It lives alone in the wild too! Although they are often referred to as nocturnal, most teddy bear hamsters are crepuscular, which means they are more likely to be active at dawn or dusk which fits in perfectly with the school day. Providing you get your hamster used to being handled from a very young age, it will love being held by you. The hamsters incisor teeth never stop growing as they age, so they must be regularly worn down by chewing on things. You should also ensure that there is plenty of bedding material at their disposal, as she will need it for making a nest for her and her young. In the long-term hamsters need very little, relying on us daily for the basics of food, water and shelter. Just like us humans, hamsters do not like to be roused from their sleep. Hamsters came from Syria to America in 1936. The Arabic name for hamsters roughly translates to Mister Saddlebags. So, how can this little creature be anything but cute! So, try not to surprise your hamster when you want to handle him. Amenities in some of the more extravagant options include multi-levels, tubes, wheels, and houses. If its your first pet, just having one can make things a lot easier, and less intense. How Often Do You Feed A Hamster? Several factors contribute to the hamsters lifespan. I think a Teddy bear hamster rather than the traditional Syrian ones. Selegiline is used to treat Parkinsons disease. Teddy bear hamsters need brain stimulation and are incredibly active (especially at night). According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the oldest hamster lived to be 7 years of age. There are several different species of hamsters, but the most common "Hamsters are small, rodent-like mammals that belong to the subfamily Cricetinae. The average lifespan of the Syrian hamster is 2-3 years as pets. There are several things that you can do to prevent and dissuade this behavior. If in any doubt, then you should take your hamster to a vet who can determine the sex for you. Of course, we are bias, but we think teddy bear hamsters are undeniably cute and make the best first time pets. Our advice is to simply be patient and work on building up a good bond. Our panel of experts willanswer your queries. And, now you know all about them in terms of their history, biology, behavior, and personality, we are sure that youll agree too. Syrian Hamsters are small rodents about the size of an adult human hand - The adult size ranges from 5 - 7 inches in length. Teddy Bear Syrian Hamster - The teddy bear hamster, . It appears that all existing laboratory and pet Syrian hamster are descendantsof a brother-sister pair that were captured in Syria in 1930. Its no wonder that this furry little rodent continues to be such a popular pet choice. Hamster Mites Demodex, Sarcoptic Mange & Acariasis Skin. The typical cleaning schedule for a hamster cage should involve spot cleaning every day. Hamster habitat. When he does that I have to comfort him. Pre-made pellet and seed mix from a pet store gives plenty of variety and is very nutritious. As Syrian hamsters are the largest breed, the average lifespan for a teddy bear is two to three years. It was found that males live an average of 577 days. Mouse vs Rat: 5 Main Differences Explained. Syrian hamsters are the most common pet hamster. These tiny mammals are herbivores eating grains, vegetables, and fruit. The Florida International Universitys Director of Laboratory Animal Research states in an article that male hamsters are not only easier to handle but are more friendly. Hamster Leash: Is It An Accessory Worth Considering? You might also wonder what you can do to prolong your hamsters life. In fact, there are 26 species of wild hamster that run free in parts of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, including Mesocricetus auratus, the Syrian hamster, which comes from the region . If you observe your hamster regularly you may notice that her secretions start to change, becoming thicker and more consistent, unlike the thin one during her regular cycle. Its known as heterochromia one eye is black, and the other is red. Wild teddy bear hamster lifespan ranges from 1 2 years on average. If you must get a hamster for your child, always be fully prepared to monitor what the child does and intervene when necessary. So, the long-haired Syrian hamsters, start to have long hair once they reach 3 or 4 inches long. Hamster Guru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. A typical teddy bear hamster will need a layer of around 6inches and paper-based bedding is best. You will, however, need to put in extra effort and care when you first bring home your teddy bear hamster as you will need to tame it and train it not to bite. Most teddy bear hamsters are pregnant for around 16 days, which is short in comparison to a Roborovski, whose gestation period on average is 22-30 days.