Syrian Hamsters: A Complete Guide to Caring for Your Furry Friend

Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) is a rodent that comes from a small area in the Middle East, specifically northern Syria and southern Turkey. In 1839, the Syrian hamster was declared a separate species by British zoologist George Robert Waterhouse, who presented a female Syrian hamster from Aleppo, Syria to the London Zoological Society. Among the various types of hamsters, Syrian hamsters are some of the most popular small pets in the world. Known for their cute and fluffy appearance, these little creatures make great companions for people of all ages.

Also known as golden hamsters, owning a Syrian hamster comes with its own set of responsibilities, including providing a safe and comfortable living environment, feeding them a nutritious diet, and giving them plenty of love and attention.

If you’re considering getting a Syrian hamster as a pet, it’s important to learn everything you can about how to properly care for them. From selecting the right cage to choosing the right food and toys, this complete guide will cover all the essentials you need to know to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. So, whether you’re a first-time hamster owner or an experienced pet parent, read on to discover everything you need to know about caring for your Syrian hamster.

Syrian Hamster Appearance

Syrian hamsters also known as teddy bear hamsters are adorable and fluffy little creatures that come in a variety of colors and patterns. Here are some of the common physical traits and characteristics that you’ll find in a Syrian hamster:

Size: Syrian hamsters are relatively large for a hamster, typically growing to around 5-7 inches (13-18 cm) in length.
Fur: These hamsters have a dense and soft coat of fur, which can be short or long depending on the variety. Common fur colors include golden, cream, cinnamon, and gray, while patterns can range from solid to spotted.
Ears: Syrian hamsters have small, round ears that sit atop their heads.
Eyes: These hamsters have large and dark eyes, which are situated on either side of their head.
Teeth: Like all hamsters, Syrians have sharp incisor teeth that continually grow throughout their lifetime.
Tail: Syrian hamsters have short and stubby tails that are barely visible.
Syrian hamsters have cheek pouches that allow them to hoard food and transport it to their burrows. These pouches can hold up to the equivalent of 4 shelled peanuts, which is quite a lot given the size of the Syrian hamster

Syrian hamster colors

Syrian hamsters come in a wide range of colors and patterns, making them a popular choice for pet owners who want a hamster with a unique look. Here are some of the most common colors and patterns you might find in a Syrian hamster:

Golden: This is the most common color for Syrian hamsters, and it ranges from a light beige to a deep golden brown.
Cream: Syrian hamsters with cream-colored fur have a light beige or ivory-colored coat that can be either short or long.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon-colored Syrian hamsters have a reddish-brown fur that can be either light or dark.
Gray: These hamsters have a grayish-blue coat that can have a silver or lilac tint to it.
Black: Syrian hamsters with black fur are less common, but they have a striking appearance with their jet-black coat.
White: White Syrian hamsters have a completely white coat, which can be either short or long.
Tortoiseshell: Syrian hamsters with tortoiseshell coloring have a mix of two or more colors in their coat, such as black and white or cream and gray.
Dalmatian: These hamsters have white fur with black spots, similar to the coat pattern of a Dalmatian dog.

Syrian Hamster Size by Age

Syrian hamsters are known for their cute and fluffy appearance, but their size can vary depending on their age. Here’s a general overview of the typical size of Syrian hamsters based on their age:

Syrian hamsters are the largest hamsters available as pets, with adults typically growing to be between 5 to 9 inches long and weighing roughly 5 ounces. They can also grow to be 13-18 cm (5-7 inches) long and weigh between 100-200 gr (3.5-7 oz). Their natural length ranges from 13-18 cm, and they weigh between 100-125 g.

It’s important to note that the size of a Syrian hamster can vary depending on genetics, diet, and overall health. Additionally, while they typically reach their full size by around 6-8 months old, their growth can continue until they are a year old.

