Blue Streak Hamstery

04/11/2019

FEATURE: Syrian Hamsters

The Syrian hamster is the largest and most common of the hamster species kept as a pet and comes in a variety of different coat types, colors, and patterns. When you say "hamster," this species is the first that comes to mind. First discovered by zoologist and professor Israel Aharoni back in 1930, the Syrian hamster is also the most widely studied species of domesticated hamsters. To date, there are over 40 color mutations documented for Syrian hamsters. There are also 5 known coat types and about 7 different coat patterns.

AS PETS

Syrian hamsters are the most popular hamster species kept as a pet and are suitable for most ages of owner.

The Syrian hamster is the most common type of hamster kept as a pet. Their low cost, ease of care and the wide range of colors and coat types make the Syrian hamster the most popular small pet rodent in many countries today.

The Syrian hamster is an ideal pet for those looking for a single pet as it is a solitary animal and will not usually live with another past 8-10 weeks of age so it is important that they are housed separately as serious fighting, even death can occur if more than one hamster is kept in the same cage.

The Syrian hamster makes an ideal pet for those at work or school during the day as it is nocturnal so sleeps during the day and usually wakes during the evening. At approximately 6-7 inches in length when fully grown the Syrian hamster is the largest of the hamster species kept as pets and so is easy enough for small children to handle under supervision.

BEHAVIOR

Syrian hamsters are fiercely territorial, meaning they should not be kept with other hamsters in one enclosure. It appreciates a sheltered nest and its solitary instinct prevails and once mature it will not normally accept the company of another hamster. Although they live together as babies and Syrian hamsters are often seen caged together in pet shops or at the breeders, as the hamsters mature their solitary instinct develops. Syrian Hamsters will not, therefore, usually tolerate the company of another hamster once they reach approximately 6-10 weeks of age when fighting starts to occur. These fights may not be serious at first but as the hamsters mature the frequency and severity of the fights increase. The fights most often take place during the night when the hamsters are most active and so often go unobserved until serious injury or even death of one or both hamsters occurs. Therefore Syrian Hamsters should be housed separately once purchased in order to prevent injury - the golden rule is one hamster, one cage.

Syrian hamsters in captivity are naturally nocturnal and most will make use of an exercise wheel to compensate for being unable to travel the many miles they would in the wild each night.

PHOTOS NOT MINE

01/11/2019

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Everything You Need to Know About Your Furry Pals ​ This site was put up in order for people to have a one-stop shop where they can find information about hamsters like the five species of hamsters...

01/11/2019

8 Things You Should Know About the Cuddly and Popular Hamster

Hamsters may be small, but these friendly “pocket pets” sure have big hearts. The cuddly, furry critters are one of the most popular small animal pets. Here are just a few of the many interesting facts about hamsters and their habits.

1. Hamsters were “discovered” in the Syrian Desert less than 100 years ago.
Although hamsters are native to various parts of the world, Syrian hamsters are the most popular pet hamsters. Also referred to as golden hamsters and teddy bear hamsters, these fuzzy fellows grow to about six inches long and live, on average, two to three years.

2. Hamsters are nocturnal creatures.
Because they sleep all day, hamsters can be very noisy at night. It is best to keep them out of your bedroom if you don’t want them disturbing you while you sleep. They can run on wheels in their cages all night long. During the day, they should ideally be kept in a quiet, dim area and left undisturbed to burrow and sleep in their cage bedding.

3. Hamsters love to hoard their food.
In fact, the name “hamster” comes from the German word, hamstern, which means “to hoard.” When eating, hamsters will pack their food in pockets,called cheek pouches, on both sides of their faces to snack on later. These pouches canextend from their jaws to their shoulders. Hamsters should be fed a diet of pelleted hamster mix, a small amount of nuts and seeds, as well as some fresh produce, such as spinach, apples and carrots.

4. Syrian hamsters do not like company.
Syrian hamsters will fight if kept together, so it is best to keep each one in its own cage. Their territorial nature begins at about 6 to 10 weeks of age, so separate them at that point.

5. Hamsters like to sleep in enclosed spaces.
Items like paper towel tubes and small flowerpots can be put into the cage for this purpose. For bedding, use a clean, relatively dust-free, absorbent material, such as shredded paper or Timothy hay. Avoid using pine and cedar shavings; their fumes can cause respiratory problems! In general, wood shavings, corn cob and walnut shells should not be used as bedding, as they are dusty and indigestible if eaten. Hamsters also love to burrow, so provide plenty of material that can be used for nesting (such as white paper towels or shredded paper).

6. Hamsters’ teeth grow continuously.
Therefore, you need to provide them with something to chew on, so their teeth stay worn down and healthy. Wood blocks and toys made from hay are good for this purpose, but avoid cedar, pine and soft plastic items, because they can be harmful if ingested.

7. Hamsters require veterinary care.
Regular veterinary care, including teeth trimming if necessary, will help your hamster live a full and healthy life. If you notice signs that may indicate your pet is ill (e.g., diarrhea, runny nose, shaking, skin lesions, unusual behavior), take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

8. Hamsters like a good workout.
Because they have a high metabolism, hamsters require a lot of exercise. A hamster wheel will keep them busy, but keep it oiled with mineral oil if the cage is near your sleeping area, or you may end up hearing your hamster jogging all night long. Hamsters also enjoy rolling around on the floor inside clear plastic hamster balls made specifically for that purpose. Just be sure to monitor the hamster in its ball as it rolls, so that it doesn’t roll off a table or down stairs and get injured.