Although the term “hamster” refers to about 24 species of small rodents, there are only about five found in the pet market. Below is a list of the most common types found as pets.
Syrian
Syrians are large hamsters and can grow to 6-7 inches long. They are usually golden brown with a white belly, but are available in a wide variety of colors and types of hair. The long-haired is often called the Teddy Bear hamster. They live about 2 – 2 1/2 years, often prefer to live alone, and tend to make very good pets. This is the most common type of pet hamster.
Campbell’s
Campbell’s, the dwarf hamsters, have a length of 3 – 5 inches. These small rodents are usually gray with a white belly. They live about 1 1/2 – 2 years and can do well living together, but also do fine living alone. Due to their small size, they are a little more difficult than other hamsters.
Winter White
Winter White’s, also called Siberian, is another dwarf that can grow to be 4 inches long. They have a dark stripe down the back and a gray-brown color, but in the winter the gray-brown is replaced with a white coat. Life span is about 1 1/2 – 2 years and can sometimes live together.
Roborovski
Roborovski’s, another small hamster, grow to be up to 4 inches long. This type of hamster is a brown color and are very quick and curious. Life span is ,on average, 3 – 3 1/2 years and could live in pairs or family groups, but is not necessary. Due to their small size and swiftness, they take a little more work than others, but are still fun companions.
Chinese
The Chinese have a length of 4-5 inches and are also known as striped, gray, or rat-tailed hamsters. They are dark gray with a dark stripe down the back and have a longer tail than other hamsters. They can live 2 1/2 – 3 years and can happily live alone. This cute rodent can be quite gentle and can make a terrific pet.
Hamster Care Guide
Golden hamsters make delightful pets. Solitary but affectionate, they are well-suited to pet parents who are most active at night.
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Golden hamsters are small, nocturnal rodents that are best kept by themselves. Unlike mice, hamsters do not enjoy the company of their fellows, except to produce more hamsters. A related animal, the dwarf hamster, may be kept in groups in places where they are legal pets.
Hamsters like to sleep the day away and then have a heavy aerobic workout during the night. If you’re a night-owl type, a hamster might be your ideal companion. Hammiest are reasonably easy to care for, they are friendly, and they don’t even make much smell. In fact, if you can smell your hamster, his cage is far past due for cleaning.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
Hamster “habitats” composed of interlocking plastic tubes are very popular. Unfortunately, the tubes tend to be too narrow for a Golden Hamster. As a result, hamsters sometimes get stuck inside. Also, the tubes are very difficult to keep clean. Therefore, ignore the coolness factor, and buy a cage that will be comfortable for your pet.
A much better choice of hamster home is a wire cage with a solid plastic bottom. The plastic should extend up the walls for several centimeters in order to contain the bedding. The wire walls and ceiling allow for plenty of ventilation. This is very important, especially here in New South Wales, because hamsters are sensitive to heat. Anything above 22C (~72F) is increasingly risky for hamster health. On very hot days, a block of ice in one end of the bedding might be needed to keep your hammy safe.
Your hamster will also need a hamster wheel. Be sure it is big enough for a golden hamster. If your hammy will need to curve his back to use it, the wheel is too small. Solid plastic wheels are safer than the old-fashioned wire wheels.
A sippy water bottle for the side of the cage and a couple of ceramic bowls will do nicely for dishes.
You have many choices for bedding in hammy’s cage. Avoid clumping litters and softwood shavings. Clumping litters will cause digestive problems, and the oils from pine and cedar cause respiratory disease. Bedding made from paper products are your safest bet for bedding, and shredded paper is easily available.
Hamsters enjoy having a place to burrow and hide. There are many “hamster homes” readily available without tube components, and any of them will be fine.
EXERCISE
Hamsters are perhaps best known for their love of exercise wheels. They will amuse themselves for extended periods of time by running on their wheels. The wheel must be big enough that the animal does not need to arch its back. Also, the wheel should be made of a solid plastic construction. The old-fashioned wire wheels are dangerous, and they have led to many injuries over the years.
