Here we can see, “How to Take Care of a Syrian Hamster as a Pet”
The Syrian hamster, often known as the golden hamster, is one of the most popular small pet options. It’s a fantastic pet for novices because it’s often easy to tame, entertaining to watch, and low-maintenance. These hamsters are native to dry areas of northern Syria and southern Turkey. The majority of them are golden brown with a paler belly. However, selective breeding has resulted in a wide range of colour, pattern, and hair length variations. Because Syrian hamsters are popular as pets, diets designed specifically for them may be obtained in most pet stores. Furthermore, their housing takes very little room and is simple to set up and maintain.
Table of Contents
Temperament and Behavior of Syrian Hamsters
Syrian hamsters are active at night and sleep during the day. While they are normally peaceful pets, their nighttime activities may keep you awake if their enclosure is in your bedroom.
Certain hamsters can adjust to their humans schedules to some extent, but you should never pick up a sleeping hamster. Some hamsters may bite if startled or mishandled. As a result, the early morning or evening hours are ideal for interacting with your hamster. And as long as you don’t pressure or jiggle your hamster while holding it, it should grow accustomed to having people handle it.
These hamsters are among the most isolated animals in the wild, and as such, they are equally territorial. As a result, they should always be kept as pets alone. Young hamsters will sometimes tolerate cage mates for a short period. However, as they age, they are likely to become aggressive, even fighting to the death. It’s also good to keep other household pets away from your hamster because they could injure each other.
Syrian hamsters do not often build intimate bonds with their owners as pets. They will, however, frequently come up to the edge of their enclosure if you are around, and many will enjoy relaxing in your hands or on your shoulder. Feeding and maintaining your hamster’s habitat will take a few hours every week. After that, make sure you give your hamster some attention every day to keep it tame.
Size Specifications
Syrian hamsters grow to be about 5 to 9 inches long and weigh 5 ounces. They’ll be fully mature in two months.
Housing
It is best to provide as spacious an enclosure as possible for a Syrian hamster, as this will be its primary exercise space. The cage should be at least 1 foot by 2 feet and at least a foot tall. There are two general cage options: one with wire on top and a plastic base, or one with a regular glass or plastic tank with a closely fitting mesh top. The wire cages allow for more airflow while providing less protection against draughts.
Include a variety of hamster toys in the enclosure for enrichment. For example, an exercise wheel with a solid surface (rather than bars) is excellent since it reduces the danger of injury. Tunnels and bridges for hiding and climbing are also available, as are wooden chew blocks for tooth hygiene. Also, place a nest or sleeping hut (pet stores usually have various possibilities).
Specific Substrate Requirements
Line the enclosure’s bottom with a couple of inches of bedding. It is best to use paper or aspen materials. The strong odour of cedar or pine bedding can be hazardous to a hamster. So, every day, scoop out any moist patches in the bedding. And, once a week, change all of the bedding while scrubbing the entire enclosure with soap and water.
What Do Syrian Hamsters Consume?
Feed your Syrian hamster a diet of nuts, grains, and seeds (usually found in commercial food blends), supplemented with fruits and vegetables, including apples, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and pears. Because Syrian hamsters are omnivores (they consume both plants and animals), give them a hardboiled egg or a feeder insect now and then for a protein boost. If you use a commercial food blend, the additional meals should not account for more than 10% of the hamster’s total diet. However, check your veterinarian for the appropriate amount and variety to feed, depending on age and size.
Keep a dry food dish in the enclosure at all times, and discard uneaten food after 24 hours. Typically, hamsters graze, accumulating food in their cheek pouches and stashing it somewhere for later. Your hamster may even wake up a few times a day to eat before returning to sleep. Therefore, when feeding fresh items, it’s preferable to provide them in a separate dish in the evening, when your hamster is awake and ready to eat. Again, remove uneaten fresh food after a few hours to avoid spoilage.
Furthermore, always give a clean water source for your hamster that is refreshed daily. Many individuals choose to use water bottles since they are simple to clean. However, you may instead use a shallow dish to hold water until your hamster learns to drink from the bottle.
Common Health Issues
Syrian hamsters are tough little creatures. There are, however, a few health conditions to be aware of. One of the most common health conditions affecting this hamster is the wet tail, a gastrointestinal illness caused by stress and bacteria proliferation. Lethargy, diarrhoea, a lack of appetite, and moisture around the tail area are all symptoms. If you suspect an infection, take your hamster to the veterinarian. This problem can be fatal if left untreated, but antibiotics can effectively treat it.
