Information on Hamsters

Hamsters are small rodents that are suitable pets for adults and children. If socialized from a young age, hamsters enjoy being held and they are relatively easy to care for since they groom themselves. Hamsters can be adopted when they are eight weeks old and have a life expectancy of two to three years.

  1. History

    • The golden, or Syrian hamster, is the most common pet breed. In 1930, Israeli zoologist Dr. I. Aharoni took a female and her 12 offspring from Syria to Jerusalem. In 1931, hamsters were brought to London. By the mid-1950's, hamsters became popular pets in the United States.

    Types

    • The golden hamster is the best choice for single pet households. Russian, or dwarf hamsters, can be kept together in a cage.

    Features

    • Hamsters can be a single color or multicolored. The fur can be satin--which is soft and silky--or rex, which looks textured but feels smooth. Some hamsters have long hair, or a shaggy coat.

    Size

    • The golden hamster is 15 to 20 centimeters long, or about six inches. The Russian, or dwarf hamster, is 10 to 12 centimeters, or about three inches.

    Considerations

    • These nocturnal animals tend to be active at night, so consider putting things like ladders and tubes in your hamster's cage so it has an interesting environment to explore.

    Fun Fact

    • According to Guinness World Records 2009, the smallest domestic hamster breed is the Roborovski hamster from Mongolia and northern China, which grows to a length of four and one half centimeters, or about one and a half inches.