Syrian Hamster Behavior

Syrian hamsters are adorable and friendly creatures, but they also have unique behavioral traits and tendencies that pet owners should be aware of. Here are some important things to keep in mind when it comes to Syrian hamster behavior:

Nocturnal: Syrian hamsters are primarily active at night, which means they may sleep for long periods during the day. This is important to keep in mind if you’re planning to interact with your hamster during the day, as they may not be in the mood for playtime.
Territorial: Syrian hamsters can be quite territorial, especially when it comes to their living space. It’s important to provide them with a large enough cage to explore and play in and to avoid introducing new hamsters into their environment. If you do need to clean their cage or rearrange their toys, make sure to give them time to adjust before returning them to their home.
Curious: Syrian hamsters are curious animals that love to explore their environment. Providing them with plenty of toys and activities can help keep them mentally stimulated and happy.
Solitary: Syrian hamsters are solitary creatures and prefer to live alone. Keeping multiple hamsters in the same cage can lead to fighting and aggression, which can be harmful to their health and well-being.
Friendly: While they may be territorial, Syrian hamsters can also be very friendly and enjoy interacting with their owners. With gentle handling and proper socialization, they can become affectionate and trusting pets.

Do Syrian Hamsters Like to be Held

Syrian hamsters are known for their friendly and curious nature, but whether or not they like to be held is a common question among pet owners. Here are some things to consider when it comes to holding your Syrian hamster:

Personality: Every Syrian hamster is unique, and their individual personalities can play a role in whether or not they enjoy being held. Unlike the Russian Dwarf Hamsters who are generally friendly and docile and enjoy human interaction, Some Syrian hamsters may be more outgoing and enjoy being held and cuddled, while others may prefer to explore their environment on their own.
Socialization: Proper socialization is key when it comes to holding your Syrian hamster. If you want your hamster to enjoy being held, it’s important to start handling them gently and consistently from a young age. This will help them become more comfortable with human interaction and less likely to become stressed or agitated when held.
Comfort: Syrian hamsters are small and delicate creatures, so it’s important to handle them with care. Make sure to support their entire body when picking them up and avoid squeezing or squeezing them tightly. It’s also important to make sure they are comfortable and feel secure while being held, which can be achieved by using a soft and cozy blanket or towel.
Duration: While some Syrian hamsters may enjoy being held for longer periods of time, others may prefer shorter interactions. It’s important to pay attention to your hamster’s behavior and body language to gauge their comfort level, and to never force them to be held if they appear distressed or uncomfortable.

Whether or not Syrian hamsters like to be held can depend on a variety of factors, including their personality, socialization, and comfort level. By handling them gently and consistently, providing them with a comfortable environment, and paying attention to their cues, you can help your furry friend feel safe and loved when being held.

Can Syrian Hamsters Live Together

Syrian hamsters are known for their solitary nature, which means they typically do not enjoy living with other hamsters. In fact, housing multiple Syrian hamsters together can lead to serious fighting, injury, and even death. Here are some important things to consider when it comes to keeping Syrian hamsters together:

Territoriality: Syrian hamsters are naturally territorial and can become aggressive towards other hamsters if they feel their space is being invaded. Even if they are raised together from a young age, they can still become territorial and fight over resources, such as food and toys.
Fighting: Hamsters are known to fight when placed in close proximity to one another. Syrian hamsters, in particular, have a strong tendency to fight with other hamsters and can cause serious injuries or death to one another.
Stress: Being forced to live with another hamster can cause high levels of stress for Syrian hamsters, leading to behavioral issues, health problems, and a decreased quality of life.
Exceptions: There are very rare cases where Syrian hamsters can live together in a large enough enclosure with plenty of space, resources, and minimal territorial conflicts. However, it is generally not recommended, and should only be attempted by experienced hamster owners who are prepared for the risks and challenges involved.

Conclusion

owning a Syrian hamster can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it also comes with important responsibilities. From providing a safe and comfortable living environment to feeding them a nutritious diet and giving them plenty of love and attention, there are many things to consider when it comes to caring for your furry friend.

By understanding their physical appearance, behavior, and unique needs, you can create a happy and healthy life for your Syrian hamster. Remember to always handle them with care, avoid introducing them to other hamsters, and provide them with plenty of mental stimulation and exercise.

With proper care and attention, your Syrian hamster can live a long and happy life as a beloved member of your family.

Syrian Hamsters: A Complete Guide to Caring for Your Furry Friend