Many individuals have owned hamsters at some point in their lives because they are such cute, little pets. They make wonderful pets since they are adorable and brimming with charm and wit. Let’s get into the entertaining and interesting hamster facts you didn’t know previously because there are many fascinating things about hamsters that you’ve definitely never heard.
Origins of hamster
The second-largest family of mammals on the globe, the Cricetidae, includes hamsters. The household has more than 600 species, including mice, lemmings, and voles.
Although hamsters were initially recorded by scientists in the 1700s, it wasn’t until the 1930s that they started to be employed as laboratory animals. They quickly gained popularity as pets.
All domestic hamsters are thought to be descended from two hamsters that were bred in 1930.
Hamster types and characteristics
There are about 25 different types of hamsters, such as the Syrian, White Winter Dwarf, and Roborovski.
The most common hamster species kept as pets are Syrian hamsters. They’re also known as “teddy bear hamsters” on occasion.
Syrian hamsters in their natural habitat are regarded as endangered.
Syrian hamsters include long-haired hamsters. Because of their lengthy hair, they need regular maintenance to avoid mats and waste accumulation on their backs.
The short tails of hamsters set them apart from the gerbil, which has a long, mouse-like tail and is similar in appearance.
Chinese dwarf hamsters are more nimble at climbing and jumping than other hamster species, which leads to frequent confusion with mice.
When fully grown, some dwarf hamsters barely measure 2 inches, but the Syrian hamster, which is larger, reaches a maximum height of 6 inches.
When fully mature, European hamsters can measure more than 12 inches.
The keeping of European hamsters as pets is incredibly uncommon. When they were included on the IUCN list of severely endangered animals in 2020, it became even more rare. By 2050, they might be extinct.
Habits, feeding, and development
Hamsters are omnivores who eat a variety of vegetables and grains in addition to animal proteins found in insects and eggs.
Being naturally crepuscular, they spend the most of the day and night sleeping and are most active around dawn and dusk.
Hamsters are quick runners and can cover more than 5 kilometers in a single night.
They can run backwards, which is something that many mammals cannot do.
They can grip with both their front and back feet, and they frequently do so to hold onto objects like toys or food.
They mark their territory with smell glands and utilize them to guide them. On their backs are some of these smell glands.
With the right care, hamsters can survive 3–4 years in captivity.
They reproduce readily in captivity, which contributes to their popularity as pets and laboratory animals.
They are born entirely blind, but as they get older, their vision improves.
They come with a complete set of teeth at birth.
Hamsters rely on their noses to navigate because they have very weak eyesight and are color blind. However, they have an excellent sense of smell!
Hamsters in the wild create extensive, complex burrows. These tunnels frequently include many “rooms” and offshoots and can be as deep as 0.5 meters.
Hamsters will hibernate in the wild during the colder months.
Cheek pouches
The German term “hamstern,” which meaning “hoard,” is where the word “hamster” first appeared. The reason behind this is that hamsters store food in their cheeks and burrows.
Did you know the cheek pouches on hamsters have a name? The hamster’s cheeks can enlarge to be two to three times the size of its head thanks to a structure called a displostome.
There are uses for displosomes besides food. In case of peril, mother hamsters can carry their offspring in their displostomes.
Interactions
Despite being common pets, hamsters may bite if frightened and startle readily. To avoid startling your hamster, it is advised to speak to it and get steadily closer.
Your hamster might shriek or scream if startled.
They are highly intelligent creatures who can even remember their own names. Talking to your hamster fosters trust and teaches it to make connections between words and things, actions, or other words.
The fact that hamsters can solve puzzles and navigate mazes is often overlooked in favor of rats.
According to studies, the emotions of hamsters are strongly related to how well they are feeling and how much they are enjoying their surroundings.
Health and wellness
They should constantly have access to chew toys and sticks because their teeth never stop growing. This will help them keep their teeth clean and healthy. A vet could clip the teeth if they become too long.
The teeth are susceptible to breaking and growing in odd directions, particularly if the tooth next to them is fractured.
If you’re looking for a little pet that can be litter box trained, hamsters make wonderful pets. They like to keep their enclosure clean and avoid using the restroom there.
In a manner similar to chinchillas, some hamsters like taking dust showers.
Hamsters don’t tend to overeat like the majority of rodents do. When given food inside their enclosure that they don’t want or don’t enjoy, they frequently disregard it.
The veterinarian should see your hamster on a frequent basis. A yearly checkup with the vet can guarantee your hamster’s health, particularly as it gets older.
Living with cage mates
Since Syrian hamsters live alone in the wild, they shouldn’t be housed in cages alongside other pets.
To avoid fighting and injuries, Syrian hamsters must be separated from their littermates by the time they are 4-5 weeks old.
Some Dwarf hamster species thrive in social environments and value having a cage mate.
Males, females, and breeding
Female hamsters are usually larger than males.
Baby hamsters are called “pups”.
Although some litters can have more than 20 pups, a hamster litter typically has 6 to 12 young.
It is not advised to handle pups during the first few weeks following delivery. The puppies’ mother will kill them if you touch them before they have fur and are roaming the enclosure on their own.
Like other mammals, mother hamsters breastfeed their young. Increase her protein intake by giving her little bits of cheese, cooked egg whites, and even very small amounts of lean boiled chicken to keep her healthy and give her energy while she is nursing.
After your hamster gives birth, it is advised to maintain a calm and peaceful environment for her. If a mother hamster senses danger, she might eat her young. This protects the nest from predators in the wild.
Male and female hamsters shouldn’t be kept together since they can reproduce too frequently. Breeding may take place prior to the female weaning her young, which can be stressful for her and may cause the young to perish.
Because they lack maternal instincts, male hamsters shouldn’t be near the young. He might try to eat the puppies or kill them, or he might get into a fight with the mother dog as she defends her young.
In conclusion
Have you discovered anything new regarding hamsters? They are intriguing creatures that are frequently misunderstood and mistaken for idiots since they are “simply” rodents. However, they are highly intelligent creatures with sophisticated social relationships and the capacity for comprehension, problem-solving, and kinship. If you take good care of your hamster, it can live with you for up to 4 years and will always be a source of entertaining interactions.
If you want more helpful advice on looking after your hamster, including tips on food, toys, accessories and accommodation, add a comment below to let us know!
