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Back Orders: Campbell’s Russian Dwarf Hamster (Phodopus campbelli)

Posted on Jan 14, 2008 by in Mammalthons, Rodents | 23 comments

Phodopus campbelli

Number 0104

This just came from a new Daily Mammal reader. If you’re in the LA area and can help hamsters, here’s your chance. Thanks!

 


HELLO EVERYONE!!!!!

I KNOW THIS IS AN ODD REQUEST!

EAST VALLEY HAS WAY TOO MANY HAMSTERS, AND BECAUSE THERE ARE TOO MANY THEY ARE HURTING EACH OTHER AND PROCREATING AND ALL THE THINGS THAT WE JUST DON’T NEED. IF YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW WOULD LIKE A HAMSTER,PLEASE SEND THEM TO THE SHELTER AND HELP US OUT!!! THERE ARE PLENTY TO GO AROUND! (OVER 40)

PERMISSION TO CROSS POST FAR AND WIDE!!!

Valerie Markloff – New Hope Coordinator

Department of Animal Services
East Valley Division
14409 Vanowen St.
Van Nuys, CA 91405

main: 888 452-7381 ext 1-4-5
fax: 818 756-9110
valerie.markloff@lacity.org
And now the original post:

Something that I never really thought about before is the idea of hamsters in the wild. It seems so strange somehow to imagine little hamsters living outside of cages. Campbell’s Russian dwarf hamsters live in the steppes of China, Mongolia, and Russia, but people also keep them as pets. In the wild, they live in a system of underground tunnels. They only weigh about 23 grams, which is about the same as 23 paper clips would weigh (using the conversion equation my third-grade teacher Mrs. Beard taught us). This particular hamster is for Luca.

23 Comments

  1. this is a cool blog…i really like your header as well.

  2. True. Hamsters seem like they’re such timid creatures, not able to survive out in the wild and yet there they are…Love your artwork!

  3. This is awesome! you probably already said this, but how long does it take you to do this everyday? Do you work at it constantly till you’re done? Or do you just draw parts of the animal throughout the day?

  4. I have a Russian dwarfhamster myself, mine is completely white and very cute. But he does bite a little….

  5. Never thought hamsters survived in the wild huh. Great blog..outstanding artwork

  6. Great idea for a series of art. Hamsters are such cute animals.

  7. What a wonderful idea, and an amazing commitment. I can’t wait to see the progression of your work. Good luck.

  8. Beautiful. The stance is perfect -the colors, most complimentary.

    Cheers.

  9. Wow, thanks, everybody!

    Steven: I’m actually thinking of changing my header…but maybe I won’t if you’re a fan.

    Ms. CP: We had golden hamsters when I was a kid. They used to escape a lot. I can’t imagine them surviving out of doors for one minute. But maybe they would have surprised me. Heck, maybe they’re still alive!

    Jay: Well, if you go back a couple weeks, you’ll see that I did a 24 Mammals in 24 Hours special event. It actually took 26 hours. Not counting the research, which can take as long as I let it, any given mammal takes around an hour to draw if I’m going at a good clip. Some of them take longer; the cheetah took me two days (and I don’t even like it that much), but I almost always do them in one sitting.

    Holy Cuteness: I actually read that the Russian dwarf hamsters are less docile than other kinds of pet hamsters, so I’m not surprised he bites!

    Zmanowner, Coko, Pack: Thank you so much for the nice comments! I’m glad you found my blog and I hope you enjoy it. I will be posting a new mammal this evening, so come back!

  10. Thanks, David CM! That’s so nice to hear!

  11. What an extraordinary plan!? – Are you intending to use any other mediums for your artwork? I do like it very much – love your work and love animals. Curious to see your next one! :-)

  12. Loving your artwork and the accompanying blurb about each animal! What a tall order to draw ’em all! Great work!

    Congrats on making featured blog…you deserve it!

  13. Amazing artwork!!!

    So glad I found this blog!

    I don’t think my hamster Tonic would ever survive out in the wild… he loves his wheel too much :o)

  14. Your SLOTH is wonderful!! Do you ever sell your art? They would make wonderful prints and greeting cards :D

    Have you heard of etsy.com? It’s a marketplace where people sell handmade goods and art. Just thought I’d share!

    I draw primates :D and sell them at http://recycledideas.etsy.com

  15. I wonder if those Russian Dwarf Hamsters are tougher then the hamsters you can get in a pet store. But you know Russian anything probably is tougher than the rest. Trust me I’ve dealt with more Russians than I care to list.

  16. Those are awsome drawings! I enjoyed reading about the pictures as well. You are a very talented person! I plan on bookmarking your blog to see what else you do. Do you sell your artwork?

  17. Hamsters are really cool creatures. That would be neat to see one in the wild. I only had one as a pet.

  18. Jennifer- Congratulations on your Blog of Note. I really enjoy your drawings and they somehow just jump to life in the larger version. On this page, anyway, your sloth is my favorite.
    Gambits from Gail

  19. Thanks, everybody! I really appreciate all the comments.

    To those who asked if I sell my work: In December, I sold 24 (actually 36—this hamster is #34!) for charity. I am planning to sell the original drawings (not for charity) soon. I just need to get that set up. I’m thinking about selling prints, too. Thanks for asking!

    Eye!: Well, seeing as this is a 14-year project…I can only assume that my style and media will evolve! I just don’t know when and how!

  20. I love this one!

  21. We have a Russian dwarf, called Benjy, but referred to affectionately as “the little rat” – because yes, they do bite. All the books say it’s because they’re scared – but once they know you it’s also a way of putting you firmly in your place. When we put our hands in the cage ours climbs calmly on top, sits there without blinking as we transfer her to her exercise run (yes, I know Benjy is a male name – it’s a long story), climbs gently off – and then whips round and sinks her teeth in our fingers. We have learnt to take our hands away very quickly.

  22. Benjy sounds like a real character! We had golden hamsters when I was a kid. One developed a talent for the piano, but that’s a long story, too.

  23. Like the art ;)

    i had two of these.
    but one ate the others face.

    now they’re both dead.

    THEY ARE LOVELY THOUGH

    yeah.

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