syrian hamster care

This might seem like a lot, but imagine living in tiny room your whole life. ", "This helped so much in wanting to buy a hamster! Moreover, the sunlight is suitable for the hamster as well. Click on HD to see in HD. One option is to place a treat in the cage, (on a spoon) and whilst the hamster is eating his treat, gently stroke him. Available Syrian Hamsters Available Syrian Hamsters Available Syrian Hamsters. Good breeders and rescues tend to provide superior care for their animals, and they should be able to give you thorough information on an animal's origin and health history. Hamsters aren't usually aggressive, but they have poor eyesight. There are some different recommendations for what cage size is appropriate for hamsters. However, they are not sociable and fighting will occur if they are housed together. The Syrian hamster is the largest and most common of the hamster species kept as a pet and comes in a variety of different coat types, colors and patterns. Aspen and Care Fresh are perfectly safe and comfortable options for hamsters. Leave the hamster alone after you put it in its cage, so that it can explore its new home and become used to it. The Syrian hamster is one of the larger species, so it needs a bigger cage. Learn to Tell If Your Hamster Is Male or Female. Hamsters typically like to graze, storing food in their cheek pouches and stashing it somewhere for later. After that, just make sure you're allotting some time each day to handle your hamster to keep it tame. Correct! This is a video to educate you on Syrian hamster care. Try again! The trouble with cedar shavings is that they contain oils that are harmful to hamsters' respiratory systems. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Be aware your hamster will be sleepy during the day, and most likely to be active at night. The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is a member of the rodent subfamily Cricetinae. English Name: Syrian (Also nicknamed the Teddy Bear, Golden, Black Bear, Common, etc.) The natural color of most Syrian hamsters is golden brown with a lighter belly. If they are not warm enough they wil… Is it because it is drinking water from the bottle? Syrian Hamster Health and Care. The short-haired or golden hamster … Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital, 2020. In this guide to hamster care, we give you the essential info you need to get started as a hamster owner! Syrian hamsters are well-suited for young children or first time hamster owners and it is fairly easy to learn how to take care of them properly, although they do require gentle handling. It also has necessities like a water bottle, a food bowl, a hideout, and a litter box. Syrian hamster is easy to take care. Small Animal Nutrition. In general, you’ll have your choice of a cage that is wire on the top with a plastic base or a standard glass or plastic aquarium with a tightly fitting mesh top. The wire cages allow for better airflow, though they offer less protection against drafts. Thanks. The Syrian hamster, or golden hamster, is the most popular choice of pet hamster due to its low cost, ease of care and the many different color variations available. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Provide lots of bedding for them to burrow in. Avoid cedar, redwood, and pine bedding, as they contain resin dust that can irritate your hamster's respiratory system. If you can't afford any of these options then re-consider getting a hamster. The Syrian Hamster is a medium hamster usually about 6 or 7 inches long. Syrians are solitary animals but are social and docile towards human owners. While not all Syrians housed together will fight to the death, they will become stressed and their immunity will be lowered. There are six different types of hamsters: European, Syrian, Dwarf, Chinese, Robos, and Winter Whites. What Should You Do If Your Hamster Has Babies? Line the bottom of the enclosure with a couple inches of bedding. The Syrian hamster is a solitary animal and should always live alone. How will I know and how often should I take my hamster to have its claws clipped? Never purchase pet store hamster cages, they are usually too small, but the best cages are DIY tank cages and bin cages. Syrians hamsters have 44 chromosomes and are sexually mature from 4 weeks old. Syrian hamsters, also known as golden, teddy bear, panda or fancy hamsters, are the most popular domesticated hamster species. By using our site, you agree to our. To care for Syrian hamsters, start by setting up a roomy cage with bedding made of shredded paper, an exercise wheel, and other accessories. If you suspect an infection, take your hamster to the vet immediately. If you can't find a big enough hamster cage or tank, gerbil cages are great for hamsters. The Syrian hamster, also known as the golden hamster, is among the most popular choices for small pets. They're nocturnal, and they prefer to be handled while awake, so you'll have the best luck interacting with them after the sun goes down. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. To prevent illness, only introduce new foods to your hamster in very small quantities, such as half a teaspoon. It doesn't matter what species of hamster you purchase. Whenever you're feeding fresh foods, it's often best to offer them in the evening when your hamster is waking up from its slumber and ready to eat. Your hamster might even wake up a few times a day to eat and then go back to sleep. Toilet paper makes an excellent nesting material, as your hamster can tear it up and stuff it into their hamster house. This article has been viewed 394,737 times. Filtered water is best, but tap is fine - as long as you dechlorinate the water, either by using dechlorination liquid/tablets or by leaving the water out in the open over night. It helped me understand the dietary needs for my furry little friend. Syrian hamsters, despite being a staple pet of many childhoods, are not treated by regular veterinarians but by exotic or “pocket pet” veterinarians that tend to be more expensive. Cotton or string "fluffy" bedding types are extremely dangerous. After reading this article, "Article very helpful, giving us information about size of cage and details relating to health care. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. ", "Thanks, this was awesome. Genetics, as well as the care and stress levels play a big role in how long and how well your hamster lives. The Syrian Hamster Care Guide. But you also can use a shallow dish for water until your hamster learns to drink from the bottle. The average lifespan of a Syrian hamster is approximately two years. Hamsters are usually not smelly, depending on the substrate and how often you clean its cage. My sister spent hours on this looking for every detail before she got her hamster, and now it's, "It helped me learn more about my pet hamster. These are likely to cause a bowel obstruction. Like many hamster species, the Syrian hamster is observed as being a total loner & living a solitary lifestyle in the wild, only observed together during the breeding season. A Syrian hamster Enclosure. For toys, paper towel/toilet paper rolls are good, as long as your hamster can fit through them. Cage Size. You should feed your hamster about 1/8 to 1/4 cup each day. Choosing the right type of hamster for you The most common type of hamster that people have as a pet is the Syrian hamster, which is also often referred to as the Golden hamster. You can increase the space by .5 cubic feet for one additional hamster. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Care-for-Syrian-Hamsters-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-Syrian-Hamsters-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Care-for-Syrian-Hamsters-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid651534-v4-728px-Care-for-Syrian-Hamsters-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Care-for-Syrian-Hamsters-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-Syrian-Hamsters-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Care-for-Syrian-Hamsters-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/aid651534-v4-728px-Care-for-Syrian-Hamsters-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}. These popular pets originally came from the northern part of Syria and southern Turkey. That gives it some room to run around but prevents it from getting into any mischief, particularly if you have someone supervise it. Sandie Agar. Hamsters are not aggressive by nature and do not usually attack unless provoked. However, many people get confused about the term “Golden Hamster”. You will find different types of Syrian hamsters in the pet shops available in a vast variety of coat textures and colors. Don’t use cedar or pine bedding, as the strong smell can be harmful to a hamster. Scoop out any wet spots in the bedding daily. A simple rule of thumb when it comes to cage size: You can never have too much space! Always keep a bowl of food in the enclosure, and discard uneaten food after 24 hours. Not only does a good diet increase your hamster's lifespan and longevity, it also helps your hamster's appearance and energy. Dry macaroni doesn't have the right balance of nutrients to keep a Syrian hamster healthy. If your hamster doesn't get fed often, it may get aggressive and bite. Although it can be sad to have a pet for such a short time, it makes them ideal pets for people who don't want a long-term commitment. They make great pets, as they are calmer and friendlier than other smaller hamster varieties. If the wheel is too small, the central spoke will cause the hamster to flex in the wrong direction (its back makes a "U"). Ensure you are gentle. This article has been viewed 394,737 times. Exactly! “Unfortunately, this isn't the perfect small pet for young children. My hamster doesn't like me interacting with him. Group housed Syrians is reckless, and often … Welcome to Syrian Hamster Care Welcome to SyrianHamsterCare.com, we are in the process of developing this website into a large resource of information for Syrian Hamster owners. Read on for another quiz question. As pets, Syrian hamsters don't necessarily form a close bond with their owners. What to look for the best Syrian Hamster Cage? Hamster balls are terrible for hamsters. If you have a Syrian Hamster or are thinking about getting one there are some hamster supplies you need to get first. The pet store info is deceiving; it's far more complicated and expensive to supply all the hamster's needs. ", "I learned what not to feed my