal and require a special permit to keep, breed or sell Cricetulus griseus.
Colour varieties
In addition to wild colouration, a well-known domesticated variety is the "spotted white" Cricetulus griseus, which is often greyish-white throughout with only a dark stripe on the back.
There are currently only three varieties of colouration among domestic Cricetulus griseus:
- wild type;
- spotted white;
- white black-eyed.
Wild-type and spotted-white Cricetulus griseus are readily available in pet shops throughout the UK, whereas black-eyed white hamsters are rarely available for sale. Few hobbyists in the British Isles have hamsters of this colour.
In media
The Chinese Dwarf Hamster is the animal of choice featured in the speculative evolution project Hamster's Paradise.
