Facts About Teddy Bear Hamsters

Appearance

• The major difference you'll notice between a regular hamster (called the Syrian or Golden hamster) and the teddy bear hamster is that the teddy bear hamster has much longer hair. Because of their flowing manes, they are often referred to as "fancy hamsters" or "angora hamsters." On average, they are four to six inches in length and the females are usually larger than the males (though the males do have longer hair).

Nocturnal

• Teddy bear hamsters are nocturnal, meaning they sleep throughout the day and become active once night falls. For this reason, many pet owners prefer to keep their teddy bear hamsters in a room where nobody sleeps. They tend to be noisy while playing, eating and walking around their cages.

Cleaning

• Like cats, teddy bear hamsters do not require baths. They bathe themselves with their tongues, hands and feet. However, if your teddy bear hamster becomes very dirty or cannot clean itself, you can wipe it with a damp washcloth or chemical/scent-free baby wipes. Also, it's a good idea to comb your hamster's hair on a regular basis and make sure it gets a lot of play time so its nails stay naturally trimmed.

Personality

• Teddy bear hamster are generally happy animals who are low maintenance and easy to care for. Occasionally, they can be crabby. If your hamster acts mean, it usually just wants some time alone. They prefer not to be held and thrive when they live alone. In fact, it is strongly advised not to put two teddy bear hamsters into one cage.

Life span

• Teddy bear hamsters live, on average, for two to three years as long as they are treated and cared for appropriately. To ensure that they live the average life span, feed them fresh food.