New Hamsters and New here

RenQueen · 05-31-2016, 09:09 AM

Hi, I'm new to hamster central, but I'm not new to owning hamsters. I recently got a little boy Chinese Hamster named Marvin, and a few days ago I got a little girl named Mimi. I am hoping on breeding them in the future, but right now they are too young. Marvin is a dom spot while Mimi is the normal color. I've been looking around on the site, but haven't found too many post on Chinese Hamsters yet, but I'll definitely keep looking! I live in the US so unfortunately I don't have many breeders/club options around and I'm pretty sure these little ones are banned in California so I wouldn't be able to show them.

Marvin has really warmed up to being handled in the short time that I've had him. He absolutely hates his ball though, and will pout as soon as I put him in. I've recently upgraded him to a bin cage and he is loving running around. He's a little burrower so I have to make sure he has enough bedding to tunnel through. He is very talkative for a hamster and will wanter around making little chuffing noises. At first I thought this was something bad, but it seems he just enjoys making noise. He will chuff more if he's frustrated at something I think.

Mimi is still very nervous about everything. She is very fast, and zooms around her cage. I haven't really figured out much about her personality yet, but she's already getting used to my hand being near her.

Anyway, any comments or recommendations are always welcome. Of course I expect some people to question my choice to breed, but I have thought about this a lot, and I have experience in the past with Chinese hamsters.

velma · 05-31-2016, 11:28 AM

Hi! Welcome to HC! They both sound lovely. Amongst my hamsters, I currently have one Chinese called Lewis and he's lovely. I've only ever had boy chinesesys but they seem to be a lot calmer than the girls. If you check the out the Chinese section of the forum you'll come across some beauties under their own threads (and because I'm biased I'll include Lewis in that cod I think he's lovely

)

I know it's a little different for you guys trying to breed in the US as it's harder to get pedigree hams to start your hamstery with but hopefully you'll be able to find someone to mentor you to help you on your way.

Looking forward to learning more about Marvin and Mimi

**DrKMcK** · 05-31-2016, 12:14 PM

Hello RenQueen, and welcome to hamster Central.

The are quite a few Chinese hammies here on HC. As soon as they spot you they'll reply.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 05-31-2016, 12:24 PM

Do you live in California? If you do where did you get your hammies? If you ever had to take them to a vet would it be a problem seeing they are still illegal in CA?

Especially breeding them, if it's illegal I wouldn't encourage it.

Think the law is ridiculous tho!

RenQueen · 05-31-2016, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinnamon Bear

Do you live in California? If you do where did you get your hammies? If you ever had to take them to a vet would it be a problem seeing they are still illegal in CA?

Especially breeding them, if it's illegal I wouldn't encourage it.

Think the law is ridiculous tho!

I live in Texas. Both of these babies were from a local pet store. Unfortunately the US doesn't have a lot of options for these little ones, and it can be hard to find them near me. I also think this law is ridiculous as I would not be able to attend any shows in Cali.

RenQueen · 05-31-2016, 07:42 PM

First picture is Marvin, Second is Mimi, and third is the two when they first met. I think Mimi is the submissive one as she is younger. They are VERY closely monitored when they are together. I don't plan on keeping them together as Marvin is more territorial.

Thin Lizzy · 05-31-2016, 09:30 PM

Hello and Welcome to HC.

cypher · 05-31-2016, 10:37 PM

Hi & welcome to HC

There are quite a few Chineseys here now but it's always nice to see more, I have to admit to being totally besotted by them & Marvin & Mimi are totally adorable

Have you done much research into breeding Chinese hams? As far as I know they are about the trickiest species to breed & with unknown pet store origins you may well have problems with diabetes in their lines.
Chinese hams can fight to the death so other than breeding really should be kept apart, I would let your two settle into their individual cages & not try putting them together as it will probably just stress them out & could lead to fighting.