Winter White Hamster Colours and Coat Types
Dwarf Winter White hamsters standard colour is a dark grey with a black dorsal strip alone the centre of the back and a white belly. In winter however the fur can turn various measures of white; this change is triggered by the need in the winter to change in order to blend in with their natural surroundings.
Selective breeding has resulted in three additional coat colours, Sapphire (smokey grey top coat with blueish tinge. Grey ears and black eyes.), Pearl (pure white coat, black guard hairs and black eyes). Crossing these two gives the Sapphire Pearl variant. These colour mutations do not change coat colour in winter as the original does.
Although additional colourations such as Mandarin, Orange, Brown & Mushroom may be seen it is believed that these are hybrids and not pure Winter Whites.
Breeding Winter White Hamsters
Breeding Winter whites should be done with great care, due to prevelance of hybrids. It is vital that the Winter Whites are pure-breed, as the hybridisation between Winter Whites and Campbells poses a risk to the overall fertility and health of the breed.
Some research suggests that whilst Winter whites are in their winter coat they are sterile, although this may be more due to the fact they are seasonal breeders with a period of October through to May.
Although Winter whites are sexually mature at around 4-6 weeks, they should breed for the first time between 4-6 months of age. Litter sizes are around 4-6 with a gestation of around 18-21 days. The male can be left in to help rear the litter, but this should only be done if suitable homes are lined up for a second litter since they will mate again soon after the birth of the first.
Pups will wean at around 3-4 weeks and will need separating out into same sex groups at this time. They are ready to be rehomed at 6-8 weeks of age.
Overview of Winter White Hamsters
The Siberian hamster is most commonly known as the 'Russian Winter White dwarf hamster', shortened simply to 'Winter Whites'. They are native to the steppes of Siberia and Kazakhstan and would live in a colony situation in the wild. They experience a strong coat colour change in the winter to help them camouflage which has given rise to their name. They live around 1.5-2 years and measure between 8-10cm, with a short tail and furry feet.
As pets, Winter whites can be kept with same-sex company although they should be introduced at an early age as adult introductions can be very difficult. Spare cages should be on hand in case of fallouts. They can be very vocal hamsters, emitting a range of squawks and high-pitched squeaking.
Adults can be kept in barred caging providing it is 1cm or less, although this might not be good for smaller adults and should not be used for pups. Tanks can also be used providing they are given a mesh lid to provide better ventilation. Cages can be furnished with normal hamsters toys, bridges, and tubes. Nests should be provided as well as a solid-based wheel for exercise.
They can be fed a normal hamster seed mix, supplemented with fresh vegetables such as bell pepper, broccoli, celery greens, sugar snap peas, tomato and red/white cabbage and occasional treats such as mealworms. Commercial hamsters treats can be given infrequently, although if you are unsure if you have a pure winter white or a hybrid then they are best avoided.
Winter white hamsters can be prone to glaucoma. Although this currently has no cure your vet may be able to prescribe eye drops for your hamster.