Hamsters are very cute
animals and loved by many people. They are nocturnal so they sleep nearly all day
and get active in the evening. It is pretty easy to get them tamed and they barely
make any noise. You will hear their wheel squeaking (vegetable oil might help) but
you won't hear them. If you are going to buy a hamster, make sure you buy a healthy
animal.
Here are a few tips :
their nose should be dry to moist
eyes should be wide open and clear
fur should be smooth
they should be around 4-8 weeks old
males seems to be easier to tame
If their cages are clean and provided with food and water then the only
thing you have to consider is which color and animal you want.
There are 5 species commonly kept as pets:
| Golden Hamster ( Mesocricetus auratus) - Syrian Hamster |
| Social: |
Should kept single |
| Lifespan: |
2-2.5 years |
| Size: |
6-7.2 inches (15-18 cm) |
| Gestation period: |
16 days |
| Littersize: |
8-26 |
| Dwarf Campbells Russian Hamster (Phodopus
campbelli) |
| Social: |
Can live in pairs or groups |
| Lifespan: |
1.5-2 years |
| Size: |
4-4.8 inches (10-12 cm) |
| Gestation period: |
18-21 days |
| Littersize: |
4-6 (but can have litters every 18-21 days) |
| Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster (Phodopus sungorus) |
| Social: |
Can live in pairs or groups |
| Lifespan: |
1.5-2 years |
| Size: |
3.2-4 inches (8-10 cm) |
| Gestation period: |
18-21 days |
| Littersize: |
4-6 (but can have litters every 18-21 days) |
| Chinese Hamster (Cricetulus griseus) |
| Social: |
Can live in pairs or groups |
| Lifespan: |
2-3 years |
| Size: |
4-4.8 inches (10-12 cm) |
| Gestation period: |
18-21 days |
| Littersize: |
4-6 (but can have litters every 18-21 days) |
| Roborovski Hamster (Phodopus roborovskii) |
| Social: |
Can live in pairs or groups |
| Lifespan: |
3 years |
| Size: |
1.6-2 inches (4-5 cm) |
| Gestation period: |
23-30 days |
| Littersize: |
4-6 (but can have litters every 23-30 days) |
The most commonly kept hamster is the golden hamster. Don't
forget that you should keep them single to prevent injuries from fighting. Even if
you intend to breed with them, you should keep them single at all times. A perfect
first breeding age is around 5 months. Introduce the female gently to the male (not
the other way around) in the evening and keep an eye on them at all times. Remove
the female if she is not interested in mating or when they start fighting.
Which hamster you decide to buy depends all on what you want. If you
want to keep several hamsters in the same cage, a golden hamster is certainly not the
right choice. Many people buy a pair of hamsters so they can breed but what are you
going to do when you have suddenly 8 more hamsters ? |
