Hamster Breeds – Behavioural Traits and Tips for Caring
Hamsters. These small, furry creatures are rodents, just like mice, rats, and guinea pigs. They come from parts of Asia and Europe, and each species carries its own unique traits. While there are 19 known hamster breeds, only a few are popular as pets.
Knowing about the different types of domesticated hamsters helps you pick the right one. Let’s look at five of the most common pet hamsters and what makes each special.
1. Syrian Hamster
Common names: Golden hamster, Syrian hamster
Scientific name: Mesocricetus auratus
Adult size: 5-9 inches long, around 5 ounces
Life expectancy: 2-4 years
About Syrian Hamster
The Syrian hamster is a very popular small pet. People pick them because they are easy to tame, don’t need much upkeep, and are fun to observe. This makes them a fine choice for new pet owners.
These hamsters originally came from Syria and Southern Turkey. Their fur is naturally golden-brown with a lighter underside. But, breeders have developed many different colors, coat lengths, and patterns.
Because they are so well-liked, finding food made just for Syrian hamsters is simple. Most pet shops sell them, and you can find lots of care guides online too.
Behaviour and Temperament
Syrian hamsters prefer to live alone. They get territorial if another hamster invades their space. Never keep two Syrian hamsters in the same cage, not even with another type of pet. Young hamsters might get along for a while, but they often turn aggressive as they grow, sometimes fighting to the death. A single cage is always the best option for them.
Handle your Syrian hamster carefully and often. This helps them get used to people. If you don’t handle them regularly, they might become aggressive. Remember, they are active at night. They sleep all day. So, keep their cage away from your bedroom to avoid nighttime noise.
Avoid waking them up to handle them; they might bite if startled. The best time to interact is in the evening or early morning. While they won’t form a deep bond, they often come to the cage side when you’re near and might even relax in your hands.
Housing and Care
A Syrian hamster cage should be at least 1 foot by 2 feet by 1 foot. A bigger home is better, as they need lots of room for exercise. Many cage types are available; pick one that suits their needs.
Add plenty of toys. These help stimulate your hamster’s mind and body. An exercise wheel is a must. Tunnels with places to hide, climbing spots, and chew blocks are also good choices.
Feed your hamster a diet of grains, nuts, and seeds. Add fresh vegetables and fruits like apples, pears, cauliflower, carrots, and broccoli. You can also offer small amounts of feeder insects or boiled eggs for protein. If you use commercial hamster food, limit other treats. Always remove uneaten fresh food within 24 hours. Hamsters like to store food, so check their hiding spots.
Common Health Problems
Syrian hamsters are usually tough little creatures, but they can still get sick. A common issue is a stomach infection. This can come from stress or too much bacteria in their gut. Look for signs like not wanting to eat, loose stool, sluggishness, and a wet tail. If you notice these, see a vet quickly.
Other problems to watch for include mites on their fur or ears, and teeth that grow too long.
2. The Chinese Hamster
Scientific name: Cricetus griseus
Common names: Chinese striped hamster, Chinese hamster, Chinese dwarf hamster
Adult size: 3-5 inches long, 1-2 ounces
Life expectancy: 2-3 years
Wild colour: Greyish brown with a whitish belly and black stripe down the back
About the Chinese Hamster
The Chinese hamster comes from Mongolia and northern China. These little rodents are not technically dwarf hamsters, but they are smaller than common pet hamsters like the Syrian. They often have longer tails than other hamsters and are fairly easy to look after.
They are generally calm. This makes Chinese hamsters simple to tame, though some might nip when you pick them up.
Behaviour and Temperament
Chinese hamsters are active at night. They sleep during the day. Don’t handle them when they’re sleepy; they could bite. They get comfortable being held, but you need to handle them regularly. This helps them get used to human touch.
Their small size and quick movements can make them tricky to hold. Always hold them close to the floor. This stops serious injuries if they fall. Chinese hamsters usually get along well with other hamsters of their own kind. You can keep them in pairs or small groups. Don’t put them with other house pets; these small rodents are delicate and could get hurt.
Housing and Care
For housing, bigger is always better. Chinese hamsters need space to play and get exercise. Their cage should be at least two feet long, one foot high, and one foot wide. Cages with a wire top and plastic base are good, or a plastic or glass tank. Make sure the bars are close enough together so your hamster can’t squeeze out.
For food, you can use commercial hamster food. Add fresh fruits and vegetables sometimes, like apples and carrots.
3. Dwarf Roborovski Hamster
Scientific name: Phodopus roborovskii
Common name: Robo dwarf hamsters
Lifespan: 3 – 3.5 years
Colour: Brown with white fur on their stomach
Adult Size: 5cm
About Dwarf Roborovski Hamster
The Dwarf Roborovski is the smallest hamster species you can find. It’s also the quickest of the dwarf breeds. People often call them Robo dwarf hamsters. These tiny pets are pretty tough and rarely get sick.
