Hamsters are among the most popular small pets in homes. Their irresistible appearance, curiosity, and low-maintenance nature make them perfect companions for any family member, regardless of age.
A comprehensive guide encompasses the exciting world of hamsters, including the history, species, behavior, care, and many more.
A Brief History of Hamsters
With 18 species, hamsters belong to the subfamily Cricetinae and are found in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Most people keep Syrian hamsters, scientifically known as Mesocricetus auratus.First discovered in 1839, it was not domesticated until 1930. A group of Syrian hamsters was captured in Aleppo, Syria, and subsequently bred for scientific research and as pets.
Hamsters are highly valued in homes and laboratories for their docile nature and ease of breeding.
Types of Hamsters
There are many species of hamsters, and each has different traits and care requirements. Here are some of the most prevalent types:
1. Syrian Hamsters
These are the most common and prominent hamsters kept as pets, called golden hamsters.
They are solitary animals and are best kept alone.
Syrian hamsters have different coat colors and patterns. Long-haired variants are known as “teddy bear hamsters. “
2. Dwarf Hamsters
This group comprises the Roborovski, Campbell’s, and Winter White dwarf hamsters.
As they mature, dwarf hamsters can be socialized in pairs or small groups due to their smaller size than Syrians. They are energetic and agile.
3. Chinese Hamsters
These hamsters have a long tail compared to the other species.
They are friendly but less popular as pets.
Physical Characteristics
Hamsters are small, stout rodents with short legs and wide feet. To carry food, they make use of their expanding cheek pouches.
The size of hamsters varies depending on the species, ranging from 2 inches (Roborovski hamsters) to 7 inches (Syrian hamsters).
Most hamsters live 2-3 years, although this can vary with proper care and genetics.
Behavior and Temperament
Hamsters are nocturnal animals, which means they are active in the evening and at night. They have adopted this survival instinct to avoid predators in the wild. Their instincts include digging, hoarding food, and exploring their surroundings.
Social Behavior
Syrian hamsters are highly territorial and should be permanently housed alone to avoid aggressive encounters.
Dwarf hamsters can sometimes cohabit, but careful monitoring is essential.
Communication
Hamsters communicate through vocalizations, body language, and scent markings. They can squeak, chirp, or hiss when excited, fearful, or aggressive.
Housing and Environment
A hamster needs a comfortable and stimulating environment. Consider the following:
Choosing a Cage
Size: The cage needs to be big enough. Syrian hamsters require a minimum of 450 square inches of floor space, and dwarf hamsters can do well in slightly smaller enclosures.
Type: Wire cages with a solid base, glass tanks, or plastic habitats are suitable options.
Substrate and Bedding
Use soft, absorbent bedding like paper-based products or aspen shavings. Avoid cedar or pine, as these can emit harmful fumes.
Enrichment
Provide a running wheel (minimum diameter of 8 inches for Syrians and 6 inches for dwarfs).
Include tunnels, hideouts, and chew toys to encourage natural behaviors.
Diet and Nutrition
A well-balanced diet is necessary for a hamster’s health. Their diet needs to include:
Commercial Pellets
High-quality hamster food pellets should be the main staple of their diet.
Fresh Foods
Serve small portions of fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, broccoli, and spinach.
Avoid citrus fruits and any other foods that are acidic or sugary.
Protein Sources
Treat hamsters to boiled eggs, mealworms, or cooked chicken occasionally.
Water
Always supply fresh, clean water using a sipper tube in a bottle.
Fresh water must be supplied daily in a sipper bottle or shallow dish.
Check the water source frequently to ensure it’s not clogged or contaminated.
Health and Hygiene
Hamsters are robust animals, but they are prone to some health issues. The common conditions include:
Wet Tail
A bacterial infection causes it. The symptoms are diarrhea, lethargy, and dehydration. This requires urgent veterinary attention.
Dental Problems
Hamsters have continually growing teeth. Please provide them with chew toys to prevent overgrowth.
Respiratory Infections
Symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. Keep their living area clean and free from drafts.
Breeding Hamsters
Hamster breeding is best done after careful consideration and planning.
It is recommended that only experienced people try breeding.
Syrian hamsters should be briefly introduced and monitored so they do not fight.
Female Syrian hamsters’ gestation is 16-18 days, and there can be as many as 6-12 pups per litter.
Handling and Bonding
Building trust in your hamster requires time and patience. Observe the following steps:
Allow your hamster to adjust to its new environment for a few days.
Offer treats to gain their trust first.
Introduce your hand into their cage gradually and let them sniff it.
Gently scoop them up, supporting their body with both hands.
Do not wake or startle your hamster. This will be stressful and may cause them to bite defensively.
Fun Facts About Hamsters
Hamsters can put their food into pouches in their cheeks that open nearly to double the size of their heads.
The word “hamster” comes from the German word “hamster,” meaning “to hoard.”
Roborovski hamsters are the speediest species for which such velocity and agility have been reported.
