Syrian hamsters (sometimes known as golden hamsters) originated in parts of Europe and Asia.
Syrian hamsters, sometimes known as golden hamsters, originated in parts of Europe and Asia. They became domesticated in 1930 when 13 individuals were captured in Syria and then bred.
Syrian hamsters make good pets for adults and children, and can live for up to two and a half years.
Companionship
Syrian hamsters are solitary animals, so prefer to live on their own. If kept as a pair, they are very likely to fight, as they are very territorial.
Housing
Hamsters are very inquisitive and will like to explore every part of their cage, so it is important to give them a spacious home.
The cage will also need to be chew-proof, as hamsters will always look for a way out! They love burrowing, so ensure there is a deep base to the cage to allow for this, and ensure the cage is suitable for Syrian hamsters, as other cages might be too small.
In the wild, hamsters can run up to 10km a night, so give your hamster a wheel for them to run in. Make sure you buy one that is solid on the back and underfoot to prevent any injuries. Provide them with lots of wooden toys to gnaw on, and lots of other playthings to bite, hide in, and generally run around with! Another fun game is to hide treats around the cage for them to forage and find.
You will need to have a deep layer of wood shavings for burrowing and using one area of the cage for a toilet. Have a nest box with nesting material inside. Do not use hay or straw for hamsters as it can damage their cheek pouches. Hamsters tend to use one area of a cage for urinating, so this area will need to be cleaned frequently, preferably daily, and the whole cage will need to be cleaned once a week. Keep the cage away from direct sunlight and draughts, and away from loud noises.
Handling
Hamsters can be easy to scare, and will often bite if they are, so you will need to earn their trust before handling them.
When you approach them, crouch down and speak very softly. Let them come to you – perhaps hold a treat in your hand for them to have, and be patient. They may not come to you the first time you try this. Once they are happy for you to have your hands near them, gently scoop the hamster into your hands and slowly lift them close to your chest or on your lap.
Syrian hamsters are very docile and with very little taming, they’ll come to you and eat from your hand.
NEVER wake your hamster up abruptly and pick it up as this could frighten them and they may react by biting you.
Grooming
It is best to brush your hamster every day, especially if they are a long-haired breed. Not only will it help to keep them clean and healthy, but it will strengthen the bond between you and your hamster.
Neutering
Neutering is not routinely performed in hamsters as any anaesthetic can prove risky for them. If you do not want your hamsters to have litters, then keep males and females in separate cages.
Feeding
You should be feeding your hamster a good quality pelleted food. Ensure you choose a nugget food, rather than muesli-style as they pick out the muesli parts that they like and leave the parts that they don’t, meaning that they may not get all of their required nutrients. You can also give your hamster some fresh greens, but not too many! Try to choose foods that are low in fat, such as carrot and apple. Take care if you are thinking of changing foods, and always ensure you change foods gradually over a period of 10 days.
Common Health Problems
Dental Problems: Hamsters’ teeth grow continuously for their entire life, so it is important to give them the correct diet to ensure their teeth do not become overgrown. Typical symptoms of overgrown teeth are excessive drooling and loss of appetite. Providing wooden toys and treats to gnaw on can help to wear your pet’s teeth down.
Hibernation
Syrian hamsters can catch a cold so it is important to keep their cage away from draughts. Ensure that they are in a warm area, even in winter as if they become too cold they can enter a stage of hibernation. If your hamster is becoming inactive and feels cold to the touch when handled, then warm them up by holding them in your hands, and move their cage to a warmer area. It may also be a good idea to provide extra bedding in the winter.
Wet Tail: This is a condition that causes severe diarrhoea in hamsters. It can be caused by illness, inappropriate foods or stress, often brought on by moving house or rough handling. If your pet starts showing signs of wet tail, contact your vet immediately.
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