Common Names: Roborovski Hamster, Robo Dwarf Hamster
Scientific Name: Phodopus roborovskii
Family: Cricetidae
Origin/Range: Deserts and semi-deserts of Mongolia, northern China, Kazakhstan, and Russia
Habitat: Sandy steppes, grasslands, and desert edges—burrows underground to escape extreme temperatures
Size: 4.5–5.5 cm (1.7–2.2 in) – smallest hamster species
Weight: 20–25 g (0.7–0.9 oz)
Build: Tiny, round body with short legs and tail
Coat:
Sandy brown or golden on top with white belly
Distinctive white “eyebrows”/eye spots above each eye
Thick, soft fur adapted to desert climates
Lifespan: 2–3.5 years in captivity (shorter in the wild)
Activity: Nocturnal/crepuscular, most active at night and twilight
Social Structure: More social than many hamsters—can sometimes live in same-sex groups or pairs if introduced young, but fights can still occur
Personality:
Very fast, active, and playful
Shy and not naturally cuddly—best for watching rather than handling
Locomotion: Known as the fastest hamster—can run up to 100 wheel revolutions per minute!
Communication: Use high-pitched squeaks, scent glands, and body language
Type: Omnivores
Wild Diet: Seeds, grains, small insects, roots, and desert vegetation
Captive Diet:
Commercial dwarf hamster mix (grains, seeds, pellets)
Fresh vegetables (carrot, cucumber, zucchini, spinach in moderation)
Occasional protein (mealworms, boiled egg)
Avoid: Sugary fruits and processed foods (they are prone to obesity and diabetes)
Maturity: 2–3 months old
Breeding Season: April–September in the wild; year-round in captivity
Gestation Period: ~20–22 days
Litter Size: 3–7 pups (sometimes up to 9)
Development:
Born hairless and blind
Fur develops by 7–10 days
Eyes open at 14–15 days
Weaned at ~3 weeks
Predators: Owls, hawks, foxes, snakes, and wild cats
Conservation Status: Least Concern (stable populations in native range)
Threats: Habitat destruction and predation in the wild
