The golden hamster is a small mammal from the hamster family. It is native to Central Asia and is very popular as a pet. Golden hamsters are generally very affectionate and get along well with children. They love to play and are very curious.
Description of the golden hamster
The golden hamster (Cricetus auratus), also known as the Syrian hamster, is a small rodent from the Cricetidae family.
- It is the largest of all hamsters among those commonly sold, with a body length that can reach 20 cm.
- It has a soft and silky fur, which is usually golden or tawny with black stripes on its back, with a light band extending from the nose to the base of the tail. There are also white and gray varieties.
- It has a short tail and a round head with large ears.
- Adult golden hamsters generally measure between 10 and 15 cm long for the body, with a tail measuring 4 to 6 cm long.
- They can weigh approximately 100 to 150 grams.
- Males are generally slightly larger than females.
Golden hamsters have a gestation period of 16 to 18 days and can have up to 12 pups. They are generally very affectionate with their owner and are one of the most popular pets.
The origin of the golden hamster
The golden hamster is a small species of hamster native to Syria. It was introduced to Europe in the 1930s and has become one of the most popular hamsters as a pet.
Behavior and character of the golden hamster
Golden hamsters are nocturnal animals and are very active at night. They need a safe and comfortable place to sleep during the day, such as a cage with a layer of sawdust or straw.
Golden hamsters are solitary animals and do not tolerate the presence of other hamsters nearby. However, they adapt well to humans and can be tamed. They are curious and love to explore their environment.
They can be quite wary and may bite if they feel threatened. However, if they are well socialized from a young age, they become very docile and tolerate human interactions without any problem.
Lifespan of a golden hamster
Golden hamsters are very robust animals and can live up to 3 years in captivity, but some can live up to 5 years. However, they are prone to certain health issues, such as heart diseases, respiratory infections, and eye diseases. Golden hamsters are also sensitive to temperature changes and should be protected from the cold.
Feeding a golden (or Syrian) hamster
The diet of the golden hamster (or Syrian) is very important for its well-being and health. It is essential to provide a balanced and quality diet so that it can live long and in good health.
Its food should be balanced, high-quality, and rich in nutrients as it is very sensitive to dietary deficiencies.
The golden hamster is an omnivorous animal. It feeds on grains, fruits, vegetables, insects, and small mammals. They can also store food in their cheeks.
Recommended foods for the golden hamster are rodent pellets, seeds, vegetables, and fruits. Rodent pellets are a good source of nutrients for the golden hamster and should be provided ad libitum. Seeds should be given in small amounts, as they can cause digestive issues. Vegetables and fruits should also be given in small amounts as they can be high in sugar.
Provide them with fresh and clean water at all times. The water should be changed daily, and it is recommended to provide bottled water rather than tap water.
Is the golden hamster suitable for children?
Yes! Your children will love it, that’s for sure. It will be necessary to teach your children how to handle it gently and how to tame it without scaring it. However, this is the easiest breed of hamster to adopt as it is less wild than the Russian or Chinese hamsters, for example.
The needs of the golden (or Syrian) hamster
The golden hamster is a very popular small pet, especially among children. This small rodent is indeed very affectionate and easy to handle, making it an excellent pet for families with children. However, before adopting a golden hamster, learn about the needs of this animal to provide it with the best possible living conditions.
As mentioned earlier, the Syrian hamster is a nocturnal animal, meaning it is more active at night than during the day. This means that you will probably not see it much during the day, and that is perfectly normal. It cannot be emphasized enough: do not disturb it while it sleeps, and do not take it out of its cage during the day. This could stress it and prevent it from resting properly.
It needs a spacious and comfortable cage to play, rest, and relieve itself. The cage should be large enough for the animal to carry out its activities without feeling cramped, but it should not be too large either as this can be intimidating for the animal. The cage should also be equipped with a cozy nest where the animal can rest and hide if necessary.
The bars of the cage should be spaced far enough apart so that the hamster cannot slip between them and escape. The cage should also have a secure locking system so that the animal cannot get out.
Golden hamsters are very curious animals and love to play, so it is important to provide them with plenty of toys in their cage to keep them entertained!
The care of the golden (or Syrian) hamster
Golden hamsters are very clean animals and can be taught to use a litter box. The litter should be changed regularly to avoid unpleasant odors.
They are generally very clean and do not require much grooming.
Where to buy a Syrian hamster?
The best place to buy a Syrian hamster is from a breeder or a pet store of good reputation. This ensures that your hamster is healthy and has been raised in a clean and safe environment. Once you find a good source for Syrian hamsters, you can choose from a wide variety of fur colors and patterns. With so many options available, it is easy to find the perfect hamster for your home.