Syrian hamsters
Syrian hamsters are delightful, active pets. They are relatively easy to keep and don’t require as much space as larger animals like rabbits and being solitary animals they are quite happy to live on their own.
For their care Syrian hamsters require a clean and cozy living environment, a balanced diet consisting of commercial hamster food, fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation. They will tolerate handing but are not an animal that enjoys lots of cuddles.
With a lifespan of about 2 to 3 years they are not long lived pets but will still require daily attention like all other animals. Being nocturnal they will be asleep during most of the day and active at night which will need to be considered if they are going to live in a child’s bedroom. Is this the right pet for you? Have a look at the Syrian hamster test to find out.
What next?
View the information below to learn the essentials for owning a Syrian hamster.
Take the test, and when you have passed, you will receive a certificate to show to your pet shop and prove your knowledge.
Information for owning a pet Syrian hamster
The Pet Know How tests are designed to test your basic knowledge of keeping a pet of your choice. They will help you understand the needs of the animal and some of the important things you need to consider if you were to have one as a pet. Once you complete a test you won’t be an expert keeper but you will be in a better position to make an informed decision and decide if you are able, and willing, to take on the responsibility.
In this section, you will find a wealth of knowledge compiled by pet experts to provide you with the valuable information you need regarding owning a pet Syrian hamster.
Work your way through all the sections, and when you feel ready, register yourself to take the test and earn a certificate that proves your Syrian hamster knowledge.
Introduction
Hamsters are thought of as good family pets. They are nocturnal, so they are more active in the evening and night, allowing the busy family time to enjoy them. They are small mammals so are ideal if space is limited.
Hamsters make suitable pets for older children, providing they are taught the responsibilities of their pet’s routine for cleaning, feeding and care. The average lifespan of a Syrian hamster is approximately two years.
Syrian or Golden hamsters originate from Syria. In the wild they live in burrows during the day to keep cool and travel great distances at night in search of food.
DID YOU KNOW? Syrian hamsters are solitary animals and must be housed alone. They have more than twenty colours and coat types such as satin and long haired.
General care
Hamsters are generally hardy animals and normally stay healthy throughout their lives. They can, however, suffer from coughs and sneezes and their nose and eyes may run, so keep them warm and away from any draughts if these occur. Hamsters can also suffer acute diarrhoea, known as ‘wet tail’ – if this occurs consult with a vet immediately.
There is usually no problem with hamsters’ teeth; however, if they do not meet properly they will grow too long, making eating difficult. If this occurs the teeth must be trimmed regularly, which must be done by your vet.
Syrian hamsters do not need to hibernate, but will go into a state of very deep sleep, similar to hibernation, if there is a sudden drop in temperature below 5°C
If your hamster escapes from its cage, try putting a box in the corner of the room with some of its favourite food in – you might find him it in the next morning.
If you are concerned about your hamster’s health speak to your pet shop or vet.
Choosing your hamster
A healthy hamster should…
Be bright and alert
Have no signs of discharge from eyes, ears, mouth and nose
Have a clear anal area
Have a glossy coat with no bald patches and not have sores on the skin
Have no signs of breathing problem
Move around the cage easily with no stiffness or staggering
Feel well covered and not bony
Housing
Cages with plastic bases and a wire top are ideal as they are easy to clean and should be escape-proof. The cage should be big enough to provide adequate space to divide their accommodation into an eating, sleeping and toilet area. More space or two adjoining rooms or stories will add to their environmental enrichment. Some cages have extra rooms and tubes available, which provide good stimulation for your pet.
Hamsters are indoor pets and should be kept in a stable temperature, ideally between 17˚C and 23˚C and avoid sudden changes in temperature. The cage should not be placed in draughts, direct sunlight, next to a radiator or in damp or humid conditions.
Hamsters require lots of exercise and their cage should include a suitably-sized jumbo exercise wheel. You can also purchase a hamster ball, which your pet can be placed into to roam around a safe area of your house.
Soft, dust-free woodchips make a good floor covering for your hamster’s cage. Soft shredded paper can be used as bedding and nesting material – it is recommended not to use fluffy bedding.
Hygiene
Hamsters can be stressed when their bedding is completely changed as new bedding does not have their scent. It is advised to spot clean every few days, removing areas of soiled bedding and replacing it. Partial changes of bedding can then be carried out as needed, providing new bedding but mixing a little of the old bedding in with it so that the hamster recognises its own scent.
Syrian Hamsters can also be litter trained to reduce the need to total clean outs. Cages should be washed and disinfected regularly with a pet safe disinfectant.
Handling
It is important that you handle your hamster regularly to help you build up a relationship with him.
When you first get your hamster home, leave him to settle in for 24 hours to allow him time to get used to his new surroundings.
Slowly place your hand in the cage so he gets used to your smell. When he seems happy, gently cup one hand under him and one hand over him, and pick him up. Always concentrate on holding your Syrian hamster as they can be very quick and can slip out of your hands. Never scruff your hamster as this can cause the eyes to prolapse.
Do not try to handle your hamster if he has just woken up as they feel vulnerable at this time and may bite.
Food and water
Hamsters are omnivores and so will enjoy a varied diet. A good, commercial Syrian hamster mix or pellet will provide the nutrition they require. This can be supplemented 2-3 times a week by small amounts of fresh fruit (not citrus) or vegetables (not onion). Hamsters have pouches in their cheeks, which they use to carry and hoard food, check for any uneaten fresh food and remove daily. Extra protein in the form of cooked chicken, boiled egg or mealworms can be given a couple of times a week.
Additional vitamin supplements can be added to your hamster’s diet. Feeding bowls should be gnaw-proof, easy to clean and hard to knock over.
Fresh clean drinking water must always be available. It can be provided by a gravity-fed water bottle designed to suit your hamster’s cage.
Sticks and small branches from fruit trees can be provided for the hamster to chew on.
Shopping list
Owning a pet is a financial as well as a moral responsibility. In order to properly care for a Syrian hamster the following items are essential and you should ensure that you are ready to commit to both the one-off and ongoing costs involved with having a pet.
Cage/housing unit
Litter and bedding material
Food bowls
Hamster food
Water bottle and brush
Exercise wheel
Gnaw block
Treats
Toys
Pet code of practice
Owning a pet is a responsibility and owners must always ensure that they act in a way that ensures the best welfare for their pet and does not endanger the local ecosystem. Pet’s (companion animals) must never be released into the wild. It is illegal and for most species this will lead to an untimely and possibly lingering death, as they are not native to this country. Any animals or plants that do survive might become harmful to the environment. If you can no longer keep your pet then seek advice at a local pet store, rescue centre or specialist pet club.
Soiled substrate, cage décor and waste water, particularly from fish tanks or amphibian housing, should also be carefully disposed of or treated so that potentially harmful diseases or live food can’t escape into the wild.
Are you ready?
Now that you have made your way through the presentation, it’s time to take the test and move one step closer to proving your knowledge and receiving your certificate.
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