Fur and ear mites can also infect hamsters, especially if kept in filthy surroundings. If your hamster has mites, you may experience irritation and loss of fur in spots. If this is the case, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment.
Additionally, some hamsters might have enlarged teeth, making eating difficult. You may notice that your hamster’s teeth appear longer than usual and that it is losing weight. A veterinarian can trim the hamster’s teeth and then prescribe strategies to keep the hamster’s dental health in check, such as adding different chewable things to the enclosure.
Educating Your Syrian Hamster
The most common type of training for hamsters is hand-taming. It’s best to start when the hamster is young, so it becomes used to being around people. When handling your hamster, sit on the floor in a safe location, as even a few feet of fall can hurt it. Have a favourite goodie nearby to make the hamster’s time sitting in your hands more enjoyable. Put it back in its enclosure if it becomes stressed.
Exercise
Your hamster should be able to stay fit if it has a spacious enough enclosure to wander about in, plus an exercise wheel. Exercise is essential for preventing obesity and other health problems. When your hamster is out of the enclosure, you can safely place it in an exercise ball and let it roll around your floor. When your hamster is not in its enclosure, keep an eye on it.
Grooming
Hamsters are relatively clean animals who groom themselves. They don’t require water for baths. If they have dirt or debris lodged in their fur, gently wipe the area with a moist towel to assist them in getting it out.
Costs of Maintenance
The main monthly expenses for a hamster will be its food and bedding. Expect to spend between $20 and $40, depending on the quality of bedding (and the size of the cage) and the diet you select. Aside from that, you’ll need to replace chew blocks, nests, and other stuff in the enclosure. You should also budget for an annual veterinary exam and emergency medical expenses.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Owning a Syrian Hamster as a Pet
Syrian hamsters are low-maintenance, calm, and intriguing pets in general. They’re entertaining to watch and can be trained to be held. They are, nevertheless, delicate tiny animals that require cautious handling. And because they are usually asleep for the majority of the day, you may not get to witness them at their most active.
Hamsters that are similar to the Syrian Hamster
If you’re looking for pet hamsters, go to:
Otherwise, look into other hamsters that could become your new pet.
Buying or Adopting a Syrian Hamster
A Syrian hamster can be purchased from a pet store, but a reputable breeder or rescue group is the best alternative. Good breeders and rescues tend to provide excellent care for their animals. In addition, they should be able to provide you with detailed information on an animal’s origin and health history. Expect to pay approximately $20, though this will vary based on factors such as the age and colour of the animal.
Reproduction/Breeding
A local exotic veterinarian may be able to recommend a reputable hamster breeder or rescue organisation. You’ll most likely be able to find younger animals through a breeder, although small animal rescues typically have a nice selection.
It’s best to observe the seller’s animals while they’re awake before buying a hamster. So, please inquire with the seller about the ideal time to meet with them. The vendor may also be able to wake their hamsters for you to choose one by delivering a tempting treat. A healthy hamster is active and curious. Its fur should be tidy, its droppings should be well-formed, and its eyes should be bright and clear. Laboured breathing and a filthy bottom are both red flags.
If you plan on bringing more than one hamster home, make sure you have different housing available for each. This will prevent fights and you from becoming a breeder by accident.
User Questions
Do Syrian hamsters enjoy being handled?
Syrian hamsters adapt well to handling and can be desensitised over time. It may only take a week or so, while others may be more sensitive and require many weeks.
Is a Syrian hamster an appropriate first pet?
The Syrian hamster, often known as the golden hamster, is one of the most popular small pet options. It’s a fantastic pet for novices because it’s often easy to tame, entertaining to watch, and low-maintenance.
Syrian hamsters, are they cute?
Teddy bear hamsters are simply another name for Syrian or Golden hamsters. They’re also referred to as fancy bear hamsters! These larger hamsters are the most popular breed and make adorable and cuddly pets.
Is it okay to startle a hamster?
You can wake up a hamster, but only on rare occasions to keep stress at bay. If you must wake your hammie, do so gently so that they are not startled.
Is it okay if I sleep with my hamster?
A peaceful space away from the chaos of a human’s home will assist in brightening your hamster’s day. It’s quite easy; a well-rested hamster will be more open to socialisation. This is why your hamster may not be happy in your bedroom.
Conclusion
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