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View Full Version : Are Campbell's good for first time Dwarf owners?


hamster _hayley
08-26-2005, 12:54 AM
Hi i would love to owna pair of Dwarf hamsters, and I've heard that Campbell's are the best ones to get for first timers. Is this true?

babyboos
08-26-2005, 02:08 AM
It all depends what you want from your dwarf hamsters Hayley - they are all slightly different in their behaviour. Roborovski are happy to live in a large environment with lots of toys and provide hours of visual entertainment. They are fast and not always the most comfortable being handled although I have NEVER been bitten by one and relatively illness free. Campbell's Russian Dwarf Hamsters however have experienced a lot of bad publicity due to nippiness and diabetes, however obtaining your dwarf hamsters from a good hamster hobbyist should reduce the occurence of these conditions. Indiscriminate and intensive inbreeding have much to blame for these. Campbell's are happy to play and be handled as are Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamsters. They are double the size (bigger in a good show quality hamster) than Roborovski. The key with all is to give them as much room as possible in a secure environment. Be constantly vigilent for fighting or health issues (although this later consideration is the same for Syrian Hamsters) and you should have happy, friendly dwarf hamsters. They have slightly different care from Syrians. They enjoy a higher protein diet, less fruit, more vegetables, and the addition of extra seeds and grains is appreciated.

hammydude
09-05-2005, 08:17 AM
I own two Campbells and I'd say go for Campbells if you want dwarves.Yes, they will bite you finger everyonce and a while. If you do decide to get them have you thought about getting more than one?

Emma
09-05-2005, 12:03 PM
I think babyboos pretty much covered it - I don't think theres too much difference between Campbells and Winter Whites as pets, there is a considerable difference in keeping Robs though. Like morag said Campbells sometimes have a bad rep for being biters, which can be true with individuals but with the right handling and management can be got around if it is a problem. There are more colour variations widely available with Campbells too. I think WWs are prettier but that's a personal thing :).