Hamster

Hamsters belong to a subfamily of mice-like and are represented there by about 20 species. This diversity and the associated demands on food, environment, etc. should also be considered when keeping them as pets.

Way Of Life

The hamster’s natural environment is arid and semi-arid areas of the temperate zone. In Central Europe, only the European hamster occurs in the wild. They inhabit desert edges, clay deserts, shrub-covered plains, forest and mountain steppes, and river valleys. They live in underground burrows that have multiple entrances and exits, as well as separate chambers for nesting, excretion, reproduction, and storage. The chambers are interconnected. Hamsters are mainly crepuscular and nocturnal with limited daytime activity. Hamsters live mostly solitary, only during the mating season do they interrupt their single existence and sometimes live in family groups. They can be exceptionally aggressive towards other dogs. To protect themselves from attacks, they often throw themselves on their backs and let out shrill screams.

Anatomy

Dentition

The incisors erupt before birth or shortly after. Hamsters do not change teeth. The incisors grow back throughout life and are pigmented yellow. The molars are restricted in growth and unpigmented. The constant growth of teeth requires special consideration when choosing feed. Because just like with other rodents, you have to ensure constant abrasion of the teeth.

Cheek Pouches

The inner cheek pouches are characteristic of hamsters. These run along the lower jaw, reach up to the shoulders, and are used to transport food to pantries. Their opening is just behind where the lips and cheeks curve inward in the edentulous space of the dentition.

Hamster Species

As mentioned earlier, there are several different species in our households as pets. We would like to briefly describe the most common ones here.

Syrian Golden Hamster

It is one of the few hamster species threatened with extinction because it is considered a pest in its homeland. Its natural range is less than 20,000 km² in the border region of Syria and Turkey. The animals inhabit their mainly fertile farmland on which grain and other crops are grown. The tunnel system can be over 9 m long. Until the 1970s, all Syrian golden hamsters kept worldwide went back to a wild capture consisting of a female and her eleven young. Of the young, only three males and one female survived. These formed the basis of breeding. In captivity and with good care, its life expectancy is usually 18-24 months. Syrian golden hamsters are now available in different colors (e.g. various shades of brown and markings or solitary black) and hair (e.g. teddy hamster). Like many hamsters, they live as solitary animals and often react aggressively towards other dogs. The golden hamster is a true omnivore whose diet consists of green parts of plants, seeds, fruits, and insects.

Roborovsky Dwarf Hamster

It belongs to the short-tailed dwarf hamsters and inhabits the Gobi desert steppe and adjacent desert regions of northern China and Mongolia. They live exclusively in sandy areas with sparse vegetation. The animals claim very large territories. This must also be considered when choosing a suitable cage. In contrast to the golden hamster (12 – 17 cm), the head-body length of the Roborowski dwarf hamster is only around 7 cm. The fur on the upper side is light brown to gray and the belly is white. Its diet consists mainly of plant seeds. Parts of insects were also found in pantries in Mongolia. Compared to its relatives, it is considered to be compatible with its own kind. It could thus be kept (at least temporarily) in pairs or in family groups. However, the animals must harmonize well and be observed very closely and separated if necessary. However, keeping them alone is also preferable here. They are excellent observation animals and are reluctant to be handled.

Djungarian Hamster

It also belongs to the short-tailed dwarf hamsters and inhabits the steppes of north-eastern Kazakhstan and south-western Siberia. He is about 9 cm long. Its soft fur is ash gray to dark brown on top in summer with the characteristic dorsal stripe. The fur on the underside is light-colored. It feeds mainly on plant seeds, and less on insects. It is relatively easy to tame and, like its relatives, should be kept individually – especially if you are a “beginner hamster”. There should be plenty of climbing opportunities in the cage that give the animal a good overview of its territory.