Pest Library

Characteristics

Hamsters can grow from 2 up to 7 inches long, depending on ancestry with the female being longer than the male. Their tails are short, cheek pouches are large, and they have small eyes. Their coat can be found in a variety of colors, and the length of their hair varies from short to long. Colors of these hamsters can be from plain white, yellow-brown, gray, yellow, gold, and so on.

These hamsters have 5 different species that are popular as pets, and they are:
• Syrian Hamster
• Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster
• Dwarf Campbell’s Russian Hamster
• Roborovski Hamster
• Chinese Hamster

Habitat

Depending on the type of hamster, these animals can be found in the wild, in dry desert lands, or they can be in cages where they will be made as pets. In the wild, these hamsters prefer to live by themselves. They live underground. Their underground homes is made of their main room, but will have different passageways where they can store their food and a room for them to sleep.

Pet hamsters are mostly placed in specially designed cages where they will be supplied with their basic needs of food and water.

Behavior

Hamsters are nocturnal creatures. They need plenty of space and stimulation at night, but they will sleep during the day. An indication that a hamster is scared is when the hamster lies on its back. If they are housed together, they will squeak as they play. Other hamsters, such as the Syrian hamster prefer to live alone while the dwarf winter white Russian hamster prefers to live in groups.

Food

Hamsters eat a variety of food since they are omnivorous. However, the Campbell’s dwarves are not allowed to eat sugary food since they are prone to diabetes. If you are going to introduce a new food to them, make sure to introduce it slowly to avoid upsetting their stomach. These hamsters can eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and meat.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of hamsters are quite short. The Chinese hamster, Campbell’s and dwarf winter white only have one to two years to live while Syrian hamsters can live for two to three years. The only species of hamster that are known to live longer is the Roborovski hamster that can live from two to three and half years.

Since these rodents have a short lifespan, they reach sexual maturity within just one month and a half after they were born. Although they reach sexual maturity after just a month, mature females should be bred after 10 weeks to avoid incidence of stillborn pups. Depending on the type of hamster, their gestation period last for 15 to 25 days. Litter size will also depend on species, but they may have around 5 to 10 pups. It is essential to have the mother hamster separated from other hamsters because she can get pregnant again right after she gives birth to her pups. Female hamsters are always in heat every four days so if you do not have plans to breed more, better have her separated.

Other Information and Tips

Hamsters can be an ideal pet, especially for children who want to have their first pets. However, having these hamsters as pets will require patience since it takes weeks or even months before these rodents feel secure about their new environment and owner. It is essential to get as much information in the caring and maintenance of these pets to help them live longer and happier.