The average Syrian hamster grows 5-9 inches long and weighs about 5 oz. At 2 months of age, they are sexually mature and usually about 3-4 inches long and weigh about 5 oz.
Syrian Hamster Behavior and Temperament
Syrian hamsters sleep during the day and are active at night. They are generally quiet pets, but if you keep them in your bedroom, their nighttime activity may wake you up.
Some hamsters are more receptive to human comfort than others, but never pick up a sleeping hamster. Some hamsters may bite if startled or handled improperly. If you don’t squeeze or push the hamster when holding it, it will happily let people touch it.
This hamster is one of the most solitary animals in the wild and is equally territorial. This means that as pets, they should always be kept alone. Young hamsters may tolerate a cage mate for a while. However, as they get older, they can become aggressive and fight to the death. It is also advisable to keep hamsters away from other pets as they can hurt each other. Therefore, it is wise to prepard a sturdy and comfortable wooden hamster cage for one hamster.
Syrian hamsters as pets do not necessarily bond closely with their owners. However, many like to come to the side of their enclosure when their owners are present, or relax in their hands or on their shoulders. Feeding and setting up the rearing environment will likely require a few hours each week. After that, spend some time each day taming and handling the hamster.
Keeping Environment
The cage should be as large as possible, as this will be the main exercise area for the Syrian hamster. The cage should be at least 1 foot by 2 feet and 1 foot high. There are two common types of cages: one with a plastic floor and wires, and one with a mesh that fits into a glass or plastic tank. Wire cages have better ventilation but offer less protection from drafts.
The cage should be filled with plenty of hamster toys to keep the animals enriched. Running wheels with a hard surface (not bar-shaped) are ideal to minimize the risk of injury. Other options include tunnels and bridges for hiding and climbing, and wooden chew blocks for dental care. Also add a nest or roost in the corner of the enclosure (pet stores usually have several options).
Special Rugs are Needed
Spread a few inches along the bottom of the enclosure. Paper or aspen wood is recommended. Do not use cedar or pine floors because they have an odor that is unpleasant to hamsters.2 Mop wet floors daily. Also, change all bedding once a week and wash the entire cage with soap and water. The right cage will be a happy home for your Syrian hamster.
What do Syrian Hamsters Eat and Drink?
Vegetables and fruits such as apples, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower and pears should be fed, as well as nuts, grains and seeds (found in commercial foods). Since Syrian hamsters are omnivores (they eat both plants and animals), you should occasionally feed boiled eggs or prey insects to supplement protein.
If using a commercial mixed diet, supplemental food should generally not exceed 10% of the hamster’s total diet. However, check with your veterinarian for the optimal amount and type of food, as this will vary depending on age and size.
Always place a bowl of dry food in the enclosure and discard uneaten portions after 24 hours. Hamsters generally like to graze by storing food in their cheek pouches and hiding it somewhere to eat later.
Hamsters may get up several times a day to eat and then go back to sleep. When feeding raw food, it is best to put it in a separate bowl in the evening when the hamster is awake and ready to eat. Uneaten raw food should be taken out after a few hours to prevent it from spoiling.
Also, always provide your hamster with a clean water source that you refill daily. Many people prefer to use water bottles because they are easy to keep sanitary. However, a shallow bowl can also serve as a watering hole until the hamster learns to drink from the bottle.
