Introducing Princess Snowflake...Chinese or not?

[WendyAnne]

I'm happy to introduce our new little addition - Princess Snowflake. The pet shop labeled her (and her siblings) as "Snowflake Dwarf" hamsters, but I believe that's just because of the white in their coloring. I'm thinking that maybe she's a Chinese Dwarf or some kind of mix. Can someone help me out with her identification? Thanks!

[icklemunch]

Hi.
Princess Snowflake is very pretty. She is a chinese. No mix. The only two species of hamsters which can breed are a winter white and a russin dwarf, resulting in a hybrid.

[racinghamster]

Hi WendyAnne, Snowflake is indeed a Chinese, but she`s just a normal coat colour with the dorsal stripe along her back. The only other coat colour available in this species if the Dominant Spot and in some cases, the black eyed white Chinese, although these are rarer to find.

Chinese hamsters are naturally shy in nature and very mouse-like. They are actually more like mice than a hamster! They love to climb as they are very nimble and able to `cling` to things. They are the only dwarf hamster that is good at climbing. You just need to make sure any barred cage you use has 1cm bars or less.

Snowflake is gorgeous. Read through the posts in this section to find out more about this species.

[Vectis Hamstery]

Princess Snowflake is a pretty girl. You're right that she's a Chinese hamster - a dom spot Chinese. As others have said, Chinese hamsters can't hybridise with other hamster species. Congratulations on your new addition

[racinghamster]

So she is a Dominant Spot! I thought the photo made her look normal coloured.

[WendyAnne]

Thanks so much, everyone! So glad to know that she's definitely a Chinese!

[racinghamster]

They are lovely little, shy hamsters and with care and gentle handling, they become wonderful companions. Some can take time though.

[WendyAnne]

Yes, our little Princess is shy at times, and other times she will come right up to the cage bars when we talk to her. She seems very sweet, too, but during the day she mainly hides out & sleeps. I guess that's normal for a hamster, though.

[racinghamster]

Yes, it`s good to allow her sleeping time during the day. My female would only nip out for a drink and a nibble and race back to her bed. I never bothered her during the day. I`m sure they appreciate it. It`s all part of having a routine.