But, we believe that bigger is always best. In the wild Syrian hamster numbers are declining due to a loss of habitat and the effects of climate change. Syrian hamsters are the biggest of all hamster species, and there will be significant size changes between the newborn hamster you got from the pet store and the adult hamster in your cage. 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. A Healthy Schedule, Head may be heavily colored or have no color, Head coloring tapers off, becoming pale or disappearing towards the tail, A white band is present in the middle section of the body, Predominantly white with random patches or spots of color. For top tips on how to provide the best after care for your pregnant hamster and her hamster pups, read our informative blog on hamster pregnancy, cycles and birth. His little fluffy face is so sweet! Lack of handling (taming) results in an aggressive hamster that will bite. They are often used to test treatments for various genetic diseases or cancers. Look for any old food and remove it from the cage. Whats your favorite thing about this little pet? Why does he do that though? After two weeks, the hamster will begin to be able to see, can walk on its own, and has a fully formed coat. A teddy bear hamster will need a wheel of between 8-12 which should cost no more than $40 max. You may find that many refer to this hamster as a Chinese Dwarf even though they are not classified as a dwarf. Exercise, cage cleanliness, and the hamsters stress level are also factors for your pets longevity. Know about your hamster and the primary causes of stress. To find out more about the use of running balls for your hamster, read How Long Can You Keep A Hamster In A Ball? This is why you should never go away and leave your hamster unattended for prolonged periods of time and make sure that their water bottle is always replaced with clean, fresh water. Although red or pink eyes are considered rare, there is a very rare eye color that consists of two different colored eyes. The average lifespan of teddy bear hamsters, which in actuality is just another name for the Syrian hamster or golden hamsters, is two to three years. Another great reason to get a golden hamster is their size. For a more detailed look at hamster toys, check out 11 Inexpensive Hamster Toys That Your Hammy Will Love. They just arent mature enough. Black Bear Hamster: Is This The Ultimate Pet Your Household Needs? The dog stores likely scenario is that an aggressive hamster will be removed from the cage before customers witness anything. If you are thinking of getting a teddy bear hamster for your next pet, then there are number of things you should know. I had tears streaming down my face because I couldnt stop laughing! Syrian hamsters have rapidly become very popular household pets in the western world ever since Professor Aharoni captured a female hamster and her 12 pubs in Aleppo Syria back in 1930. Hamsters are crepuscular, which means they sleep during the day and are usually most active during dawn and dusk. 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. How Often Do You Feed A Hamster? So, try not to surprise your hamster when you want to handle him. Hamster personalities could be different regardless of sex. Other items that provide entertainment and enrichment are tubes, things to chew on, and small toys designed for hamsters. They can eat fruit, as well, but only small amounts because of the high sugar content. Syrian hamsters also known as teddy bear or fancy hamster are great pets for new owners. However, sleeping hamsters awakened to an approaching hand can likely cause it to bite. So, make sure they have lots of space to burrow in. . But, they can also have light or dark patterns and markings all over their bodies! The same applies for hamster snacks, especially the pre bought varieties, which although are great for keeping teeth in check, are often laden with honey, syrups and extra sugars. 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.) In the wild, the average Syrian hamster lifespan is between 2-3 years. This does not mean that your pet hamster cant live longer because Syrian hamsters can live so long as 4 years and possibly more. It is important not to rush into the taming process. It is of course tempting to want to hold your hamster immediately after purchasing them, but they are likely to be scared and confused at first, so you should wait a few days to let them relax and adapt to their new surroundings. The oldest recorded teddy bear hamster livedfor 8 years. Golden hamsters are crepuscular animals, meaning that they are predominantly active during twilight. Teddy bear is a term used to describe a Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) with long hair. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Or, you can explore your creative side, and make a fun play area for them. If youre looking for a starter pet, the fancy bear hamster is a great choice, because it prefers to live on its own. You dont ever want to replace all bedding because it will cause unnecessary stress on your hamster. Most Dwarf hamsters . Teddy bear hamsters are originally from Syria, and that is why they are called Syrian. But, it can be a fun way to help young children get excited about their new pet! Syrian hamsters are undeniably cute on the outside. They typically weigh around 120 to 125 grams when fully grown. These pups are born without any fur and with their eyes and ears closed, although they will have both their front incisor teeth. A Syrian hamster with long hair is often referred to as a teddy bear hamster, due to its cute and fluffy appearance whilst a short haired Syrian hamster is known as a fancy hamster, although the names are interchangeable. 