Hamster fun and information Hamster fun and information Hamster fun and information 
Hamster fun and information 
Hamster fun and information Hamster Breeds: Types of Hamsters
Updated on April 17, 2014
Hamsters are so adorable with those sweet, food-stuffed cheeks and those eyes that yell “pick me, pick me!” each time you pass them in a store. Hamsters are rodents, but have a more cuddly, friendly appearance than that of a rat.
Not every hamster is created equal, though. Different types of hamsters means different sizes, colors and temperaments, so it is important to research the different breeds available at your pet store to determine which kind would fit in well with you and your family.
Here, we will go over the five most common types of hamsters found in pet stores: Chinese, Dwarf Campbell Russian, Dwarf Winter White Russian, Roborovski Dwarf, and Syrian.Hamsters (Animal Planet Pet Care Library) Buy Now
Chinese Hamsters
Chinese hamsters are also known as striped hamsters. They are sometimes referred to as dwarf hamsters, they are not really dwarf hamsters. Although they are almost the same size of a dwarf; their bodies are long and slender, and reach about 4 inches long.
Their coloring can range from white to light brown or light gray, always with spots or a dark stripe running down the length of their spines.
These hamsters get along with people and are not really known to be biters; however, they do not play nicely together so it’s advisable to keep them in separate cages if you have more than one. Their lifespan lasts about two years, and they are most active during the night.
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- 72 Hamster Names: Boy, Girl, Cute, & Funny
Got a hamster? Got a name? Try looking through these names to see if there is one perfect for your hamster! Boy hamster names, girl hamster names, cute hamster names, and funny hamster names.
Dwarf Campbell Russian Hamsters
Dwarf Campbell Russian Hamsters are also known as Djungarian hamsters, these hamsters are natives to Asia. These hamsters also reach a length of about 4 inches but come in a wide range of colors, most commonly light to white colors with a dark stripe running down the spine.
Although these hamsters may nip when they get scared or feel threatened, they still make great pets, but be assured that supervised play is recommended until a good relationship is established. They do play well with other hamsters as long as they are introduced to the other hamsters while young.
Their lifespan lasts about two years and they are most active at night, although they do wake for a few hours during the day.
Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamsters
Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamsters are also known as Siberian hamsters, these Russian natives reach about 4 inches long and are typically a smokey sapphire color to pearl, or a mix of the two colors.
This is probably one of the best breeds to have as a pet, as they are awake during the daytime, they’re personable, and do not bite when scared.
This breed, like the Campbell, play well with other hamsters but are very quick to move, so take care that you don’t let it out of your hands! These also have a lifespan of about two yearDwarf Hamsters (Complete Pet Owner’s Manual) Buy Now
Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters
Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters are also known as Mongolian hamsters, these hamsters are native to Mongolia and are truly a dwarf hamster, measuring just 2 inches long as adults.
You will typically a light brown color with patches of white on their face.
Although they are one of the smallest hamsters, they are also one of the quickest and carry a lifespan of closer to three or four years.
They are nocturnal and should only be handled in areas where there is nowhere for them to hide if they get loose!
Syrian Hamsters
Syrian Hamsters are also known as Teddy Bear, Fancy, or Standard are probably the most common hamster purchased as a pet.
They are natives of the Syrian Desert and come in many different colors.
This is one of the larger types of hamsters, measuring in at up to 7 inches as adults!
They have a lifespan of about two and a half years, and should be kept in separate cages once they are older than 10 weeks as they may fight, although, they do really well with people.
Which small pet would like the most?
- 71% Hamster
- 9% Guinea Pig
- 8% Hedgehog
- 6% Rabbit
- 2% Gerbil
- 2% Mouse
- 1% Rat
203 people have voted in this poll.
Hamsters Make Great Pets
Hamsters make great pets, especially first pets, because they are easy to care for and teach responsibility of taking care of something that depends on you to live!
If your child is talking about wanting a dog, a hamster is a terrific test to see if they can handle the big responsibility of feeding, bathing, and keeping the cage clean because if they can’t handle a hamster, they are surely not ready for a larger animal.
Now that you know a bit about each of the most common types of hamsters, I hope you’ve gained enough knowledge to make an informed decision.
Hamster fun and information How To Capture An Escaped Hamster
You go to feed your hamster and suddenly stop short. Where is the little monster now? You poke through all of the bedding, but your beloved hamster is nowhere to be seen. You could panic or you could go about making plans to recapture your prodigal hamster. Take deep breaths – not only will your brain need the oxygen, but it will help you calm down.
Before You Set The Trap
Before you set up the hamster trap, you want to avoid hurting your loose hamster accidentally in the meantime. Here are some tips everyone in your family needs to do until the hamster is safely curled up in his cage again:
- Shuffle your feet instead of walking normally, so you don’t accidentally step on Hammy.
- Make sure all the door inside your home firmly propped open. If you do have to open and close a door before Hammy is found, do it very slowly, in case Hammy is in a tight spot.
- Get all chemicals, cleaning supplies, mousetraps or art supplies off of the floors and (if possible) all put away.
- Check under all cushions and mattresses before sitting or lying down. Hamsters like to burrow in all kinds of cozy places.
- If you have any terriers or cats that are free-roaming, either keep an eye on them or shut them up in a room where you are sure the hamster isn’t.
- Make everyone who comes into your home to follow these rules until Hammy is found.
- Shut the windows.
- Leave the cage door open – he might decide to come home on his own.
Setting The Trap
You will make a humane hamster trap with objects you most likely have hanging about the home. You will need:
- a large bucket or Rubbermaid Tote at least two feet deep. Make sure the lid is OFF.
- a tasty treat the hamster can’t resist. Peanut butter on a cracker is recommended.
- a thin layer of bedding using some from the hamster’s cage
- a way for the hamster to climb up the side of the bucket – it could be placing the bucket against a chair, leaning a long wooden plank or ruler on it, but some obvious path needs to be leaned against the bucket.
The aim is to lure the hamster into the bucket. A fall of a couple of feet will not hurt a full grown hamster. Once they are in, though, they will not be able to get out. They will look rather annoyed, though.
One of the best places to put the trap is the bathroom or kitchen closest to the room where the cage is normally kept in. Hamsters are always on the lookout for food – and water. Even a few droplets of water on a tile floor may attract your prodigal hamster.
The Waiting
Now comes the hardest part of recapturing your hamster – the waiting. Try to keep breathing deeply and keep your hopes up. The odds are good that your hamster is still in your home. Hamsters are nocturnal, so while you’re worried throughout the day, he’s probably found a place to nap. He will most likely go into the trap during the night, or the next night.
For more information about finding a lost hamster, check out this link. And good luck!
