Hamsters come in a lot of different fur color varieties, especially Syrian hamsters. Additionally, they have unusually colored eyes that range from black to crimson. The majority of hamster eye colors are influenced by the parent’s DNA or the fur coloration. The primary factor affecting the eye color of a hamster is its coat color.
There are just a few uncommon eye hues, primarily the Syrian hamster colour with ruby eyes. Dwarf hamsters like the Winter White or Campbell’s hamster are less likely to have red eyes. Given the diversity of their species, not every hamster will have the same eye color. The red, pink, or ruby colour that is frequently observed in dwarfs, Syrians, and Robovorski hamsters is not inherited in Chinese hamsters.
How can I tell what color my hamsters’ eyes are?
The eyes should reflect any hue, such as a shade of red, blue, pink, ruby, or black, once your hamster is at ease being handled. The exception to this rule is Chinese hamsters, who often have a pair of black eyes that are practically sideways on their slim face.
In bright light, some hamsters’ black eyes may appear to have a ruby hue; this is normal and will get more noticeable as the animal ages. Hamsters with white coats typically have red or black eyes with a crimson hue. When a hamster exhibits two different eye colors, such as one red and one black eye, this is known as heterochromia and is a rare condition that does not often occur frequently in regular pet store hamsters. Despite its seeming rarity, heterochromia is not a cause for alarm.
Hamster eye colors
- Black-eyed hamster
The most popular eye color for hamsters is black, which is bred and owned in large numbers. The majority of us envision attractive cuddly animals as having lustrous black eyes. The Chinese hamster exclusively has this eye color, which is the typical eye color for all five hamster species.
- Black-eyed hamster with a slight red tint
When handled under intense white light, black-eyed hamsters occasionally show a reddish-pink or ruby tinge in their eyes; this is especially typical for hamsters that inherit the red-eye gene from their parents. As they grow older, the red hue darkens and becomes more apparent in natural light. Except for the Chinese hamster, all hamster species can have this colour.
- Blue-eyed hamster
Despite being widely referred to as having blue eyes, this hamster actually has black visible eyes with a light to dark blue ring around them. If the ring is thick enough, you can see the ring without your hamster needing to turn their head sideways. This eye color can also be seen in Syrian and Robovorski hamsters, but is less frequently seen in Chinese hamsters. It is particularly common in hybrid dwarves with the typical wild form fur coloration (a patterned grey).
- Red-eyed hamster
Hamster owners prize red-eyed hamsters because they have an interesting and uncommon eye color variety. Only Syrians, Robovorskis, and both species of dwarf hamsters, including hybrids, have red eyes (a mix between Campbells and Winter white hamsters). A red-eyed hamster’s red colouring will be significantly lighter while it is young and progressively get darker as it ages.
Hamsters with white coats and those with orange or cream coloring, such as Syrian, Robovorski, and dwarves, are more likely to exhibit red eyes. The majority of people become alarmed when they encounter a hamster with red eyes, however there is no health or medical issue; rather, they simply lack the pigment (also known as albinism) needed to create the typical black eye color, and as a result, their eyes will not develop much of a dominating hue.
- Ruby-eyed hamster
Unlike red-eyed hamsters, who gradually deepen and are regarded as having very deep red wine-colored eyes, ruby-eyed hamsters have dark red eyes from birth. An ethical breeder’s specifically ruby-eyed bred hamsters frequently have this uncommon eye color. Syrian hamsters, white-colored dwarves, and Robovorski hamsters are the three species most frequently affected.
- Light pink-eyed hamster
Hamsters can develop light pink eyes. In bright light, the pink eye colour can appear to have a white undertone. If you use your phone’s flash to take a photo of your pink-eyed hamster, the camera will also capture the white undertone. The likelihood of seeing this in young hamsters with noticeable red eyes is high. You can also see it as a primary hue in Syrian, Robovorski, and cream – or white – colored dwarves. The pink eyes can start to turn a darker shade of red, but older hamsters are more likely to experience this.
- Heterochromia
A very uncommon eye ailment called heterochromia can affect Syrian or dwarf hamsters. When a hamster has two different-colored eyes, such as one black and one ruby-colored eye, this condition is known as heterochromia. Although the color difference is highly intriguing, it is only a genetic mutation that is quite uncommon in the hamster owning world. Few and far between, the majority of the multi-colored-eyed hamsters in a pet shop or breeder are the first to be snapped up.
Conclusion
It can be challenging to select a favorite hamster eye color with so many options. When your hamsters reach adulthood at 3 months old, the color of their fur will typically determine the color of their eyes. Unfortunately, unlike the Syrian, dwarf, and Robovorski hamsters, the Chinese hamster does not exhibit a wide range of eye hues. It can be challenging to find hamsters with heterochromia, but it is an unique eye coloration.
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!
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