Scientific Name: Phodopus sungorus
Size: 3 to 4 inches
Origin: Siberia, in the grasslands of the southwest
Life Expectancy: 1.5 to 2 years
Temperament: More social than other hamsters, the Winter White is willing to live in same-sex pairs if the two are brought up together. Like other hamsters, it’s nocturnal, but may be active for brief periods throughout the day. Its small size makes it a common escapee and difficult to handle, especially for young children, but otherwise it’s a good-natured pet.
Varieties: Color mutations include sapphire, a purplish-gray with a thick gray stripe down the back and an ivory-colored belly; pearl, white with dark or colored hairs interspersed along the back