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'hamsterguru_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',140,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hamsterguru_com-medrectangle-4-0'); It is important during their pregnancy that that you start to provide your hamster with some additional care. communicate with sounds in the ultrasonic range. Avoid interacting with your hamster during sleep hours because this causes stress and disrupts its sleep. So, they can be an ideal first pet for older, responsible children. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Dwarf breeds are more likely to get diabetes. They reach about 5-7 inches in length as adults and weigh around 4 ounces (about 1/4th of a pound). When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal. Instead scoop them gently into your hands using a cupping motion whilst remembering to support their weight in the process. Every time I get close to the cage, he squeaks up a storm. The cost of a wheel will vary depending on the size required. It is important to never lunge or grab at them, as this is how predators attack their prey in the wild. Females younger than 10 weeks should not be bred. A puppy is vulnerable and utterly dependent on the mother. Its the long hair that sets them apart as Teddy Bear hamsters. They are sometimes called Angora hamsters. The main threat to their lifespans are predators such as owls and other birds of prey. The dog stores likely scenario is that an aggressive hamster will be removed from the cage before customers witness anything. Although your Syrian hamster may store food in its cheeks, a simple food dish is not expensive, generally costing around $5. But do they make good pets? Hamsters are delicate creatures and easily injured. The average lifespan of a teddy bear hamster is about 2-3 years in captivity and less time in the wild. Considering that hamsters are such small animals, they create a lot of mess. Yes, they are aware they are extremely cute. Lifespan: 2 to 4 years Syrian Hamster Behavior and Temperament Syrian hamsters sleep during the day and are active at night. Individual hamster can live shorter or longer depending on their lifestyle, diet, and care. One main reason to choose a Syrian hamster as your pet is: theyre really fun! Its hard to resist the uber cuteness of a Syrian (Teddy Bear) hamster. But, we believe that bigger is always best. So older, responsible kids can handle them without much of a problem. Remember to do this during their active periods around dawn and dusk to not disturb their sleep. With their round black eyes, tiny twitching noses, and fluffy fur, youll fall in love with the Syrian hamster. Distinctive spots of yellow, cinnamon, orange, Bedding (cedar and pine shavings should never be used), Reasonably quiet, warm room 64-79 degrees (F) (17-26 C), Placed on a solid surface such as a sturdy table, counter, or stand, On a surface where it can tip over or fall. A zoologist named Israel Aharoni captured teddy bear hamsters in Aleppo, Syria, in 1930. For more details, click. Or, you can explore your creative side, and make a fun play area for them. What Can Be Controlled? Lets take a look at 14 teddy bear hamster facts to help you decide if a teddy bear hamster is perfect for you! Is it getting any better? I agree with Debi619, each of my kids have their own hamster in their room. For hamster parents entertaining the notion of Teddy Bear hamster breeding, we suggest you do your research because Syrian hamsters are solitary, and females wont hesitate to attack a male or even eat their newborn pups. I feel a soul. A.D. Williams. Im done with men. He just sat there, with the seat belt above him, just riding shotgun and watching me drive. There are different kinds of dwarf hamsters, and the longest living is the Robovoski that provides an expected lifespan of up to 4 many years. The dense fur is all the same length on male animals but just long on the back and rear of females (but they still look beautifully fluffy). The most common pet hamster, the Syrian hamster, also known as the teddy bear hamster or golden hamster, usually grows to about 6 inches (15.24 cm) long. They have poor eyesight as they are both nearsighted and colorblind. There is no foolproof method for extending a hamster's life. Unlike what many may think, there is no dwarf teddy bear hamster. In particular, experimentation on Syrian hamsters has shed light on tumorigenesis in human patients with non-small cell lung carcinomaand the progression of various metabolic disorders like diabetes. They do not exist in the wild. Why Is My Hamster Always Trying To Escape? If you help your hamster get used to being handled from a very young age, it will love being held by you. Citrus (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, etc. "So my hamster ate my other hamster, and I'm 8 years old. Syrian hamsters are also known as golden hamsters or teddy bear hamsters. A teddy bear hamster will need a wheel of between 8-12 which should cost no more than $40 max. When she's not writing she loves traveling, perusing used book stores, and hanging out with her other half. Other names include Golden hamster, fancy bear hamster, short hair