Larger than Dwarf Hamsters, The Syrian hamster - also known as the Golden or Teddy bear hamster is a small rodent belonging to the Cricetinae family. Syrians reach maturity when they're between 8-12 weeks old. When it comes to the distinctive long-hair, teddy bear look, youll only find that in Syrian hamsters. The only difference is that we dont know much information about the predcan bepositions that are passed on genetically for hamsters. Teddy bear hamsters have the shortest gestation period of all the breeds, at around 16 days, and from the 10 day mark you will start to notice her belly swelling. A teddy bear hamster should live without any hamster roommates, or they will be very stressed. Adolescence arrives quickly in hamsters since they only live a few years. As well as what this tiny pet can bring to you and your familys lives. Make sure that you remove any hamster wheels and other toys from the cage to prevent your hamster using up all of their energy beforehand. The Manual of Exotic Pet Practice published a research article (Hamsters and Gerbils) which clearly mentions that the Golden (Syrian) hamster was originally classified in 1839. In the wild, hamsters dig deep underground burrows to live and breed. But there are key differences between male and female genitalia that are easy to detect and will allow you to determine the sex of your hamster. You can expect to pay a little bit more for quality hamsters from a breeder compared to those in pet stores. Weve adjusted our cage section to reflect the lack of a legal minimum, but as we believe bigger is always better when it comes to hamster cages, this is what people should aim for. Follow our blog as we share our hamster experiences with our lovable Syrian hamster Oscar. Most teddy bear hamsters are pregnant for around 16 days, which is short in comparison to a Roborovski, whose gestation period on average is 22-30 days.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'hamsterguru_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',140,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hamsterguru_com-medrectangle-4-0'); It is important during their pregnancy that that you start to provide your hamster with some additional care. Sometimes my teddy bear hamster wakes up screaming from a nightmare. You should also ensure that there is plenty of bedding material at their disposal, as she will need it for making a nest for her and her young. Technically, hamsters are not true hibernators, as they only go into such a state for periods (torpors) of 10-20 days, not for an extended period of time. Hamsters dont just sleep in their cages all the time, theyre really active! Several factors contribute to the hamsters lifespan. If. Below is a list of teddy bear hamster equipment to help you budget. Remember to do this during their active periods around dawn and dusk to not disturb their sleep. In addition, hamsters also enjoy a variety of fresh foods as treats . Syrian hamsters have some interesting eye colors. Teddy bear hamsters are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and are active at night. Once your hamster feels happy enough to come towards you on their own accord, try to coerce them into a container so that you can take them someone safe and enclosed to hold them. Teddy bear hamsters are territorial and will fight with any cage-mates, sometimes to the death. One of the more notable physical features of Syrian hamsters is their long and sharp incisor teeth. Your hamster will need a cage that provides enough room to explore, burrow, exercise, and enjoy. It is important, however, that we clean their cage regularly and provide them with plenty of chews and toys to stimulate them mentally and physically. Wild teddy bear hamster lifespan ranges from 1 2 years on average. On our drive home, he was busy in the little cardboard carrier that he was traveling in. Wild hamsters, How about a tiny hamster that can fit in a tablespoon? Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Interestingly, Syrian hamsters were observed to be crepuscular; researchers had always thought they were nocturnal. For males, however, there is a much larger gap and there is likely to be hair. Providing you get your hamster used to being handled from a very young age, it will love being held by you. The Syrian hamster was first discovered in 1839 in the city of Aleppo, Syria (hence its namesake), but the breed was not fully domesticated until 1939. These hamsters are the smallest among domestic hamsters. Well, the answer varies quite a lot! Can you think of any great reasons to get a Syrian hamster that weve missed? Why does he do that though? Female hamsters are thought to be more territorial, but male teddy bear hamsters are also very territorial. Ensure your pet has a comfortable temperature, ideally between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important not to rush into the taming process. This does not mean that your pet hamster cant live longer because Syrian hamsters can live so long as 4 years and possibly more. When handling your hamster, remember to wash your hands, wear gloves and offer treats for good behavior all of which will help prevent painful bites. However, they also will become submissive following a social defeat by another hamster as a form of learned helplessness. Im scared hes terrified of me. Hamster habitat. Hamsters are also of interest to researchers studying circadian rhythms in mammals as they have very well-defined daily routines. If youre looking for a starter pet, the fancy bear hamster is a great choice, because it prefers to live on its own. The oldest cub lived to be eight years old. The Florida International Universitys Director of Laboratory Animal Research states in an article that male hamsters are not only easier to handle but are more friendly. Handling your little companion is also a great way to