Hamsters do not see well, but they smell and hear incredibly well.
They run as much as 5 miles per night on their wheel.
The Art of Caring for Your Hamster
1. Preparing a Suitable Habitat
Hamsters require a safe and comfortable environment to thrive. Here’s how to set up their habitat:
Cage Selection
Size: A spacious cage is vital. Aim for at least 450 square inches of floor space.
Material: Choose a cage with solid floors and avoid wire-bottomed designs to prevent injuries.
Ventilation: Ensure good airflow to maintain a healthy environment.
Bedding
Use soft, dust-free bedding from aspen shavings, paper-based materials, or coconut fiber.
Avoid cedar and pine bedding, as they may emit toxic oils.
Enrichment
Provide tunnels, hideouts, and climbing structures to simulate their natural habitat.
To keep them active, add a solid-surface exercise wheel (at least 8 inches in diameter for Syrians and 6 inches for dwarfs).
Placement
Place the cage in a quiet, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and drafts.
Maintain the habitat at a constant temperature between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C).
2. Feeding Your Hamster
A balanced diet is essential for your hamster’s health. Here’s what to include:
Commercial Food
Choose high-quality hamster pellets or seed mixes that will meet their nutritional needs.
Don’t overfeed seed mixes, as hamsters tend to pick out their favorite seeds and miss out on the essential nutrients.
Fresh Foods
Offer small amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, apples (seedless), and broccoli.
Avoid toxic foods like citrus fruits, onions, garlic, and chocolate.
Protein Sources
Supplement their diet with protein-rich foods like boiled eggs, mealworms, or small pieces of cooked chicken.
3. Maintaining Cleanliness
A clean environment is vital for your hamster’s health. Follow these steps:
Daily Maintenance: Remove uneaten food and spot-clean soiled bedding.
Weekly Cleaning:
Move your hamster to a safe temporary enclosure.
Remove old bedding and clean the cage with mild soap and water.
Rinse thoroughly and let it dry before adding fresh bedding.
4. Handling and Socializing
Hamsters are fragile and need gentle handling to gain their trust.
Start Slowly: Let your hamster get accustomed to its new environment for a few days before handling it.
Approach Carefully: Speak softly and slowly approach the hamster’s cage to avoid startling them.
Hand Training: Offer treats from your hand to encourage your hamster to climb onto it.
Gentle Handling: Support their entire body when picking them up and avoid squeezing them.
Supervised Playtime: Allow them to explore in a safe, enclosed area under supervision.
5. Recognizing and Addressing Health Issues
Hamsters are prone to particular health issues. Understanding the indicators of illness can bring about early intervention of the problem.
Common Health Issues
Wet Tail: A bacterial infection that causes hamsters to have diarrhea. Go for veterinary attention immediately.
Respiratory infections: symptoms include sneezing, nasal secretions, and breathing difficulties.
Overgrown teeth: Administer chew toys to prevent dental problems.
Skin Conditions: Watch out for hair loss, scabs, or itching signs.
When to Seek Veterinary Assistance.
6. Providing Mental Stimulation
Hamsters are intelligent creatures that benefit from mental stimulation. Keep them engaged with:
Toys: Rotate toys regularly to maintain interest.
Treats and Puzzles: Use food puzzles or hide treats to encourage foraging.
Exploration: Allow supervised exploration outside the cage in a hamster-safe area.
7. Ensuring Safety
Hamsters are inquisitive and can quickly get into trouble. Here’s how to keep them safe:
Escape-Proof Cage: The cage should be secure and escape-proof.
Hazard-Free Environment: Get rid of wires, toxic plants, or small objects your hamster might swallow.
Monitor Interactions: If you have other pets, ensure they cannot reach the hamster.
8. Understanding Your Hamster’s Behavior
Understanding your hamster’s behavior will help you know what he needs:
Nocturnal Activity: Hamsters are most active in the evening and night.
Body Language: A calm hamster will groom, explore, or eat. Stress signs include excessive hiding, biting, or pacing.
Vocalizations: Hamster make different sounds to communicate. Chirping often means contentment, while squeaking may mean distress.
9. Life Stages and Longevity
Hamster live for 2–3 years. Their care needs may change as they age.
Young Hamster: Active and inquisitive, with high needs for attention and stimulation.
Adult hamster settle into a routine and may need less attention and handling.
Senior Hamsters are slower with health issues; they need extra comfort and closer health observation.
Conclusion
Hamsters are sweet animals filled with a sense of delight by countless households. A deep understanding of their needs and behaviors ensures they are always happy and healthy. Being either the first time or the second, it’s not rare to have learned something new about those fascinating creatures.
Proper care makes any hamster become an inseparable friend and one that never ends amusingly.
Keeping a hamster as a pet involves much more than simply feeding it and providing it with water. With a bit of planning and attention to your pet’s health, you will ensure your tiny friend lives the life he was meant to have. And through patience, you’ll form a fulfilling bond with your hamster.