hamster. Wash your hands before and after handling your hamster. The bulk of your Syrian hamster's diet should consist of hamster food purchased from a pet store. It's generally easy to tame, fun to watch, and fairly low-maintenance, making it a good pet for beginners. This is a gastrointestinal condition often associated with stress and bacteria. When choosing a hamster, it's ideal to observe the seller's animals while they're awake. They are also known as Golden hamsters and Teddy hamsters. Moreover, always provide a clean source of water for your hamster that you refresh daily. Many people prefer to use water bottles because they are easy to keep sanitary. The 450 square inches of floor space does not include levels. Your pet needs to be able to run on the wheel with its back straight. How can I make my hamster drink his water? Read on for another quiz question. This care applies to ALL species of hamster! Bits of cooked egg or chicken breast, as well as things like cheese and cat food, are good treats for your Syrian hamster. Not exactly! My room gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter, what should I do to keep it cool and warm during the seasons? Not exactly! So ask the seller when the best time to visit with them would be. Dust and rinse all items of the cage. It's not what's best for you, it's what's best for your hamster. Without proper feeding, your hamster will not have a long, well-balanced life. Syrian hamsters should never be put in pairs, as they will violently fight over territory once they reach maturity, said Cindy Cribbs of Haven for Hamsters Rescue & Sanctuary. In general, it's best to avoid wooden bedding for a Syrian hamster. Approved. "I had my hamster by the TV so it was noisy all the time, but I have relocated it to a quieter place. Dwarf hamsters such as the Siberian, Roborozsky’s Djungarian, and Chinese hamster are smaller than the Syrian hamsters, measuring just … So, the best time to socialize is in the evening. Syrian hamsters can eat a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, salad, nuts, meat & herbs as part of a balanced healthy diet, below is a comprehensive list of safe food for Syrian hamsters. If the hamsters are 12 to 14 days old, they will have a much easier time surviving. Wash out bowls and water bottle (or bowl) at the same time as cleaning the cage. Give them tiny portions to minimise the amount left to decompose and remove uneaten food daily. Syrian hamsters are notorious for being territorial and fighting with each other; however, if the brothers were raised together from birth and have never been separated (and no other hamsters are introduced to their cage), this is one of the rare occasions when there is a good chance they will live together in peace. You can build trust by interacting with him more, and spending quality time together. While TVT (Tierärztliche Vereinigung für Tierschutz) recommend you give Syrian Hamsters as much space as you can and at minimum 100 cm x 50 cm x 50cm (L x W x H) which is a floor space of 5000 cm2 (775 in2). Latin Name: Mesocricetus auratus Lifespan: 2-3 years Size: 5-7 inches (13 to 18 cm) Description: Syrians are the most common species of hamster kept as pets and were the first hamsters to be domesticated and introduced into the pet market. Overall ease of care: Syrian hamsters are the most popular species of hamsters around the world. It's HARD working from home. Your Syrian hamster may bite your hand if... Not necessarily! Syrian Hamster Supplies – Hamster Care Must-Haves. Transfer the hamster from the carrier to the cage, which should be set up beforehand. A vet can trim the teeth and then recommend ways to maintain the hamster's dental health, such as adding more chewable materials to the enclosure. If you notice that its fur has become dull, your new pet may be sick. The Syrian hamster is one of the most adorable small pets that many American families love. Buy a cage. It'll enjoy such treats, and they'll also give it a little extra protein in its diet. If the hamster is too shy to take it from your hands, just put the treat down and wait for the hamster to take it. Read on for another quiz question. Guide To Caring For Syrian Hamsters Hamsters make suitable pets for older children, providing they are taught the responsibilities of their petís routine for cleaning, feeding, and care. As large of an enclosure as you can accommodate for a Syrian hamster is best, as this will be its primary space for exercise. What matters is how it is handled when he or she is young. These are just nicknames to draw attention, but they are really just Syrians. Syrian hamsters should never be kept in pairs or groups once mature. Experience Level: Beginner Size: Dwarf hamsters grow up to 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm) long. Always make sure you know your local regulations before committing to an animal. Can two Syrian brother hamsters from the litter live together? The Syrian can live up to3 years in captivity, and some have been known to live past that. Syrian hamster cages are cages invented so that your pet hamster could have a place to eat, sleep, and live in. Note on Veterinarian Care. Yes! The food for the Syrian hamster is usually vegetables, seed, meats, grass, or insects. Syrians grow up to 7 inches (18 cm) long It is essential to know how to keep your new Syrian hamster healthy as well as happy. Put all the items back in the cage and clip the top back on. Never pick up a sleeping hamster. A PDF of this Concise & Precise Care Sheet may be downloaded at ExoticFauna.com. Syrian Hamster Care Available Syrian Hamsters Syrian Hamster Care The average lifespan of a Syrian hamster is 24–30 months. Think of this like a broken finger nail. Thanks to their popularity as pets, diets specially formulated for Syrian hamsters can be found in most pet stores, making that a straightforward component of their care. Diet and nutrition is a highly important aspect of your hamster's health. Lianne is a veterinarian, epidemiologist, and freelance writer who's written nearly 400 articles for The Spruce Pets. 7 Things to Know About Hamsters. Do not purchase sawdust from a wood mill or carpenter, as this wood is probably treated with chemicals that can be toxic to hamsters. They are also generally easy to tame and, due to their large size, they are the easiest hamster to handle. Pine and cedar bedding is also dangerous for a hamster. Read our, The Spruce Pets uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and for our, The Right Cage Will Be a Happy Home for Your Syrian Hamster, Why Syrian Hamsters Live Together in Pet Stores but Not at Your Home, Campbell's Dwarf Russian Hamster: Species Profile, Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamsters: Species Profile, Choosing the Best Cage for Your Syrian Hamster, Determine Whether or Not a Hamster Is the Right Pet For You, Breeding Information for Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters. Syrian hamsters are popular with novice hamster owners, and younger children, as they tend to be easier to handle and tame. Furthermore, some hamsters can develop overgrown teeth that make eating difficult. If they bite then it's to be blamed on human behavior and not on hamster nastiness. Pippa Elliott, a licensed veterinarian, suggests: "Just like rabbits or cats, hamsters are often happy to have a designated place in which to relieve themselves. While some might look like they are enjoying it, they are probably stressed and trying to find a way to get out of it by running around. If so, contact your vet as soon as possible for treatment. To hold your hamster, slide one hand under it and cup the other round the front of its body. ", know about caring for nails and how their teeth continue to grow. Hammysworld Syrian Hamster Breeder It is with the greatest regret and sorrow that I have to report that Harry, the creator of hammysworld.com, has passed away. English Name: Syrian (Also nicknamed the Teddy Bear, Golden, Black Bear, Common, etc.) ", http://www.chahamsters.org/hamsterhealth.html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Expect to spend a few hours per week on feedings and maintaining your hamster's habitat. So, go ahead and provide a larger cage for your hamster if you have the resources to do so. Syrian hamster health and lifespan The Syrian hamster is the second-longest lived hamster, right after the Roborovski Dwarf. Yes, a toilet paper roll is very good for both purposes. Consider the following your handy hamster care handbook. HSS (Hamster Society Singapore) recommend a minimum unbroken floor space of 4000 cm2 (620 in2) for Syrian Hamsters. The most important thing you need to consider when it comes to buying a cage is the size. Instead, purchase a cage suitable for the hamster's entire lifespan at the start, as this will save you money and bring much stress-relief in the future. When buying a wheel, visualise an adult sized Syrian hamster inside. Try these expert-level hacks. These problems may be caused by mites, lice, or parasites. Try again! Syrian hamster or Mesocricetus auratus is a member of the rodent family. It is safer and better to leave this to the experts rather than trying it by yourself at home. Although they are friendly with people, Syrian hamsters can actually be fairly territorial which is why they are best kept alone instead of with other hamsters. You're right that uncooked pasta isn't nutritionally balanced enough to form the core of a Syrian hamster's diet. Feed your Syrian hamster a diet of nuts, grains, and seeds (this is typically what's in the commercial food blends) supplemented with fruits and vegetables, such as apples, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and pears. These are “pet names” and hamsters that come from our hamstery will be given their proper colour and pattern name. Syrians grow up to 7 inches (18 cm) long Lifespan: Hamsters live for approximately 2 years Sleep Patterns: Hamsters are nocturnal and mostly active at night Diet: As omnivores, hamsters feed on plants and greens Could I use a toilet paper roll as a chew or a tunnel? The space between the bars should not be more than half an inch apart (1cm). For tips on interacting with your hamster, read on! Use the special hamster litter which you can purchase from pet stores, and clean the toilet every other day. It shouldn't be used for the main bedding, though. Try giving your hamster a "hamster toilet," which is a plastic litter pan with a hood that fits snugly into the corner of the cage. These hamsters are also popularly known as Golden