They are naturally curious and fast. This makes them hard to hold. They are more for watching and enjoying from their cage. You should keep them in same-sex pairs or groups, especially when they are young.
In the wild, their natural color is a sandy brown with a white belly and white marks above their eyes. This color helps them blend into their dry, desert homes. But, due to breeding, you can find Robos with different color patterns now.
Behaviour and Temperament
Robo dwarf hamsters are active at night. They move fast and are agile, making them hard to handle, though they rarely bite. It’s smart to handle them over a large box or a safe area where they can’t get lost if they jump. If you want to handle your hamster often, teach it to take treats from your hand.
Housing and Care
Roborovski hamsters are very active. Their cage needs to be as large as possible. This gives them lots of room to play and exercise. A 2-foot by 2-foot by 1-foot cage is the smallest size for this hamster. Be sure the cage does not have big gaps where the hamster can slip out.
Put an exercise wheel in the cage. It should not have bars. Also, provide various mineral chews and chew sticks. Add a sleeping hut or small nest. This gives your hamster a safe place to hide or sleep.
For food, Robos are like other hamsters. They can eat a mix of low-fat seeds, fresh fruits such as oranges and apples, and vegetables like lettuce. They can also eat small amounts of insects or meat.
4. Dwarf Campbell Russian
Scientific name: Phodopus campbelli
Common name: Campbell’s dwarf Russian hamster
Adult size: 2-4 inches long, 1.5-2 ounces
Natural colour: Greyish-brown body fur and white belly fur
Life expectancy: 2 years
About the Campbell’s Russian Dwarf
The Dwarf Campbell’s Russian is one of two types of Russian dwarf hamsters. It’s a very common small pet in stores. Charles William Campbell first caught one in Mongolia in 1904. These hamsters are tiny and have a round body shape.
They are one of the fastest hamsters, which makes them hard to hold. They need a lot of interaction to get used to being handled without biting.
In the wild, this species digs deep burrows. They make nests with wool and grasses. They stay there during winter. Breeders have created Campbell’s hamsters with many different color patterns.
Behaviour and Temperament
Campbell’s dwarf Russian hamsters are active at night, like other hamsters. But, they might be awake for short periods during the day. If they get scared, they might nip. This doesn’t mean they aren’t good pets. They are usually friendly and don’t mind being held carefully.
Unlike Syrian hamsters, Campbell’s hamsters can live with others of their kind. So, you can keep them in same-sex groups.
Housing and Care
Because they are so small, you shouldn’t keep Campbell’s dwarf Russian hamsters in a wire cage. They can easily escape. A solid-sided cage with good airflow, or a tank with a secure top, is better. Also, be sure to have a hamster house in its cage. Your pet can use it to feel safe or for sleep.
Keep the cage clean. This prevents bad smells. You can also add tubes and areas for your hamster to explore. Give your pet an exercise wheel and chew toys.
For food, choose good quality hamster pellets. Follow the feeding instructions. Limit treats and extra foods if your hamster eats packaged food. Do not feed raw beans, avocado, or almonds; these can be bad or harmful. Also, stay away from honey treats and high-sugar fruits, as dwarf hamsters can easily get diabetes.
Common Health Problems
As we mentioned, Campbell’s dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes. You can help prevent this by giving your pet a diet low in sugar. Signs of diabetes include drinking and peeing too much, feeling sluggish, bad behaviors, and shivering.
Loose stool is also common in small rodents. It spreads very easily. If you see it, antibiotics can help.
5. Dwarf Winter White Russian
Scientific name: Phodopus sungorus
Common names: Siberian hamster, Dwarf winter white Russian hamster
Adult size: Up to 4 inches long
Life expectation: 1-3 years
About Dwarf Winter White Russian
The Dwarf Winter White Russian, also called the Siberian hamster, is a small and soft pet. They make fine pets for older kids and adults. While they look a lot like Campbell’s dwarf Russian hamsters, this kind is usually calmer.
Behaviour and Temperament
Dwarf Winter White Russian hamsters make good pets. They are generally good-natured and accept handling more than other hamsters. They are also less likely to bite. You can keep Siberian hamsters in same-sex pairs, unlike Syrian hamsters. But you should do this when they are both young. Don’t put these hamsters with other pets. It can make them stressed.
Housing and Care
These tiny rodents can squeeze through the bars of many wire cages. So, you should choose a tank, like an aquarium. A larger tank is better. It gives your pet more space to play and exercise. Make sure the top has good airflow. Put bedding material in the cage. You should change the bedding often to stop odors and urine from building up. Also, put a hamster wheel in the tank. This gives your pet a place to exercise.
Conclusion
No matter which hamster breed you pick, always provide a spacious cage. Give them a good diet. Make time to bond with your pet. Remember, these little rodents are escape artists. Make sure their home doesn’t have big gaps where they can slip out.
Also, give your hamster toys like an exercise wheel and tubes. This keeps them busy and healthy.
