Habitat and Diet
Roborovski hamsters live in the wild around the Gobi Desert, throughout Mongolia's desert steppe and parts of northern China. They are particularly suited to the steppe, as they are highly efficient in their use of water (as evidenced by how they may pass particularly concentrated urine), so little vegetation is required. Here, they dig and live in burrows. These are usually steep tunnels and they live between 60 and 200 cm below ground. Roborovski hamsters are surprisingly not obligate herbivores. They will eat vegetables, fruit, and plants, but they will also eat meat and insects. Therefore, they are omnivores.
History of Human Contact
Lt. Vsevolod Roborovski first made note of these hamsters. He discovered them on an expedition in July, 1894, though they were not studied scientifically for the best part of another decade, until Konstantin A. Satunin made observations in 1903. London Zoo imported them into the U.K. in the 1960s, but the first studied in Britain were imported in the 1970s from Moscow Zoo. (None of these hamsters, however, bore offspring.) Continental European countries had more success in breeding Roborovskis, however, and the Roborovskis currently in the U.K. are descendants of a batch imported from the Netherlands in 1990. They were imported in the U.S.A. in 1998, where they remain uncommon, though they are now commonly found in pet shops in several countries. In South Korea, they are almost as common as Winter white Russian dwarf hamsters in pet shops. They are also fairly commonly sold as pets in Israel.
Housing
As they grow to be on average 4.5 cm long—roughly the length of an adult human thumb—Roborovskis can easily squeeze through the bars of a standard hamster cage, so careful consideration needs to be given to housing. The gaps between bars should be approximately 7 mm in width. First-time owners are advised to inquire of pet shop owners or breeders about the suitability of cages. The best cage for a Roborovski hamster is a small, tight-barred open cage, a large plastic cage or a large fish aquarium. Be aware that the cage does not have any holes. Even with a plug covering the hole, hamsters may manage to take the plug out and escape. If the cage happens to have any sort of hole, try to prevent hamsters from escaping by taping the hole (And even the plug over the hole) securely. Also, cotton should never be put in their cage, as there is a high chance they will choke on it. These hamsters prefer to live in a large habitat, where they have room to run. As they are desert animals, they also like to dig and will appreciate sufficient quantities of sawdust or similar materials in their cages.These hamsters also like to have paper towel rolls to run through, but pet owners should make sure that there isn't any paper left on it.Also, if you are a first time owner, be sure not to make any loud noises for it will startle them. And when you first get your robo hamster leave him alone for at LEAST 24 hours to let them get used to the new place. You must be very patient because it may take a max of 5 days. Also along with the no loud noises, don't make any sudden movements, do not feed them alcohol.
Breeding
Roborovski hamsters may reach sexual maturity as early as 5 weeks, but usually do not breed until they are older. Females should not mate until they are closer to 4 months old, though males can breed at 3 months. The gestation period of Roborovski hamsters is usually 20-22 days, but can be up to 30 according to some sources. Litters are usually small, being typically of 4-6 pups, though larger litters have been reported. Pups can be weaned at 21 days; this is also a good age at which to separate male pups from females.These are very good breeding pets.Once the female has given birth, make sure you do not touch the babies until their eyes open or else the baby will have your scent and the mom will think it is not her's and eat the baby.
Mating
Telling female and male Roborovskis apart is not easy. The problem is getting them into a position to view their genitals, as they are not comfortable being handled and are faster than other hamsters. The most common method is to immobilize them by holding them by the scruff of the neck. This should not cause pain if done correctly, as most will 'play dead' and stay very still when in this position. They should be held firmly, though not tightly, for as short a time as possible and not by the ears. However, this technique is not without risk, as an improper grip could cause permanent nerve damage. A much simpler and easier, but not as reliable, method is to put individual hamsters in clear containers and view them from beneath.
The two sexes have different openings: female openings are very close together and may even look like just one opening, while male openings are further apart. Males usually have a visible scent gland near the navel, above the two openings - this looks like a yellowish stain.
Failure to separate Roborovskis is likely to lead to pregnancy at about five weeks.
