Species: Roborovski
Gender: Male
Est Age: 3 months
Rescued on: 12 July 2020
Likes: Mealworms, rolling & sleeping on the sand, cuddle sesh, constantly running on the wheel late at night or early in the morning
Dislikes: Lab blocks, sudden movements
Twix was rescued from an overbreeding situation where his ex-owner had dyed the male roborovskis with permanent pink ink or dye to colour his (and his brothers’) bottoms to differentiate the boys from the girls. The fostering team have had the males checked at our partnered vets and they recommend close observation in the latter years as we are unable to determine the ink that was used. Following a gentle removal process (guided by a vet), the pink mark has since faded a little although not completely. Regardless, the team have ensured that Twix along with his brothers are cared for with TLC.
Unfortunately, Twix was the only Robo sibling to have sustained multiple bite marks (due to being housed together with his brothers) and a 1cm-sized abscess on his lower back. It later turned into a scab and was naturally peeled off, exposing some pus and raw skin. He was under antibiotics and was nursed back to health. His fur on his lower back had fully grown out nicely ever since.
Being one of the smallest amongst his brothers, he never failed to show how outgoing and social he can be. Since day 1 at his foster mum's, he gladly received head rubs and pancaked during cuddle sessions. He has never once bitten anyone who held him. Like any other Robos, he is skittish when being handled but enjoys free roam time where he ends up napping by his foster mum's side. He also sleeps in the cutest positions allowing you to snap a photo before he wakes up. You can mostly hear his pitter patter on the wheel during early mornings and late nights. Hence, it will be ideal for his future hamparents to opt for a silent wheel!
Things to note when adopting roborovskis:
1. Adopters should make sure to get a glass tank/bin cage/acrylic cage that does not have bars as roborovski hamsters are smaller and can squeeze through the gaps.
2. 1/3 of the cage should be covered with sand as roborovski hamsters tend to become excessively ‘greasy’ when an appropriately sized sand area is not given.
3. A wheel that is minimally 21cm should still be provided even if they are smaller in size as compared to dwarf hamsters.
4. They are fast and might not be suitable for children. Some may also nip/bite.
5. Taming is not guaranteed, but possible with lots of patience, time and love!
