Having a hamster is the ideal option for many people who want to have a very playful and smart friend around. But among the different types of these little animals, the most popular is the Syrian Hamster. Easily found here in PAK in pet shops and specialized stores, the rodent has several variations in terms of coat, color and size. Its price varies, normally, between R$15 to R$20 in these stores.
Despite being docile, these hamsters must be raised individually per cage due to their territorialist temperament. There are also several important features that we should consider when choosing which Syrian hamster is ideal and what care we should take when raising it.
Let’s go there? So prepare paper and pen and write down all our tips!
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CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SYRIAN HAMSTER
Scientifically called Mesocricetus auratus, this animal was found for the first time in Western Asia, specifically in Syria. Today there are several characteristics that make your hamster unique. This is no different for this species, which is quite small, measuring 12 to 15 centimeters and weighing only 120 grams, in the adult phase.
The main difference between these individuals is in the coat. See some examples below:
- Wild Shorthair Syrian Hamster: This hamster has a short coat, usually golden and white. However, there are variations in the colors of the coat, the most traditional tones being gray, white, black, brown and mixtures of different colors.
- Panda hamster: this hamster is a variation of the short-haired rodent, however, usually found in white and black colors. It is very reminiscent of a panda bear, as it usually has a black head and mixed body.
- White Syrian Hamster: as the name says, this is a kind of hamster with completely white fur. However, their behavioral characteristics, for example, are the same as those of other little animals.
- Angora Hamster: This Syrian hamster is quite cute thanks to its long coat. Found in different colors, its fur is dense and quite long.
- Hairless: this Syrian rodent has no fur, that is, it is completely hairless, but its behavior and other characteristics are the same as those of other Syrian hamsters.
SYRIAN HAMSTER BEHAVIOR
The Syrian hamster is a very intelligent and agitated animal, but one of its main characteristics is territoriality. Very individualistic, these hamsters do not like to live in groups, preferring to be alone in their cages. Therefore, be careful when putting two individuals of this species together: a huge fight can break out!
However, do not think that this little bug is aggressive. Due to its large size, usually around 15 centimeters, it is handled from an early age and, therefore, is generally used to its tutor and other humans, being quite docile.
In addition, this is an animal that, like other rodents, has nocturnal habits. So it’s not uncommon for him to be holed up napping during the day and running around in his wheelie at night.
Remembering that this hamster is omnivorous, feeding on seeds, tubers, branches, leaves, insects and other small invertebrates.
HOW LONG DOES HE LIVE?
The Syrian hamster has a moderate lifespan, living two to four years normally.
HOW IS THE REPRODUCTION ?
It is possible that your hamster will start mating quite early. This is because its reproduction is quite simple and can occur as early as three months old. Males can impregnate between six and seven females a day.
The female specimen has a period of heat that lasts, on average, four days. Generally, gestation lasts an average of 16 days, where about 5 to 9 puppies are born.
Before giving birth, the female prepares the nest with leaves and, if in captivity, with soft paper. When the young are born, females eat the placenta. Females may eat the offspring that are born defective, thus keeping the rest of the litter healthy and more likely to survive, but they will also eat those that smell different. That’s why you shouldn’t touch the puppies before the first 2 weeks of age, as the mother may find it strange and some problems may arise. Still, it is worth mentioning that the puppies can suckle up to the 25th day of life.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE
There are a few ways to identify whether your Syrian hamster is male or female. The first is to identify whether the animal has testicles, which are found only in males.
Another way is to analyze whether the orifices of the vulva and anus are close or farther apart. If they are close, it is a female hamster. If the holes are farther apart, it is a male hamster.
They also say that it is possible to distinguish between males and females by means of the tail. The male, when very young, has two pink spots near the central line of the body. When adults, males have very visible gonads, about one centimeter in size, easily identifiable.