bond and interact with it. Furthermore, the article states that the lineage of all captive domesticated hamsters originated from a wild female and her 12 pups captured in Syria back in 1930. They prefer warm and dry spaces, explaining why they were first found near deserts in Syria. Maintaining a clean cage may be the most important thing to prevent potentially fatal diseases, like wet tail. You can train your teddy bear hamster to be held from a young age, and they do enjoy this kind of social interaction. Russell studied Syrian hamsters back in the late 1700s. Just make sure not to choose somewhere they can escape from. Whether you choose plastic or glass, these should be filled up daily and are inexpensive, costing around $6-$12. How long is a teddy bear hamster pregnant for? Teddy Bear hamsters are friendly, providing they have undergone proper handling. This isnt always a bad thing! Testosterone and estrogen played key roles in determining how long males and female hamsters live. As we look at some of the other great teddy bear hamster facts, youll see how they link to this first point! There is a world record for the longest living hamster. Teddy bear hamsters have the most wonderful personalities and temperament. Obviously, we want to care for our hamsters as best we can, so providing them with a large space to burrow and play and spending time cuddling them allows you to better understand their behaviors. Individual hamster can live shorter or longer depending on their lifestyle, diet, and care. Once your hamster is happy to be held, you need to master the art of picking them up. Once they are content to take them from your fingers, you should slowly start placing your hands inside their cage to offer them off the palms of your hand. Most older, responsible children can definitely be taught to handle hamsters with patience, and are very willing to learn about correct hamster care. They are by far the most common variety of hamster and are kept as pets the world around. Hamster Guru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Male hamsters develop quicker than females and attain sexual maturity between 4 and 6 weeks. A basic hamster carrier costs around $10-$12 (although you can make your own versions with boxes you already have around the house). You may wonder what the difference is between teddy bear hamsters, Syrian hamsters, and dwarf hamsters. Thus, children can be very responsible and can derive a great deal of learning and satisfaction from caring for a pet. link to How long can a hamster go without eating or drinking? What a character ! Of course, we are bias, but we think teddy bear hamsters are undeniably cute and make the best first time pets. Occasional treats from the pet store/vet. READY FOR NEW HOMES GEORGOUS HANDTAME HAMSTER PUPS. Syrian Hamster Lifespan. Although they are small, the responsibility is not. He just sat there, with the seat belt above him, just riding shotgun and watching me drive. So, the long-haired Syrian hamsters, start to have long hair once they reach 3 or 4 inches long. The hair may be solid black, brown, gold, or dark grey. I see a friend. Little animals should never be left at the mercy of children who have no impulse control orsense of the consequences of their actions. The scientific name for this type of rodent is Cricetinae. Hamster cages are not a one-size-fits-all and should be sized according to your hamster. The Teddy Bear Hamsters have an average life span of 2 to 3 years. A Syrian hamster can have anywhere from 5 to 10 babies. But before you succumb to a moment of weakness, youll want to find out what goes into Teddy Bear hamster care. Its no wonder that this furry little rodent continues to be such a popular pet choice. Lack of handling (taming) results in an aggressive hamster that will bite. A females behind tends to be more rounded than a male hamster, which in comparison looks elongated. I loved my teddy bear hamster- Bugsy. Teddy hamsters are also lovingly referred to as teddy bear hamsters. Teddy bear hamsters should never live together. It makes sense, too, because their original homeland, Syria, is quite hot during the day and much cooler at night. Through daily handling, they will become very docile and social to their human owners. Holding them for the very first time may feel a little daunting. They're the same thing. If your hamster is tame, then another way to check is to look at its genitalia and the anogenital distance. Amenities in some of the more extravagant options include multi-levels, tubes, wheels, and houses. This is a great reason to get a teddy bear hamster, because everyone loves a pet that they can play with and cuddle! A hamsters typical lifespan and how long do hamsters live will be influenced by a variety of circumstances. Long-haired hamsters also called Teddy bear hamsters; or Golden hamsters or Angora hamsters, are Syrian hamsters, usually male hamsters because the females have shorter coats. How long do hamsters live? So many things make Syrian hamsters a great choice for children. My teddy bear hamster, Mr. Cakes, gives me such a dirty look when I wake him up. A hamsters life cycle is normally completed by the time this adorable, furry rodent gets to about three years old. There are different kinds of dwarf hamsters, and the longest living is the Robovoski that provides an expected lifespan of up to 4 many years. In truth, the earliest hamsters originated in Syria, hence the name, but they have since spread to Greece, Belgium, and northern China. In the event that you try to handle any hamster during daylight hours, it will be more likely to bite you out of stress. Volia Nikaci is a freelance copywriter and content editor with a passion and expertise in content creation, branding, and marketing. Although the exact origin of these hamsters has yet to be determined, Michael R. Murphy (author of History of