hamster, bear hamster, and angora hamster. Weve got one for you that you, Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. The average lifespan of teddy bear hamsters and the fancy hamsters is up to 2 to 3 years. Teddy bear hamsters come in a host of colors, patterns and with different coat types. For males, however, there is a much larger gap and there is likely to be hair. Fancy bear hamsters are friendly, curious and courageous, and enjoy wandering around, burrowing, and exploring their surroundings! If you want to have more than one hamster, you should consider getting dwarf breed hamsters. This is an affiliate advertising program that is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees and revenue by advertising and linking to amazon.com with recommendations.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'hamsterguru_com-large-leaderboard-1','ezslot_1',141,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hamsterguru_com-large-leaderboard-1-0');report this ad. Lucky Block New Cryptocurrency with $750m+ Market Cap Lists on LBank. Why are you advocating hamsters as ideal pets for children? Mikos Teddy Bear Hamster by Melbelle via Wikimedia Commons is licensed under CC-BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en. Its hilarious, he scrunches up his little face and sometimes screams at me. Most Dwarf hamsters . Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. Below is a list of teddy bear hamster equipment to help you budget. The golden hamster or Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is a rodent belonging to the hamster subfamily, . A running ball is another exercise option that is more intense and fun than the running wheel. We recommend a 10 gallon tank as an absolute minimum. In the wild, the average Syrian hamster lifespan is between 2-3 years. To gain their trust and tame them, cupping your hands to hold them is the best way to handle one. They have a stout, stocky body with little tails that are barely visible underneath their fur. During the winter, they enter a state of hibernation where their body temperature drops to 20C and their metabolic rate is reduced to 5% of its normal levels, which allows them to conserve energy. They are often used to test treatments for various genetic diseases or cancers. You can create a golden hamster maze, or jungle gym. I just adopted Mr Gizmo yesterday night, but hes very VERY tense. Hamsters need to burn off energy and just love running around in a wheel. Technically, hamsters are not true hibernators, as they only go into such a state for periods (torpors) of 10-20 days, not for an extended period of time. Although hamsters are relatively low maintenance, you should always do your research before bringing any new animal into your home. Theres no mistaking a Teddy Bear hamster because its hair may look a bit unruly and in need of a good combing. The Syrian hamster was first discovered in 1839 in the city of Aleppo, Syria (hence its namesake), but the breed was not fully domesticated until 1939. We will talk about the differences between these hamsters and their lifespans. colors, patterns and with different coat types. Hamsters will not overeat in quantity, so you can spoil their dinners by giving too many treats. A Syrian hamster can have anywhere from 5 to 10 babies. It goes without saying that hamsters love having a wheel to exercise and burn off excess energy. The Teddy Bear Hamsters have an average life span of 2 to 3 years. Other items that provide entertainment and enrichment are tubes, things to chew on, and small toys designed for hamsters. Wild hamsters rely on sand baths to clean themselves. They just arent mature enough. Teddy bear hamsters are a great choice of pet for small children, as they are low maintenance to look after, great fun to play with and easy to train. Teddy bear hamsters are territorial and will fight with any cage-mates, sometimes to the death. Djungarian/Winter White/Siberian Dwarf; Campbell's Dwarf; Chinese Dwarf The SWEETEST LITTLE MAN EVER! As much as wed love to tell you these little guys will be around for a long time, they have short lives. Syrian hamsters are genetically more likely to get wet tail disease, which has a low survival rate. Although your teddy bear hamster does not cost a lot of money itself, the paraphernalia, food and bedding to care for them can soon add up. Wild hamsters, How about a tiny hamster that can fit in a tablespoon? How Many Babies Do Hamsters Have In A Litter? Syrian Hamsters are small rodents about the size of an adult human hand - The adult size ranges from 5 - 7 inches in length. So, just keep one by itself. Little animals should never be left at the mercy of children who have no impulse control orsense of the consequences of their actions. This size makes golden hamsters the perfect pet, as they are big enough to handle and interact with. When handling your hamster, remember to wash your hands, wear gloves and offer treats for good behavior all of which will help prevent painful bites. Hamster fact file. Females