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. Hamster Wet Tail How To Spot It And What To Do Hamsters Hibernate? The average life expectancy of Syrian hamsters is 2 to 2.5 years, although some can live up to 3 years. Discover (and save!) As long as interactions are supervised by an adult, many children are great with hamsters and will understand that they are delicate pets that need proper care. Teddys are smart lovable and just so darn adorable! Hi there, thanks for your comment! Unlike what many may think, there is no dwarf teddy bear hamster. I could use them! She has a background in Broadcast Journalism & Political Science from CUNY Brooklyn College. 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. Syrians are also known as Golden or Teddy Bear and are the largest hamster species. Make sure your hamster gets proper nutrition, and they are not fed too many unbalanced snacks. This involves making sure that they are fed plenty of food that is rich in protein and that their water is constantly topped up. The ultimate responsibility lies with the adult, not the child. The Syrian hamster lifespan is about 2-3 years. We recommend a 10 gallon tank as an absolute minimum. Teddy Bear hamsters are friendly, providing they have undergone proper handling. 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. Testosterone and estrogen played key roles in determining how long males and female hamsters live. It appears that all existing laboratory and pet Syrian hamster are descendantsof a brother-sister pair that were captured in Syria in 1930. Its no wonder that this furry little rodent continues to be such a popular pet choice. . The first British hamster club followed shortly after, in 1945! The cost of a wheel will vary depending on the size required. 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. They typically weigh around 120 to 125 grams when fully grown. Responsible hamster parents know that this little animal is totally dependent upon them. 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. Also called Teddy-bear hamsters (hence my little Teddy's name). How long can a hamster go without eating or drinking? The average lifespan of a teddy bear hamster is about 2-3 years in captivity, and less time in the wild. A running ball is another exercise option that is more intense and fun than the running wheel. 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. Hamster cages come in many different colors and sizes. Tubes satisfy the burrowing behavior in hamsters. As Syrian hamsters are the largest breed, the average lifespan for a teddy bear is two to three years. You will need to clean out a fancy bear hamsters home regularly. And now you know that theyre quite fascinating in terms of history, behavior, and personality, too! He just sat there, with the seat belt above him, just riding shotgun and watching me drive. Weve had hamsters for years. Wake him with your voice, not your fingers! Syrian hamsters are native to Syria (hence its name) and parts of the Middle East. Their coats might be of solid colour or a combination of colours, and bellies are mostly white. Teddy bear hamsters are typically weaned from their mothers when they are between 3 weeks and 4 weeks old. Aug 26, 2014 - This Pin was discovered by Erika Billiot. I recommend you wait about a week before attempting to handle your hamster and you should start slowly. A teddy bear hamster's tail is very short at about half an inch long. We will look at what they need to stay safe, happy and handleable. Males seem to outlive females on average, which is unusual in the animal world. Hamster Quiz - Only The Top 1% Can Ace our Animal Quizzes. Well aim to answer questions that we have ourselves as we find out about hamsters and what it takes to look after them. You have entered an incorrect email address! Small cages with no enrichment can lead to stress, unhappiness, and sickness. Newborn pups reach sexual maturity in about 3-4 weeks. I have a hamster. 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. Wild teddy bear hamster lifespan ranges from 1 - 2 years on average. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Initial research on hamsters determined that the mammalian circadian rhythm is modulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the brain. Im in the San Diego area and am trying to find a local breeder so that I can buy a Syrian hampster that has been handled. Theyre also known as fancy bear hamsters! READY FOR NEW HOMES GEORGOUS HANDTAME HAMSTER PUPS. I loved my teddy bear hamster- Bugsy. Although in books you are much more likely to come across cute mice or nasty rats, hamsters are by far one of the most popular childrens pets with the teddy bear hamster topping the must have wish list. So, they can be an ideal first pet for older, responsible children. If the smell is a concern for you, then the man teddy bear hamster is really a better choice. Syrian hamsters have some interesting eye colors. In fact, they're some of the most popular small pets in the Western world. Keep your hamster cage clean, encourage exercise, and provide a well-balanced diet to promote your pets longevity. Here are some interesting facts, such as the average Syrian hamster lifespan, that may help you better bond with your pet hamster and learn more about their habits. This indicates that the hamster is sexually mature as well as having achieved or is very near to reaching its full length. Pre-packaged muesli or pellets bought from your local pet store offer a great source of nutrients and minerals for your hamster, however small quantities of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs offer a great way to supplement their diet. A teddy bear hamster should live without any hamster roommates, or they will be very stressed. When she's not writing she loves traveling, perusing used book stores, and hanging out with her other half. Wild teddy bear hamsters have been domesticated into wonderful little pets. They need to live with other hamsters to be healthy, whereas Syrian hamsters have to live alone to become healthy. 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