Cute Pets – Xishi Hamster
The 'Xishi' hamster is a long-haired breed derived from Syrian hamsters, differentiating from pure Syrian long-haired hamsters in terms of full-body hair versus localized hair growth. The identification of 'Xishi' hamsters is characterized by a clear and specific definition and regulations. Due to the large number of hybrid breeds, the main distinguishing criteria are eye color, fur color, fur quantity, luster, face shape, etc. Parental generation is the most reliable identification route. This breed was created by hamster traders to sell fancy hamsters, selecting attractive ones from long-haired hamsters to be called 'Xishi'. In reality, this hamster breed is simply a long-haired hamster.
To qualify as a 'Xishi' hamster, the following conditions must be met:
1. Its eyes are black and without a defined eye ring.
2. Its fur is divided into shiny fur and non-shiny fur. The only non-shiny fur is the black variety.
3. Its face is relatively wide and round.
4. Its fur is more abundant and longer.
5. Male 'Xishi' hamsters have long hair all over their bodies, while female 'Xishi' hamsters have long hair locally on their bodies.
6. 'Xishi' hamsters belong to Syrian hamsters, thus retaining features from their ancestors – fleshy pads.
7. Syrian hamsters are generally docile, and hybrid breeds exhibit higher aggression due to instability in their genes.
'Xishi' hamsters are docile, boasting a luxurious and noble, soft, long fur, making them a rare and beloved pet. As an excellent long-haired hamster breed.
'Xishi' hamsters have 44 chromosomes, with an adult body length of approximately 12-20 cm and a weight of 90-140 grams. Males and females differ slightly, with female mice generally being larger and heavier. 'Xishi' hamsters have an average lifespan of 2-3 years. They can breed year-round, with an average gestation period of 15-17 days, which is much shorter than that of dwarf hamster breeds. Each litter typically has 4 or more offspring, with a maximum of 17.
The small ones are weaned at 20-25 days old. Newborn 'Xishi' hamsters weigh about 2 grams, and after seven weeks, they reach sexual maturity and can be paired (to ensure the health of the hamsters, we recommend waiting for them to be 3 months old before pairing). Their body temperature is around 37-39 degrees Celsius, and with their long, long fur, they feel warm when held in your hand. Unlike other hamsters, Syrian hamsters' scent glands are located in the waist.
Many novice mistakes are that they think red eyes are also 'Xishi' hamsters. Indeed, some breeding of the next generation will have red-eyed babies. This baby has the same appearance and fur quantity as the 'Xishi' hamster, but it's considered 'disfigured' or 'reject' on professional websites. So, red-eyed 'Xishi' hamsters are not recognized as 'Xishi' hamsters. They can only be called 'hamsters'. 'Xishi' hamsters' eyes can only be black; other colors of eyes cannot be called 'Xishi' hamsters.
'Xishi' hamsters are one of the long-haired breeds, but their fur is more beautiful and luxurious, belonging to the excellent and beautiful long-haired hamsters.
1. Compared to small hamsters, 'Xishi' hamsters are larger, so you need to prepare a larger running wheel.
2. 'Xishi' hamsters have a higher intelligence, are strong, and once they know how to escape, they will continue to escape from the same place one after another. Ordinary cages need to be secured with wire to prevent them from opening the door and escaping.
3. Because of the characteristics of long hair, wood chips easily stick to the long hair, so the bedding should preferably be corn cobs and barley grass.
4. In winter, give them cotton to sleep with, which also helps to keep them warm.
5. They establish a designated toilet, so you don't have to worry about them scattering, if possible, give them a toilet with corn cobs, you will find they are very smart.
6. In summer, when it's hot, prepare a cooling board or pebbles to help them dissipate heat.
