This is a question that many hamster owners ask themselves. It's not always easy to determine the sex of a hamster, especially if you're not familiar with the anatomical characteristics of the two sexes. Fortunately, there are a few ways to tell if your hamster is male or female. In this article, we'll explain how to determine the sex of your hamster based on its physical appearance and behavior.
Male or female, how to distinguish them?
When you adopt a hamster or when you buys it in a pet shopIt is rare to know your gender in advance.
There are several methods to determine the sex of a hamster. The most reliable method is to examine the anatomy of the animal:
- Hamsters males have a scrotal pouch located below their abdomen. They also have testicles that can be seen or felt through the skin.
- Female hamsters do not have a scrotal pouch and their vulva is located closer to their anus.
The dwarf hamsters generally have a larger genital opening than Syrian hamstersThis makes it easier to sex them. However, it is always better to ask for the help of a veterinarian or a breeder experienced to ensure that the sex of the animal is correctly determined.
Physical characteristics of male and female hamsters
Male and female hamsters have slightly different physical characteristics. Males are generally a little larger than females, and have a denser coat. Females generally have a finer, silkier coat. Both sexes have similar length legs and tails. Males generally have slightly better hearing and eyesight than females. Females generally have a more sensitive sense of smell than males.
Hamsters are solitary animals and, in general, males do not get along with females.
Male hamsters are generally larger than females, with thicker fur. They also have a gland on their belly, called Cauvet's gland, which is absent in females.
Another way to determine the sex of a hamster is to look at its posture. Males tend to stand upright on their hind legs, while females tend to bend over.
Differences in behaviour
There are many differences between male and female hamsters when it comes to behavior. Male hamsters can sometimes be more aggressive and harder to handle. They are also more likely to escape from their cage. Female hamsters, on the other hand, are generally calmer and easier to handle.
This being the case, do not assume that a species of hamster is nicer than any other, because regardless of their sex or species, their personality is a much more determining criterion in this regard.
Should I choose a male or female hamster?
Choosing between a male or female hamster for adoption depends on several factors, including the specific characteristics of each hamster species. :
When buying and adopting a hamster, the decision between a male or a female can vary significantly depending on the species concerned. Behaviors, cohabitation and even care requirements differ, offering a range of choices to suit your needs and living environment.
Golden Hamsters
The golden hamsters are characterized by a strong preference for solitude, regardless of gender. However, if a choice has to be made males prove to be less demanding companionsunlike females, who can be more dynamic and emit stronger odours during their heat cycles. Early separation, from 5 weeks, is crucial to avoid forced cohabitation.
Chinese hamsters
For those considering adoption in the Chinese hamster species, the choice between males and females is less critical.both sexes display similarities both physical and behavioral. Nevertheless, for harmonious cohabitation, males are preferred, coexisting with less friction than females, who may show a propensity for isolation.
Russian hamsters
In the case of Russian hamstersAlthough physical and behavioral differences between the sexes are minimal, males tend to live better together, avoiding the tensions often seen in females. Vigilance is still required to prevent conflicts that could lead to permanent separation.
Roborovski's hamsters
Little known but gaining in popularity, Roborovski's hamsters show no noticeable difference between the sexes, offering adoption flexibility. Their peaceful coexistence makes this species an ideal choice for those seeking to avoid gender-related complications.
Campbell's hamsters
With almost identical sizes between the sexes, Campbell hamsters share traits with Russian and Chinese hamsters, where males, more inclined to group living, are favored to avoid the frequent arguments seen in females.
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