Habitat of Golden Hamsters

Golden hamsters make ideal pets because of their lifestyle and tendencies. In their natural habitat, golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) are solitary and primarily nocturnal. They live in burrows that they construct themselves. Golden hamsters originated from the Syrian wheat fields and were domesticated in the 1930s.

  1. Diet

    • A wild hamster's diet consists mainly of seeds, fruits, grasses and other plant parts, carrion, and invertebrates. Food for a pet hamster should be bought in small quantities so it stays fresh. Vegetables such as celery, carrots and cabbage can supplement its diet.

    Natural Habitat

    • In the golden hamster's natural habitat, the plains of Syria, the animal inhabits dry, rocky and shrubby plains. They live alone in small burrows and interact with other hamsters only to mate.

    Artificial Habitat

    • A tame hamster's habitat should be comfortable and safe. The cage should be big, and there should be lots of bedding for the burrowing animal. Chew toys are a good idea for pet hamsters as it will keep them entertained. A cool temperature with low humidity will make the artificial habitat much more realistic and more enjoyable for hamsters. They also enjoy toilet paper tubes for chewing on and burrowing in.

    Habits

    • Primarily nocturnal, golden hamsters can also be active during the daytime. They are known for their habit of storing food in their cheeks. The average lifespan of a golden hamster is two to three years.

    Safety

    • A hamster should be left alone if sitting on its haunches and chattering its teeth---that's a sign that it's not in a good mood. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling a hamster, to prevent the spread of germs.