Description Deli Nature Mice, Gerbils & Hamsters Dwarf
All mice, gerbils, and dwarf hamsters belong to the sub order of the musilidae, which in turn are subdivided in three great families: the common mice, dormice and hopping mice. The super family of common mice is divided into three families: hamsters and arvicolinae, mice (and rats) and lesser mole rat (a small variety of the mole). The family of hamsters and arvicolinae is again divided into five sub-families, among which the real hamsters and the Mongolian gerbils. Mice have spread around the whole world in the footsteps of man. This makes the common mouse the most widely spread mammal in the world, after the humans. They are real all-eaters, with a preference for cereals, seeds, nuts, carrots, insects, worms, so they have a diet with much fat and rich in proteins. They are most active during the night. The common mouse lives in a great variety of environments, yet it likes to stay in the vicinity of humans. Gerbils are mostly seen in the dry steppes or semi-deserts. Only few animals can survive in this harsh environment, so the gerbils have little enemies. They can even escape from snakes and birds of prey, because they can jump so high, and therefore they are sometimes called hopping mouse. In their natural habitat, they are asleep during the hottest hours of the day and the coldest moments of the night, so you could spot them at regular intervals during the day as well. This makes them a pleasant pet to watch. There are various kinds of dwarf hamster. The Russian dwarf hamster is probably the best well known. It originates from Kazakhstan and is more tranquil than its counterpart the Roborovski dwarf hamster. They have an average life expectancy of 2 years, and with 3 they are really old. During the winter season they have a very soft winter fur. Give them fresh drinking water and food each day, regularly clean the cage, and provide enough toys and a calm spot for them to hide away when they want to. They can become tame very easily, but they do remain nocturnal animals, so it is best not to place them in the bedroom.