Syrian hamsters make excellent companions because, once you get to know them, they are easy to care for. Before you decide to bring one home, do some research to make sure it’s a pet you’ll actually like. Learn more about how to care for a Syrian hamster with our care guide below!
Physical characteristics of a Syrian hamster
- Weight : 110 – 140g
- Size : about 15cm
- Color : most often golden brown with a lighter belly
- Other characteristics: small eyes and cheeks, short tail
- Life expectancy: 2 to 3 years
Personality of a Syrian Hamster
Syrian hamsters can be very active and have a strong personality. It is essential that you understand his behavior to ensure he is happy and healthy.
Quiet and docile
Handling them can be a pleasure as they move slowly and their size fits your palm perfectly. Syrian hamsters have a reputation for being excellent pets for all ages, especially for children, as they are naturally docile and easy to tame.
Lonely
They generally reach sexual maturity at 4 or 5 weeks of age and must then be separated from hamsters of the opposite sex.
They also become more territorial at 6 to 8 weeks of age, and therefore need to be alone in their cage.
Very alive… at night!
Hamsters are nocturnal and spend most of the day sleeping in their cage. They are most active when the sun goes down, making them perfect pets for those who are busy during the day and want to spend time with them in the evening!
Caring for a Syrian Hamster
Cage size
The ideal cage for Syrian hamsters is a large wire cage with a plastic base ofat least 80 cm (length) x 50 cm (width) x 50 cm (height). This is to ensure good ventilation and sufficient space for your pet to move around.
Litter
When buying litter from a pet store, avoid using scented, pine or cedar shavings, as they could irritate your hamster’s lungs!
The “sleeping” corner
As these furballs spend most of the time day sleeping, you can consider providing them with a small, quiet place so that they can rest in a quiet and secluded place.
Cage maintenance and cleaning
You will need to clean your hamster’s cage regularly to maintain a hygienic environment. Here are some tips for cleaning the cage:
- Clean the cage thoroughly once a week with a pet-safe cleaner.
- Hamsters hate sudden changes which stress them out. Their cages before/after cleaning should be as similar as possible so that they can find their way around and minimize their fears.
- When changing the bedding, keep some of the clean, dry bedding that your hamster has already used. By adding it to fresh litter, you will ensure better comfort for your animal by reassuring it.
Cleaning
Syrian hamsters are able to wash themselves and do not need frequent baths. In fact, it’s not advisable to bathe them at all, as water can strip the vital protective oils from their coat and cause them to catch a cold.
Fortunately, there are other grooming practices you can adopt to clean your hamster without using water. The only time you should bathe your pet is when there is something toxic or sticky on their fur.
You must also brush your pet:
- For long-haired breeds: 2 times a week.
- For short-haired breeds: 1 time per week.
Exercise and play
Syrian hamster in a red exercise wheel
Since Syrian hamsters are active pets, they need a variety of toys and other items to exercise, explore, and play.
Exercise wheels
By placing a hamster wheel in its cage, you will help it to stay fit and healthy by allowing him to burn the fat he has acquired. Be sure to choose one with a solid and large surface to guarantee optimal safety.
Tunnels and ladders
THE tunnels imitate the natural habitat of this breed and therefore provide them with great comfort. To make the game more interactive, you can also include ladders, because these creatures love to climb!
Chew toys
It is essential to provide toys that Syrian hamsters can gnaw to keep their constantly growing teeth in good condition. Wooden chew toys are a good choice because they are safe and sturdy and help your pet file their teeth.
Toilet paper rolls are also a good alternative for these creatures. Make sure the material does not contain dyes to avoid harming your pet!
What does a Syrian hamster eat?
THE diet of a Syrian hamster must consist of:
- 17 to 22% protein
- 8 to 10% fiber
- 4 to 6% fat
To achieve this perfect balance, it is good to start with a commercial hamster mix, as this is usually an optimal combination of grains, seeds and pellets.
It is also recommended to supplement your diet with a small amount of healthy treats every 2 or 3 days. This could be:
- Cooked chicken, turkey or beef (protein).
- Boiled egg (protein)
- Pine nuts
If you want to reward your hamsters with treats fruity, grapes prove to be one of the best options to consider!
Your hamster will also need constant access to clean and fresh water. To do this, attach a water bottle with a metal spout to the side of its cage.
These creatures tend to gather food in their bed and storing food in their cheek pouches. Do not overfeed them and quickly remove any uneaten food from their cage!
Common health problems
Store food in the cheek bags can sometimes lead to problems. These cheeks can be injured by a sharp corner of food or excessive stuffing.
If your hamster seems to have permanently stuffed cheeks, you may want to seek the advice of a veterinarian to check for the possibility of an infection.
Here are other common health problems your hamster may face:
Urinary infections
UTIs can be quite common in hamsters due to their small size, which allows bacteria to easily enter the urethra and infect the bladder.
This condition rarely goes away on its own and can quickly escalate into a kidney infection. Seek professional help from your veterinarian, who can perform a urinalysis to confirm the diagnosis and provide effective treatment.
Symptoms side:
- Increased frequency of urination
- Traces of blood in urine
Wet tail
Wet tail is a life-threatening health problem that affects Syrian hamsters younger than 12 weeks old. If left untreated, your hamster will face severe dehydration, discomfort and may die.
The symptoms are:
- Diarrhea
- Tangled tail
- Foul smell
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Inability to walk properly
The best thing is to consult a veterinarian who will prescribe oral medication and antibiotics.
An infection caused by fungi
Fungal infections are another common illness in hamsters, the most common of which is ringworm. This disease is often contagious and can be transmitted to other animals and humans. Identify any symptoms beforehand and seek early treatment.
- Circular spots of hair loss
- Dry, flaky skin
Here again, consulting a veterinarian is the best option, so that he can prescribe antibiotics if necessary, and an antifungal cream.
How much does it cost to care for a Syrian hamster?
Owning a Syrian hamster is not just about having a new companion. There are also upfront costs to pay and the prices are as follows:
Buy it at a pet store will cost you around €15.
It is also essential to purchase a cage, water bottle, and interactive toys to provide a comfortable home for your pet. You can expect the total costs to be $100 and up!
Cost of annual maintenance
For the well-being of your little companion, consider:
- Food: €400 per year
- Litter: from €50 to €100 per year
- Veterinarian: from €40 to €200 per year
These are some of the basic costs you need to cover when caring for your furball. Additional costs will be incurred if you decide to purchase other items to pamper him!
Funny Syrian hamsters
Syrian Hamsters Have Many Different Names
Syrian hamsters are named after their primary place of origin, but they have been given many other names as well. Common names include novelty hamsters, teddy bear hamsters, and golden hamsters.
Syrian hamsters come in many colors
This breed is traditionally golden in color, but today they come in a range of hues, including cream, cinnamon, sable, black, white and patterned variations.
Syrian hamsters come in long-haired versions
Not all Syrian hamsters are short-haired. Some of them may have long, silky coats. This phenomenon is more common in male Syrian hamsters due to increased testosterone production.
The Syrian hamster is one of the most popular choices among small pets. It is generally easy to tame, fun to watch, and low maintenance, making it a good pet for beginners.
It is rare for Syrian hamsters to be aggressive. They usually only bite when scared. Fortunately, you can gradually teach your pet to accept being handled and stop biting.
If you’re looking for a small pet, there’s nothing cuter than a Syrian hamster! This breed makes a great compromise for your family, as it is considered the most child-friendly option.
However, make sure you are fully aware of their needs. You can also learn about other hamster breeds before making a decision!