Those Cheeky Hamsters

By Robert J. Russell and Jim A. Stunkard.

Hamsters often are pugnacious animals; however, many of them make gentle pets when handled frequently. The hamster commonly seen as a pet is the Syrian or golden hamster, Mesocricetus auratus. They are a light golden brown color.

Two species of hamsters are rarely seen as pets: 1) the European hamster, Cricetus cricetus, light brown with a black belly and white areas on the face; and 2) the Chinese hamster, Cricetulus griseus, characterized by a black dorsal strip and a light brown to gray and white coat color.

Hamsters are nocturnal, their gestation period is extremely short (14 days), and they have extensive cheek pouches to carry food and move their babies from one location to another. The hamster uses pigmented flank organs (sebaceous glands), located high on the thigh, for territorial marking.

Escape Artists

Hamsters are extremely adept at escaping from their cages. So it is extremely important that lids and doors have secure latches and that cages are solidly constructed.

Generally, wire bar, plastic, metal, or glass solid-bottom shoe box cages are used, and most have clip-on wire bar or solid metal tops. Many people equip their cages with tunnels and exercise wheels; however, exercise wheels are often the cause of broken legs, especially when used in wire bar cages.

Hardwood chips, ground corncobs, and shredded paper are acceptable as bedding materials. Adult hamsters require a floor area of at least 20 square inches with a cage height of 6". A female hamster should have 150 square inches of floor space.

May Hibernate

Environmental temperatures between 65 and 75 F generally are acceptable. Hamsters will hibernate at temperatures below 48 F and also if the daily period of light is very short less than 2 hours a day. Pelleted rodent feeds, available commercially from major feed suppliers, generally are readily available and acceptable. Mixed seeds can be used as a treat. Clean, fresh water should be available continuously.

Hamsters occasionally are difficult to breed successfully. Both hand mating and monogamous mating systems can result in fighting.

Cannibalism can be a serious problem. The incidence may be reduced by providing sufficient nesting materials, a dark hiding place free from disturbance, prevention of sudden noises, and separation of males from pregnant and lactating females. Generally the young should not be handled during the first week of life.

Hamsters frequently fight with each other. Severe bite wounds, occasionally resulting in death, are often inflicted. To reduce fighting it is best to house animals together early in life, at weaning rather than at several months of age.