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Hamsters are absolutely adorable and make some of the best pets around – who wouldn’t want one? A particularly popular type of hamster is the golden or Syrian variety, although there are a plethora of other options out there, such as Dwarf Hamsters, these include varieties such as Campbell’s, Winter White, and Roborovski- each with their own unique personalities and traits. As it turns out, hamsters have evolved to be primarily nocturnal. This is because they are trying to stay safe from potential predators in the wild.

Their diet consists primarily of seeds and fruits, although they may also occasionally snack on insects that live in the ground. One of the most interesting things about hamsters is their specially designed cheeks that allow them to store an impressive amount of food at once. Additionally, they have relatively short tails and fur on their feet that help them to stay warm and agile.

They are from Syria – the Syrian or Golden hamster has a fascinating history that dates back to 1839 when it was first described. However, despite being known for over a century, it was not until 1939 that researchers were able to successfully breed and domesticate these furry and cute critters. Interestingly, the entire population of laboratory and pet Syrian hamsters can be traced back to a single pair of siblings who were captured and imported from Aleppo in Syria by a renowned zoologist named Israel Aharoni. This pair was brought to Jerusalem where they bred very successfully, leading to the export of animals from this colony to the United States, where they became popular pets and laboratory animals. While domestic Syrian hamsters have reduced genetic variability compared to their wild counterparts, the differences in various parameters such as behavior and physiology are relatively small and fall within the expected range of differences seen between different strains of laboratory animals.

Hamsters are fascinating animals with unique dietary needs. It’s important to note that hamsters are actually omnivorous, meaning they need a mix of commercial hamster food, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds in their diet. In their natural habitat, hamsters primarily subsist on seeds, grass, and insects. However, while store-bought hamster food ensures that hamsters receive adequate nutrition, feeding them nutritious fruits and vegetables is vital to keep them healthy.

It’s important to note that some foods should be avoided when feeding your hamster. Fruits with citrus and salty/sugary foods can be harmful to your furry little friend. However, green leafy vegetables are entirely safe for hamsters. On the other hand, certain foods should never be fed to hamsters, including chocolate, garlic, and junk food. While hamsters may love peanut butter, it’s essential to feed it with care, as it can get stuck in their cheeks and cause discomfort.

It’s fascinating to note that hamsters are hindgut fermenters, which means they often eat their own feces to recover nutrients that weren’t previously absorbed in their digestive system. You might also be interested to know that in the Middle East, hamsters have been known to hunt in packs for insects to eat.

Hamsters are an incredibly popular choice for pet lovers due to their adorable and charming nature. It’s no surprise that people just can’t resist their cuteness, but what is unfortunate about these lovable creatures is that they tend to have relatively short lifespans.

It’s important to know that a Syrian hamster, which is the most commonly kept hamster as a pet, typically lives for up to two to three years in captivity – larger breeds may even reach four years. Similarly, Russian hamsters generally live between two to four years when kept as pets, while Chinese hamsters have an estimated lifespan of about 2.5 to 3 years.

On the other hand, Roborovski hamsters, the smallest of all hamsters, are said to live up to three years in captivity. Providing your hamster with the correct diet and proper care is vital to helping them lead the best life possible.

It’s important to note that when it comes to hamsters, specifically female Chinese and Syrian hamsters, keeping males and females together after mating can cause the females to become aggressive towards males. This can be very dangerous as the female can attack the male, leading to severe injuries and even death. Therefore, it is highly recommended that the pair be separated after mating to prevent any mishaps.

Moreover, female hamsters tend to be quite sensitive during the birth of their young. They may resort to consuming their newborns if they sense any risk to their litter.

Sometimes, however, mother hamsters may carry their pups in their cheek pouches. If left with their litter for an extended period, female hamsters may resort to cannibalizing their young, which can be distressing. As such, it is essential to remove the litter by the time the young can feed and drink independently while keeping the mother hamster’s well-being in mind. It is vital to know these behaviors if you are breeding hamsters to guarantee the safety and comfort of both the mother and her young.