Syrian Hamster - Mesocricetus auratus

Description

The Syrian Hamster originates from Syria and was first recorded in 1839.
The Syrian Hamster is sometimes referred to as the 'Golden Hamster' due to its original wild golden colouring although today there are many different colour and coat mutations. Long Haired Syrian hamsters are sometimes referred to as 'TeddyBear? Hamsters'.
The Syrian Hamster is the most common type of hamster kept as a pet and is approximately 6-7 inches in length with a very short tail. The Syrian Hamster has expandable cheekpouches which it uses to collect and carry food and bedding and it can carry up to half its body weight in grain in its cheekpouches. It is a solitary animal and will not usually live with another past 8-10 weeks of age and so it is important that they are housed separately as serious fighting, even death can occur if more than one are kept in the same cage. The Syrian Hamster is nocturnal, usually waking during the evening. It makes a good pet, being relatively cheap and easy to keep and usually being of good nature and easy enough for small children to handle. The average lifespan is 2-2? years although they can live longer and up to 3-4 years is not too unusual.





Category
Rodents