Hamsters
Hamster Facts
Life Span 2-3 years
Environment
Temperature Range 65F - 80F
Relative Humidity Range 40 – 70%
Breeding Range 10-14 weeks (male)
6-10 weeks (female)
Gestation Period 15 – 16 days
Litter Size 5 – 10 young
Weaning Age 21-25 days
Hamsters are peculiar little rodents with large cheek pouches and short stubby tails. They have gained popularity as pets and research animals since the 1930’s. The Syrian hamster’s (golden hamster) wild habitat extends through the Middle East and Southeastern Europe.
In 1930, a litter of eight baby hamsters was taken to Israel and raised as research animals. Virtually all domesticated hamsters sold in the pet and research trades are descendants of three of the survivors of this litter. Hamsters were first introduced to the United States in 1938.

Since their domestication, several color and hair coat varieties of the Syrian hamster have arisen through selective breeding. The three basic groups that now exist include the common “golden” hamster, colored shorthaired “fancy” hamster and longhaired “teddy bear” hamster. All three varieties are popular as pets, while the research community generally employs the basic golden hamster.

On occasion, one may encounter other species of hamsters, but these are much less common than the Syrian hamster. The smaller, dark brown Chinese hamster (dwarf hamster) is often used in biomedical research, and they are sometimes acquired as pets. These hamsters are recognized for their small size, dark brown color and black stripes over their backs. The Armenian (grey) hamster and European hamster are two other species occasionally used in research, but seldom kept as pets. The following information pertains particularly to the Syrian or golden hamster, since they are by far the most popular.

Diet
As with any pet, good quality food and clean, fresh water must be provided at all times. The precise nutritional requirements of hamsters have not been fully determined. In the wild, these animals feed on plants, seeds, fruit and insects. Current recommendations for feeding in captivity are pelleted rodent ration containing 15% - 20% protein. These rations are typically processed as dry blocks or pellets designed for rodents. Seed diets are also “formulated” and sold for hamsters, but these diets should only supplement the basic rodent pellet. Seed diets contain high levels of fat, which can easily become rancid if improperly stored. In addition, when fed alone, these diets often lead to obesity and potential nutritional deficiencies. Other supplements to the diet may include sugarless breakfast cereals, whole wheat breads, pasta, cheese, cooked lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables; all fed in moderation. Hamsters eat approximately 12 grams of food daily, and usually consume the majority of this at night. Hamsters are like little pack rats that often hoard their food in a corner of their cage, making it seem as though they eat a lot more than they really do.

Water is easily provided in water bottles equipped with sipper tubes. This method also helps keep the water free from contamination. Always make sure that the tunes are positioned low enough to allow the pet easy access. Juvenile hamsters need special consideration that they are strong enough to use the sipper tube as well as able to reach it. The average hamster drinks approximately 10ml of water per 100 grams of body weight (average adult size). Although this amount is only a fraction of the total bottle volume, fresh water should be provided daily, not only when the bottle empties.

Handling
Hamsters handled frequently from a young age usually remain docile and seldom bite. These animals of a docile nature can be gently picked up by cupping in one or both hands and held against one’s body. Beware that even docile hamsters may bite if surprised or abruptly awakened from sleep.

Other hamsters, however, may not have received a lot of attention and handling throughout their lives, and thus may be more apprehensive and aggressive. Any animal whose personality is not fully known must be approached cautiously. The use of a small towel or gloves can assist the handler in capturing and restraining such a pet. Another method of capture involves coaxing the animal into a container (such as a can or tube), which can then be removed from the cage. Once removed from the cage, biting hamsters can be restrained by grasping a large amount of skin at the scruff of the neck. As much skin as possible must be grasped using this method because their skin is very loose. If lightly scruffed, the hamster can easily turn around within its skin and bite the handler.
© 2004 Midwest Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital