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Syrian Hamster Care Guide
Did You Know?
- Syrian Hamsters such as the Golden, Teddy Bear, Fancy, Black Bear or Panda Bear (also known as Mesocricetus auratus) have large pouches on either side of their mouth to store extra food.
- They are nocturnal animals, so these guys are active at night.
- Marathon runners; Syrians are very active animals and require a lot of exercise and enrichment.
- Tiny pet, big attitude! These guys may be tiny, but what they lack in size they make up for in personality.
Species Information
LIFE SPAN
Approximately 3 years
AVERAGE SIZE
3-4 inches
NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION
Very social & engaging – generally very gregarious. Syrian Hamsters are best kept alone. Hamsters are easily tamed, even if they are difficult at first. The more you handle and work with your pet, the tamer it will become.
CAGE TEMPERATURE
Day Temps: Room temperature
FEEDING
Omnivores/grain eaters. Commercially prepared hamster diets are available at all pet stores, they are made of pellets, seeds, grains and dried vegetables. Fresh vegetables and fruits may be offered as treats as well.
WATER
Clean, fresh chlorine-free water must always be available. Change it daily.
ENCLOSURE SIZE
Hamsters love to exercise and explore so the bigger the habitat the better for your Syrian. Plastic and wire or glass tanks both make suitable enclosures, but whatever cage you choose, make sure it is secure.
HIDE HOUSE
The hide house is extremely important to the Hamster, and will most likely become your pet’s main ‘bedroom.’ Offer at least one to your Syrian.
SUBSTRATE
We recommend an aspen bedding or soft recycled newspaper bedding.
TOYS
Several types of toys must be available to your Hamster. Chewing toys such as wooden hamster toys, hide houses, wheels, and hamster balls are all good options.
GROOMING & HYGIENE
It is not necessary to clean or bathe your Hamster. They are extremely neat and will groom themselves!
HABITAT MAINTENANCE
Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate, cleaning water bowls and bottles thoroughly and wiping glass clean. The entire cage should be cleaned thoroughly at least once every week.
RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES
- Plastic hamster cage or glass tank with locking top
- Aspen or paper bedding for bottom of tank
- Water bottle or bowl
- Food bowl
- Prepared Hamster food
- Several toys & chews
- 1-2 hide houses
- Hamster wheel with solid running surface
- Play time items like hamster saucers or enclosed exercise balls
Vet Approved
Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.
For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.
Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.
For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.
Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.
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