the Capture and Domestication of the Syrian Golden Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus Waterhouse) states in his book that the earliest mention of Syrian hamsters description is recorded in The Natural History of Aleppo (by Dr. Alexander Russell.) So, make sure they have lots of space to burrow in. They typically weigh around 120 to 125 grams when fully grown. They typically weigh around 120 to 125 grams when fully grown. Finally, please make sure that you keep back some money, just in case your hamster falls ill. Its amazing what a quick trip to the vets can cost as we discovered when our hamster became sick. She has a background in Broadcast Journalism & Political Science from CUNY Brooklyn College. I LOVE her!!!! The average lifespan of a teddy bear hamster is about 2-3 years in captivity and less time in the wild. Domestic hamsters do not require sand baths because they are not exposed to the elements of the wild. So, they can be an ideal first pet for older, responsible children. Syrian hamsters are larger than many of the dwarf hamsters kept as pocket pets (up to five times larger), though the wild European hamster exceeds Syrian hamsters in size. Lifespan: 2 to 4 years Syrian Hamster Behavior and Temperament Syrian hamsters sleep during the day and are active at night. They are sometimes called Angora hamsters. Syrian hamsters will either have a short, long, or rex coat (fur.) Guinea Pigs: Ranked and Reviewed, How Many Mice Are In My House? Other differences between the sexes include: The smaller the hamster, the shorter its life span. I think a Teddy bear hamster rather than the traditional Syrian ones. When you use a well balanced store-bought food, that should make up 90 percent of your pets diet. Moreover, are long haired hamsters friendly? It goes without saying that hamsters love having a wheel to exercise and burn off excess energy. Hamster Wet Tail How To Spot It And What To Do. Children will usually mimic the behavior seen, especially when combined with good teaching. As long as you handle your hamster for a little bit every day, from a young age, they will love interacting with you. I just adopted Mr. Bodhi Lucas P. today. My teddy bear hamster HAMMY .has a hissy fit when I put him back in his cage after letting him run around in his ball and play penn he is like a child throwing a tantrum.but he is very smart and always seems to amaze me .just the other day he was sitting on my lap watching tv with me I was eating popcorn he decided to crawl up my arm and to the bowl of popcorn and help him self than back on my lap to eat the popcorn .he also has a little dog freind whom him and her have a great relationship they play tag when hammy is in the ball he will chase after the dog than the dog will chase after him .they also hang out together when the dog is sleeping he will sit in hiss ball next to her .I had no idea how smart and lovable teddys can be. They should only be handled by children with adult supervision. The potential hamster parent will be required to handle it to tame it until it feels comfortable and develops a bond. Fancy hamsters are short-haired Syrian hamsters, while teddy hamsters are long-haired. You can choose from a large variety of materials, shapes, and even colors. Its a good opportunity for the kids to learn responsibility and love for animals. They also became popular as pets in the U.K. and between the years of 2011-2017, it is estimated that over 3 million hamsters were owned. While most are black, its not unusual for them to have blackish blue, blackish-red, dark red, or pink. A hamster must have a running wheel for exercise. If youre curious how your baby hamster will continue to grow, stay tuned! Below we explain how to tame your teddy bear hamster. Can I please get some tips for starting out? They can eat fruit, as well, but only small amounts because of the high sugar content. Teddy bear hamsters are low-maintenance and easygoing. This indicates that the hamster is sexually mature as well as having achieved or is very near to reaching its full length. your own Pins on Pinterest But remember, although they are generally happy when being handled carefully, they can become skittish when startled or scared. The oldest recorded teddy bear hamster lived for 8 years. Caring for Teddy Fur But do they make good pets? Distinctive spots of yellow, cinnamon, orange, Bedding (cedar and pine shavings should never be used), Reasonably quiet, warm room 64-79 degrees (F) (17-26 C), Placed on a solid surface such as a sturdy table, counter, or stand, On a surface where it can tip over or fall. The Department of Animal Science at Cornell University published an article in which the longevity of hamsters was studied. Hamsters will not overeat in quantity, so you can spoil their dinners by giving too many treats. The lifespan of Syrian Hamsters Syrian or Golden hamsters are very active, but also solitary by nature. There are two different breeds one are called dwarf golden hamsters and the other is called the biggest hamster breed. In the wild, the average Syrian hamster lifespan is between 2-3 years. The following are some of the factors you should be aware of: As mentioned, the Syrian hamster lifespan is around 2-3 years. The item breakdown for a new hamster and necessary items dont come cheap. Domestic teddy bear hamster food includes seeds, grains, and vegetables. You will need to clean out a fancy bear hamsters home regularly. Once your hamster is used to being handled, then as long as they receive some regular exercise outside of their cage, they will live a happy and healthy life. Read our blog for tips and advice to help make your hamster happy. Hamster cages come in all shapes and sizes, and choosing the right one can be really fun! A significant difference between both species is their appearance. 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