Syrian hamsters
Syrian hamsters are the most common type of hamster kept as a pet. There are many names for the Syrian hamster such as Golden hamster, Standard hamster and Fancy hamster. The longer haired, Syrian hamsters are commonly known, as Teddy Bear hamsters, and the hairless version are Alien hamsters. Very dark haired or skinned Syrian hamsters are called Black Bear hamsters, Panda hamsters or European Black Bear hamsters. Interestingly, the original Syrian hamster was discovered in Syria and domesticated in 1930, so these furry little friends of ours have been around for quite sometime.
First of all, the Syrian hamster has a unique physical appearance. It comes in over 40 different colours of any combination. Most of the time they measure 5-8 inches in length and weigh 150 grams. They have large eyes, erect ears and wide bodies. Syrians are stockily built and have the largest cheek pouches of all hamster breeds. Sadly, they only usually live for 2-2.5 years, which is the shortest known lifespan of domesticated hamsters. Being physically larger than other hamsters, they are easy for owners to handle and known to have higher tolerance for mishandling, which is perfect for beginner hamster owners.
Surprising, Syrian hamsters have a different personality than Dwarf or Roborovski hamsters. For example, Syrian hamsters can’t tolerate the presence of other hamsters, unlike the Dwarf or Roborovski hamsters that like to live in groups or pairs. Also, Syrians can become very lazy and resist physical activity such as running in their wheel or ball, which can lead to obesity. On the other hand, Syrians can have a tendency to become addicted to their wheel, running for long periods without resting. They can also be handled more, and like to be cuddled more than other hamsters.
Of course, the Syrian hamster has some very exclusive qualities. Firstly, the Syrian hamster has the largest cheek pouches of all hamsters. This allows them to store up to 5 times more food than Dwarf or Roborovski hamsters. They are also the easiest to tame, and stay tame for the rest of their lives, whilst Dwarf and Roborovski hamsters may need constant attention to stay tame. Syrian hamsters are especially different from its other hamster relatives, but can still make great pets.
Typically, the Syrian hamster is a playful and large hamster that is radically different from its smaller cousins. It makes a great pet for beginner hamster owners, is easy to tame and will remain tame. They have been given many names and come in many different colors, but underneath they are all the same. Most likely, acquiring a Syrian hamster as a pet will satisfy your need for a companion. Remember, each pet is an individual and may not meet breed standards; therefore, if you are adopting or buying a pet do your homework and learn about your furry friend before you bring him home.
First of all, the Syrian hamster has a unique physical appearance. It comes in over 40 different colours of any combination. Most of the time they measure 5-8 inches in length and weigh 150 grams. They have large eyes, erect ears and wide bodies. Syrians are stockily built and have the largest cheek pouches of all hamster breeds. Sadly, they only usually live for 2-2.5 years, which is the shortest known lifespan of domesticated hamsters. Being physically larger than other hamsters, they are easy for owners to handle and known to have higher tolerance for mishandling, which is perfect for beginner hamster owners.
Surprising, Syrian hamsters have a different personality than Dwarf or Roborovski hamsters. For example, Syrian hamsters can’t tolerate the presence of other hamsters, unlike the Dwarf or Roborovski hamsters that like to live in groups or pairs. Also, Syrians can become very lazy and resist physical activity such as running in their wheel or ball, which can lead to obesity. On the other hand, Syrians can have a tendency to become addicted to their wheel, running for long periods without resting. They can also be handled more, and like to be cuddled more than other hamsters.
Of course, the Syrian hamster has some very exclusive qualities. Firstly, the Syrian hamster has the largest cheek pouches of all hamsters. This allows them to store up to 5 times more food than Dwarf or Roborovski hamsters. They are also the easiest to tame, and stay tame for the rest of their lives, whilst Dwarf and Roborovski hamsters may need constant attention to stay tame. Syrian hamsters are especially different from its other hamster relatives, but can still make great pets.
Typically, the Syrian hamster is a playful and large hamster that is radically different from its smaller cousins. It makes a great pet for beginner hamster owners, is easy to tame and will remain tame. They have been given many names and come in many different colors, but underneath they are all the same. Most likely, acquiring a Syrian hamster as a pet will satisfy your need for a companion. Remember, each pet is an individual and may not meet breed standards; therefore, if you are adopting or buying a pet do your homework and learn about your furry friend before you bring him home.