Understanding Hamsters: The Perfect Pets For Every Family

Hamsters make excellent pets, as they can become extremely attached to their humans. These super-cute rodents may be small, but their presence is always felt within a household. However, Gail Hansen, a veterinary representative of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, said these small animals still require a high level of commitment. She told Newsweek: “Hamsters are often considered a ‘starter pet’ because they are small and cute, but they are still a big responsibility. Families who are thinking about getting a hamster should first carefully consider whether it is a good fit.” Read on to learn some fascinating facts about the common hamster, also known as the Cricetus cricetus.

Hamsters Have Been Known To Eat Their Offspring

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) states that hamsters do not eat their babies or each other “unless something is very, very wrong.” Cannibalism among hamsters is often a sign of stress, which can arise from severe crowding, neglect, or inadequate care. It is particularly common in the pet trade, where hamsters are packed into crowded bins, forcing them to compete for food, water, and safe hiding spots.

Simon Hein, a conservationist at the German Wildlife Foundation in Hamburg, emphasizes that while it is rare for hamsters in the wild to eat their offspring, various factors can trigger this behavior. For instance, a lack of maternal experience can lead young female hamsters to kill their first litter, especially if they are small and not fed a balanced diet.

Additionally, an unbalanced diet, particularly one consisting mainly of corn, can result in vitamin deficiencies and lead to cannibalistic behavior. Overpopulation and intraspecies fights can also lead to aggression and cannibalism among hamsters. Males may kill unrelated young, and this behavior can also influence breeding in the wild.

Hamster Species Are Critically Endangered

The common hamster is currently threatened with extinction in Europe due to habitat loss. Simon Hein explains that the loss of once-structurally rich agricultural areas, combined with the expansion of industrial agriculture over the last few decades, has resulted in a severe decline in suitable habitats for hamsters.

Fortunately, some projects, such as the Feldhamsterland initiative by the German Wildlife Foundation, aim to protect the last remaining occurrences of the common hamster and ensure their survival in the wild. Conservation efforts are crucial to maintaining the balance of ecosystems where these adorable creatures once thrived.

There Are a Surprising Number Of Hamster Species

Dr. Jane Tyson, a rodent expert with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), reveals that there are 24 recognized species of hamsters, all belonging to the family Cricetidae. Among these, the Syrian, Russian, Dwarf, Campbell, and Roborovski breeds are the most commonly kept as pets.

These various species demonstrate a wide range of characteristics and behaviors, making hamsters a diverse and interesting group of animals to learn about. Understanding the differences between species can help prospective hamster owners choose the right pet for their lifestyle.

Hamsters Need Large, Secure Homes To Thrive

According to PETA, if a hamster's enclosure is too small, it can develop “cage rage,” a condition caused by stress that leads to various behavioral issues, including biting and excessive urination. Large hamsters should have a minimum of 800 square inches of clear floor space, while dwarf hamsters should have at least 640 square inches. It is recommended that hamster guardians build their own enclosures or use a 75-gallon (or larger) aquarium, which should be over four feet long and fitted with a mesh lid.

Hamsters Are Surprisingly Large

Simon Hein points out that hamsters can be bigger than many people realize. For example, a common hamster can be more than twice the size of the famous golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), reaching lengths of up to 35 cm and weighing as much as 650 grams. These adorable creatures have large, expandable cheek pouches that allow them to hoard food supplies, which can hold about 60 grams of grains or other food.

Beware of Hamster Balls And Wheels

PETA warns that most marketed hamster wheels are typically too small, causing hamsters to arch their backs while running. They recommend that hamsters have wheels with diameters of at least 11 inches for larger hamsters and 8 inches for dwarf hamsters. Additionally, the use of hamster balls is discouraged, as they can be extremely disorienting for these timid prey animals, who rely on their whiskers to navigate.

Hamsters May Have a Hidden Defense Mechanism

According to Simon Hein, one theory suggests that the special fur markings of common hamsters serve as a defense mechanism against predators. In the face of danger, a hamster may stand on its hind legs and display its black belly and white insides of its legs, potentially mimicking the appearance of a large predator's open mouth. By hissing and growling, they attempt to drive away any threats.

A Lone Hamster Can Be a Happy Hamster

PETA states that Syrian hamsters can bond with their human guardians but should not live with another hamster, as they are territorial creatures. Dwarf hamsters can live with a companion if introduced at a young enough age, although fighting may still occur. They also require companionship from their human guardians, as not all hamsters are inherently social.

Hamsters Hibernate

To escape the cold and food scarcity during winter, the common hamster goes into hibernation between October and April. This process involves creating specially adapted winter burrows that are deeper than their summer burrows. During hibernation, a hamster's metabolic processes drop to a minimum, with their body temperature falling to just two to three degrees Celsius, and their breath and heart rates slowing significantly.

Hamsters Party At Dawn And Dusk

Hamsters are classified as crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. They spend most of the day and night burrowed in their nests, so it is essential for their guardians to respect their sleeping schedules and avoid waking them up for playtime.