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🐹 Hamster · size Very small

Chinese Hamster

Small nocturnal rodent for observation.

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Photo · DBCLS (CC BY 4.0)

Weight

30–45 g

Size

Very small

Lifespan

1–3 ans

Energy

Moyen

Maintenance

Faible

Training

Faible

The Chinese Hamster (Cricetulus griseus) or (Cricetulus barabensis) is a hamster species that originates from the deserts of northern China and Mongolia. The species status of the Chinese hamster is highly debated. For many authors, genetic studies do not allow us to prove that it is not merely a subspecies of Cricetulus barabensis. The Chinese Hamster is also called the Chinese Dwarf Hamster or Striped Hamster.

Compatibility

With childrenApartment

Profile

At a glance

Energy

Modéré

Trainability

Faible

Maintenance

Faible


With children×
Apartment

Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.

⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds

L'essentiel

  • 1Very small size (0.03–0.045 kg) — ideal for apartment and easy transport.
  • 2Life expectancy: 1-3 years on average, depending on hygiene and diet.
  • 3Moderate energy — 30-60 minutes of exercise per day are sufficient.
  • 4Minimal grooming — minimal shedding, occasional brushing.

Chapter 1

Getting to know the Chinese Hamster

Physical

Breed standard

Adult weight: 50 - 75 grams. Tail length: 2 to 3 centimeters. Body length: 7.5 - 9 cm Lifespan: 2 - 4 years Maturity: 2 to 3 weeks They were often, in the past, kept as laboratory animals. It is only in recent years that they are found in pet stores as pets.

What if you adopted your future companion?

The Chinese Hamster of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of chinese hamster (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.

Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.

Âge

What human age for a chinese hamster ?

The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 1–3 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.

3 years
Birth5 years

Equivalent human age

94years

Old age

Comfort first: warm bedding, easy access to bowls, close monitoring of weight, thirst and appetite.

Estimate: Proportional estimate: a reference life expectancy of 2.5 years, scaled to an 80-year human life. No reference veterinary table exists for this species.

These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.

Alert

To avoid for hamster

Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.

  • citrusModerate
  • titanium dioxideHigh
  • bitter almondHigh
  • GarlicModerate

Calculator · daily ration

How much to give a chinese hamster ?

Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for hamster. Adjust according to package recommendations.

0 g
50 g50 g
Moderate

Estimate not available for this species.

For an exact calculation for your Chinese Hamster (breed, age, allergies, health conditions): create a free account

Appears in

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Chinese Hamster

How long does a Chinese Hamster live?+
Average lifespan: 1-3 years with appropriate diet and enriched environment.
Can a Chinese Hamster live in an apartment?+
Yes, provided you provide a sufficiently large enclosure and daily supervised freedom.
Is a Chinese Hamster suitable for children?+
Better suited for responsible children: these animals are fragile and don't tolerate rough handling.

If you like this hamster

Breeds with similar profiles

For more information

Sources & official links

Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.

The right score for your Chinese Hamster.

SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.