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HamstersHamsters are indigenous to the Middle East and southeastern Europe . Hamsters were living in relative obscurity until just 70 years ago, when a zoologist discovered a family of these rodents in the Syrian desert. Most of the hamsters sold as pets or used in research are the descendants of 3 littermates domesticated in 1930. Today, hamsters' friendly nature and adaptability have placed them among America's most popular small pets. Hamsters are very popular pets because of their availability, affordability, small size, cuddly appearance, often docile temperament and relatively clean habits. Hamsters can be cranky if disturbed during their daytime sleeping hours, so try cleaning, feeding, and handling in the late afternoon or evening. Domestic hamsters still prefer the night shift, so it's best to house them in a quiet, dimly lit room away from drafts, direct sunlight, and noisy animals. So remember, Hamsters are primarily nocturnal (night-active), though they may exhibit relatively short periods of activity throughout the day. An aquarium that holds at least ten gallons is usually suitable for hamsters, as long as the top of the tank allows for proper ventilation. Plywood and wood from conifers is not suitable, because hamsters gnaw at their houses and both glue and resin are poisonous for them. Hamsters seem to do best when housed in enclosures with solid floors, relatively deep bedding, and abundant nesting material. Although smaller in size, dwarf hamsters should have bigger housings than their larger relatives, at least 80 cm by 40 cm (2 feet by 4 feet). Even hamsters housed in quiet rooms still need hiding places within their tanks to feel secure in their surroundings. The frequency with which the enclosure is cleaned depends on its design, the materials out of which it is made, and the number of hamsters within. In their native habitat, hamsters travel great distances to find food, a fact that helps to explain a domestic hamsters' need for lots of exercise. Like all pets, hamsters need exercise and entertainment to maintain their physical and mental health. An exercise wheel allows hamsters to run full speed to their hearts' content, and is a must, but it should be appropriate for the hamster's small size. Exercise wheels can provide hamsters with a good bit of activity, but they should not be the only source of physical activity. Pet hamsters allowed "free in of the house" (even for very short periods) are often stepped on or kicked and seriously injured or killed. The care of all pet hamsters is quite similar, except for whether they should be kept as solitary pets or as pairs/groups. Syrian Hamsters are not social animals and must not be kept with others of their species after they reach adulthood. Russian Hamsters (Campbell's and Winter White) live approximately 1.5 to 2 years in captivity and Chinese Hamsters 2.5 to 3 years. In the wild, hamsters live underground, emerging under cover of darkness to search for food. Hamsters enjoy a varied diet that includes commercial grain and seed mixtures tailored for the animal as well as certain kinds of fruits and vegetables. While some people like to provide living insects from pet stores to their hamsters ( mealworms are very suitable), others will prefer to give them dry dog biscuits. In smaller amounts, grown hamsters also appreciate apple , pear , sweet paprika , banana , mango , grape , and strawberry . Syrian and dwarf hamsters will gratefully accept roast chicken bones with a little meat remaining. Sudden intestinal disease (with accompanying diarrhea) is the most common illness of hamsters, especially among those being weaned or recently weaned. Campbell's dwarf hamsters are especially sensitive to Diabetes mellitus , and other dwarf hamster species may be somewhat sensitive too. The Aspergillis Fungus is a common problem among hamsters, but unfortunately many hamster owners don't even know of it's existence. Cancers involving hormone-producing organs (such as the thyroid and adrenal glands) are among the most common tumors found in hamsters. Sick hamsters often stop eating or greatly reduce their intake of food. Left to their own devices, hamsters will produce several litters a year with several babies in each litter. Stumble It! • Submit To Netscape • del.icio.us • Y! MyWeb |
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