Hamsters or Teddy Bear Hamsters (the long-haired variety) and are likely the most popular hamster varieties kept as pets.. About their nails needing to be clipped, "My daughter and I just bought a beautiful Syrian. The Syrian hamster, or golden hamster, is the most popular choice of pet hamster due to its low cost, ease of care and the many different color variations available. Find videos on youtube of how to make bin cages( they are very easy.) That means they should always be housed alone as pets. It’s a popular misconception that hamsters just eat dried hamster food that you purchase from a pet shop, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Syrian Hamsters are nocturnal creatures, they sleep for most of the day and become active at dusk. The seller also might be able to wake their hamsters for you to pick one by offering a desirable treat. Very helpful. The ideal time to wait before picking up your hamster and taking it out of the cage to play is two to three weeks. Syrian or Golden hamsters originate from Syria. Guess again! In … As an adult the average size of a Syrian hamster is 5.5 inches. Hamsters generally catch on quickly as to what the hamster toilet area is for, since instinct tells them to use one corner for toileting, and the confines of the toilet help them to feel secure. Your pet needs to be able to run on the wheel with its back straight. The winter months are a little harder (for me at least). Clean out the hamster house every week to maintain a healthy environment This has been super helpful. In the wild, Syrian or Golden hamsters have this same appearance; a golden brown body with a white belly and chest. The size of an adult ranges from 5 to 7 in long, with an average lifespan of 1.5 - 2 years. And amongst hamsters, the Syrian Hamster is the most popular breed – to a large part because of its teddy bear appearence. It may look clean, but the inside of the bottle will become coated with harmful bacteria. The most common type of hamster kept as a pet is the six-inch Syrian hamster, which is also known as the Teddy Bear Hamster or the Golden Hamster. The Robo hamster’s pregnancy is the longest, at 22 to 30 days. If you just got your hamster, let him roam around his cage for the next 2 to 3 days. Also, the, "I found the section on the hamster nail filing most helpful. ", issue about a pet hamster, many included the word "vet". This helped me so much. The Syrian hamster goes by many names such as golden, teddy bear and fancy hamsters. If the hamster bowl is always almost empty, check to see if your hamster has hidden the food anywhere before refilling it; you do not want to over feed your hamster. That does not, however, mean that it has no value for Syrian hamsters. Syrian hamster cages are cages invented so that your pet hamster could have a place to eat, sleep, and live in. And because Syrian hamsters are omnivores (they eat plants and animals), offer the occasional hardboiled egg or feeder insect for an extra protein shot. They are an omnivorous rodent that can get full or satisfied quickly. Your Syrian hamster should have a shiny, sleek coat. Their natural geographical range is limited to arid areas of Syria, Turkey, Greece, Romania and Belgium. My hamster also likes frozen veggies as a treat when it's hot. It told me that the author of this article as well as their readers care. For the most part, caring for all of them (except the European) is basically the same. The Syrian Hamster – A Detailed Overview. :)", appreciate the information on how to make her happy and healthy. It is probably frightened. Other species, such as the Russian dwarf, naturally live in groups. A Syrian hamster is a small furry animal first located in Syria in the year 1839 but where not successfully bred till 1939. Dehydration is a real concern anytime your hamster has diarrhea so make sure they are still drinking their water if it occurs. If your hamster shows signs of this contact a vet straight away. Remember to thoroughly clean out your hamster's cage, including its food and water bowls, every 2-3 weeks to keep your Syrian hamster healthy and happy! No cage is ever too big. Injured hamsters tend to stop eating and drinking. Last Updated: December 17, 2020 However, they are not sociable and fighting will occur if they are housed together. If your hamster is not normally looking or acting like a bright, lively hamster, or if its fur is oily or bald in some spots, it is best to go to a vet and see what they have to say. Best Bedding and Litter for your Hamster. Symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea, a lack of appetite, and wetness around the tail area. Try interacting with him at a different time of the day. Wet tail is the most common health condition you might deal with in your pet. It might be tempting to play and cuddle with your hamster as soon as it arrives, but remember, they need time to get adjusted. Butterworth-Heinemann. ". She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Never give rubber or non-digestible toys that the hamster could chew small pieces off and swallow.

Salida Ca Hotels, Are Over 70s Still Shielding, Spyglass Entertainment Contact, The Discomfort Of Evening Story, Oil Painting Artists, Compass Pointe Nc Map, Inefficient Markets Pdf, Illinois Zones Coronavirus,