The Syrian hamster is the most popular type of hamster worldwide. This is mostly due to the many different variations of the Syrian hamster breed. Syrian hamsters are the most common type of hamster seen in pet stores, often being kept in groups before their sale. When caring for a Syrian hamster, it’s important to be familiar with some of the unique behavioral traits that your Syrian hamster may display. Here is some general information about Syrian hamsters.
APPEARANCE
The Syrian hamster is generally seen in a wide variety of color variations, which can range from many different patterns and markings. Syrian hamsters have the characteristic tapered head, small, circular ears and tiny nose that is characteristic of most all rodents.
INTERESTING FACTS
Syrian hamsters, like all rodents, have special expandable cheek pouches that allow them to transport food. Since captive hamsters usually have a constant supply of food, your hamster may not always use their cheek pouches. Another fairly interesting fact about Syrian hamsters is they are considered to be vulnerable as a wild species, as they are frequently poisoned by farmers attempting to protect their crops.
HISTORY
Syrian hamsters, as their name might suggest, are originally derived from Syria. They were first found by a British Zoologist named George Waterhouse in 1839. In Syria, Syrian hamster thrive in a hot and dry climate, similar to the desert. Hamsters are traditionally nocturnal, since their small size makes them vulnerable to predators during the day. In 1937, a small stock of hamsters was transported from a research facility in London to some private breeders. It’s said that all of today’s hamsters can be traced back to a single female, who is speculated to have been one of the original hamsters captured in Syrian in 1930.
BEHAVIOR
Syrian hamsters are large, which makes them fairly easy to handle. Syrian hamsters tend not to bite often, though they may bite when they feel threatened. It’s important to handle a Syrian hamster with care, since this can prevent your hamster from becoming agitated. Syrian hamsters love to nest, and will do well in a cage that allows them to construct their own nests out of various materials. Syrian hamsters do like to be active, and prefer a large exercise wheel instead of a wheel with a smaller diameter. It’s possible to pick a Syrian hamster up by the scruff of their neck, which is sometimes referred to as the “Scrap”.
12 Responses to “Syrian Hamsters Care”
Are you sure it’s not just his scent glands? Male hamsters have them either side of their haunches, but check with the vet.
butterz and brittney are right take them to the vet
hello about the purple spot is it like a blister….? if so take it to the vets as a few years back i had a hamster n it had like a reddy purple blister on the end of its nose n in the end it had to b put to sleep because it was a tuma…i was sooo upset..=(…x
Hi all
I have a Syrian hamster and my one is ginger and white
i wouldn’t know about the dark purple spots sorry
all i know is that syrian hamsters like lots of levels in its cage and to have bars instead of plastic on the sides and top so it can climb them which i think they like
hope it helps
I’ve been thinking bout getting a syrian hamster, does anybody have any help on how to tell which hamster is healthy and which isnt? we doent have a real good pet store near us without driving 4 hours and i doent want to put so much stress on the hamster with the drive down if you know what i mean, so please leave any care notes you have!
Taking a hamster on a 4 hour journey will be stressful for the hamester. Most pet places put the hamsters in a box so you can take it home safely. But the hamster will get nervous and feel as if it is threatened so if I were you I would take a cage with you and place the hamster in it on the way home. Leave it alone in the boot so it calms down. This will help solve stress problems in the future for the hamster. Hope this helps!
no i dont but i think you should take it to the vet
Hello Jordan,
My hamster too has this problem but I have no idea what it is!
My hamster has a spot that is dark purple in color, kind of like a blood blister on a person, on both sides of his haunches. Do you know what this is?
Jordan maybe first you should go see a Animal Doctor and see how it goes from there, or maybe see if you could maybe get shots that may make your pet a little better.
Any Other Questions You May Have Go See A Pet Store Near You.
Hope This Helps.
does every hamster have it cuz my hamster died and it had it too but im pretty sure it wasnt that
My hamster has those also, they are scent glands, nothing to worry about.