Hamster fun and information
Syrian Hamsters (Golden Hamsters)
Syrian Hamsters (Golden Hamsters)
Overview
Syrian hamsters, also known as golden hamsters or teddy bear hamsters, are the largest and one of the most popular species of pet hamster. They are known for their docile temperament, variety of colors, and suitability for first-time pet owners.
Appearance
- Size: 5–7 inches (13–18 cm) long, making them the largest pet hamster species.
- Weight: 100–200 grams as adults.
- Coat: Short-haired (“golden”), long-haired (“teddy bear”), and satin varieties.
- Colors: Golden (original wild color), cream, black, white, cinnamon, grey, banded, and more.
Behavior
- Solitary: Syrians must be housed alone. They are territorial and will fight if kept with other hamsters.
- Nocturnal: Most active at night and dawn/dusk. They may be sleepy or grumpy if woken during the day.
- Taming: Generally easy to tame with gentle, regular handling. They rarely bite if handled properly.
- Cheek Pouches: Can store large amounts of food in their cheeks.
Housing
- Cage Size: Minimum of 450 sq. inches (2900 sq. cm) of floor space. Bigger is always better!
- Bar Spacing: Less than 1/2 inch (1.2 cm) to prevent escapes.
- Bedding: Paper-based or aspen bedding. Avoid cedar or pine.
- Accessories: Solid exercise wheel (8 inches or larger), hideouts, tunnels, chew toys, sand bath.
- Cleaning: Spot clean daily; full clean weekly.
Diet
- Staple: High-quality hamster pellets or lab blocks.
- Fresh Foods: Small amounts of veggies (carrot, broccoli, cucumber), occasional fruit (apple, banana—no citrus).
- Treats: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, mealworms (occasionally).
- Water: Fresh water in a bottle or heavy dish, changed daily.
Health
- Lifespan: 2–3 years (sometimes up to 4).
- Common Issues: Wet tail (a serious intestinal disease), respiratory infections, dental problems, obesity.
- Signs of Illness: Lethargy, ruffled fur, weight loss, diarrhea, labored breathing.
- Veterinary Care: Find an exotics vet experienced with rodents.
Enrichment & Handling
- Playtime: Supervised time outside the cage in a hamster-proofed area or playpen.
- Taming: Start by offering treats on your hand, then gently scoop up your hamster.
- Chew Toys: Essential for dental health—offer wooden toys, cardboard tubes, and hamster-safe chews.
Fun Facts
- Syrian hamsters were first discovered in Syria in 1839, but all pet Syrians descend from a small group captured in 1930.
- They have poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell and hearing.
- Long-haired Syrians are sometimes called “teddy bear hamsters.”
Quick Tips
- Never house two Syrians together, even siblings.
- Give them time to wake up before handling.
- Avoid placing their cage in direct sunlight or drafty areas.
- Always wash your hands before and after handling.
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