are more prone to bite, and this may be because they are more territorial. Teddy bear hamster is really just another name for the Syrian or Golden hamster. But, it can be a fun way to help young children get excited about their new pet! Alex has a Masters's degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. A Syrian hamster on top a piece of watermelon. Although they are small, the responsibility is not. Testosterone and estrogen played key roles in determining how long males and female hamsters live. The Manual of Exotic Pet Practice published a research article (Hamsters and Gerbils) which clearly mentions that the Golden (Syrian) hamster was originally classified in 1839. To better understand where Syrian (Teddy Bear) hamsters fit in with domestic/pet hamster species, lets identify the common pet hamster species. The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends that a hamster cage be a minimum of 6 inches tall. Males seem to outlive females on average, which is unusual in the animal world. Getting our Syrian hamster Oscar was not a decision we took lightly. You may wonder what the difference is between teddy bear hamsters, Syrian hamsters, and dwarf hamsters. The Department of Animal Science at Cornell University published an article in which the longevity of hamsters was studied. The average lifespan of a Syrian (Teddy Bear) hamster is up to three years. However, if they become scared or startled, they might react by biting. He is napping in his hut in his new habitat as I type this. Syrian hamster mothers are known to sometimes eat their own young if they perceive themselves to be in danger. Theyre also known as fancy bear hamsters! You will need to clean out a fancy bear hamsters home regularly. I used to squeeze his cheeks and smother him with kisses and he loved it ! Although in books you are much more likely to come across cute mice or nasty rats, hamsters are by far one of the most popular childrens pets with the teddy bear hamster topping the must have wish list. The average lifespan of each hamster breed varies, however. What a character ! We will look at what they need to stay safe, happy and handleable. Although most hamsters are rehomed before they hit sexual maturity, female hamsters are able to get pregnant from as early as 6-8 weeks old. After two weeks, the hamster will begin to be able to see, can walk on its own, and has a fully formed coat. Well, the answer varies quite a lot! These bags cost around $18. But, not so big that they take up too much space. Most older, responsible children can definitely be taught to handle hamsters with patience, and are very willing to learn about correct hamster care. Here are some interesting facts, such as the average Syrian hamster lifespan, that may help you better bond with your pet hamster and learn more about their habits. They are actually sleep walking/talking, and you want to wake them so they dont hurt themselves. You can choose from a large variety of materials, shapes, and even colors. These hamsters are the smallest among domestic hamsters. Do not put more than one teddy bear hamster in a cage. Teddy bear hamsters can live anywhere from 2-5 years, but they most commonly live between . Body mass is usually in the range of 100-150 grams (3.5-5.3 oz), but Syrian hamsters from private breeders can be in the range of 175-225 grams (6.2-7.9 oz). Hamsters are excellent diggers and are known to create rather elaborate underground burrows with multiple entrances and exits. Sometimes you may come across a Syrian that have wavy or curly hair, and in this case, they are known as a Rex. A Healthy Schedule, Head may be heavily colored or have no color, Head coloring tapers off, becoming pale or disappearing towards the tail, A white band is present in the middle section of the body, Predominantly white with random patches or spots of color. Its hard to know exactly how much, because there is no legal minimum size, and pet store cages can be quite small. After being bred in Jerusalem, members of the subsequent breeding colony were exported to the US where they becamepopular house pets. Initial research on hamsters determined that the mammalian circadian rhythm is modulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the brain, Duck-Billed Dinosaurs Uncovered In Aniakchak, Alaska, Cryptic Diversity In Vietnams Limestone Karst Habitats, An Improved Method To Remove Debris From Cyst Nematode Egg Suspensions And Computer-Aided Technologies For Egg Counting, The Footprints Of Urbanization, Industrialization, And Agriculture On River Beds: Heavy Metal Contamination Assessment And Source Identification In River Sediments In Eastern China, Aging Dolphins Via Pectoral Flipper Radiography, Glycoalkaloids In Potatoes: The Effect Of Biostimulants And Herbicides. Through daily handling, they will become very docile and social to their human owners. A female hamster will have 6 pairs of nipples although they may be difficult to spot on a teddy bear hamster due to the length of their hair. The longest-living scientifically . Caring for Teddy Fur Most teddy bear hamsters today originate from that first captive line. Even though they are raised as a part of a litter, they do not tolerate the company of another one once they reach the age of 5 to 10 weeks. The average lifespan of a Syrian (Teddy Bear) hamster is up to three years. Occasional treats from the pet store/vet. Syrian Hamster Lifespan. Hamster personalities could be different regardless of sex. You can expect to pay a little bit more for quality hamsters from a breeder compared to those in pet stores. For example, a teddy hamster is long-haired . In fact, black bear hamsters also exist, and are another name for Syrian hamsters with black fur. Teddy Bear (Syrian) hamsters are large, and because of this, theyll need a roomy cage. Hi, this is quite normal, moving from the pet shop to your home can be a very stressful experience for your hamster. It will also persist for longer than normal if a successful pregnancy is underway. Hi there, thanks for your comment! The female Teddy Bear hamster is on average slightly larger than their male counterparts but both can look larger than the average Syrian type because of their long hair. It is possible, but rare, for these animals to live as long as five years. Can I please get some tips for starting out? Maintaining a clean cage may be the most important thing to prevent potentially fatal diseases, like wet tail. Once your hamster is used to being handled, then as long as they receive some regular exercise outside of their cage, they will live a happy and healthy life. They are one of the biggest hamster breeds, coming in at almost double the size of dwarf hamsters! These little animals are much cheaper to care for than bigger pets. Children will usually mimic the behavior seen, especially when combined with good teaching. Once the hamster pups arrive you shouldnt need to look after them as this is the job of mum. Dwarf hamsters live for 3 years normally, so it has a longer expected lifespan than teddy bear hamsters. However, there have been instances where these little furballs make it past the average estimates. The sharp teeth also help the hamster chew through tough nuts, seeds, and roots. Also called Teddy-bear hamsters (hence my little Teddy's name). The item breakdown for a new hamster and necessary items dont come cheap. I loved my teddy bear hamster- Bugsy. Teddy bear hamsters are undeniably adorable. What Do Teddy Bear Hamsters Like To Play With? I put clothes over his cage on 3 sides and the top, so he can only see out in front of his cage. When a Syrian hamster reaches the age of 12 weeks (3 months old), it is considered fully mature. Syrian hamsters typically have short round bodies, stocky legs and feet, and have short silky golden brown fur. Persistence (and a fair amount of bribery) will pay off and within a matter of weeks (if not months), your anxious, furry ninja will end up being one cuddly, happy teddy bear hamster. Once your hamster feels happy enough to come towards you on their own accord, try to coerce them into a container so that you can take them someone safe and enclosed to hold them. The Syrian hamster lifespan is about 2-3 years. They're one of the most popular breeds. I LOVE her!!!! The oldest cub lived to be eight years old. A normal litter for a teddy bear hamster will contain between 6 to 8 pups. As well as what this tiny pet can bring to you and your familys lives. Furthermore, the article states that the lineage of all captive domesticated hamsters originated from a wild female and her 12 pups captured in Syria back in 1930. Syrians are also not childrens pets, they need large cages, they are expensive and are a large commitment. Theyre responsible for feeding their hamsters, refilling their water and making sure that they get out of their cages when they want out. Depending on care and health however, it is possible for teddy bear hamsters to live as long as five years although this is unusual. Home teddy bear hamster lifespan and characteristics. In order to keep your hamsters teeth in tip top condition it is important that you purchase toys for them to grind their teeth on. Teddys are smart lovable and just so darn adorable! The other most common form of hamster is the dwarf hamster. There is a world record for the longest living hamster. But, the Syrian hamster must be kept alone. They are solitary animals with an average lifespan of 2-3 years. The average lifespan of the Syrian hamster is 2-3 years as pets. If you are thinking of getting a teddy bear hamster for your next pet, then there are number of things you should know. Read our blog for tips and advice to help make your hamster happy. If youre curious how your baby hamster will continue to grow, stay tuned! A teddy bear hamster's tail is very short at about half an inch long. Make sure that you remove any hamster wheels and other toys from the cage to prevent your hamster using up all of their energy beforehand. Many reputable and ethical hamster breeders ensure that hamster pups are handled to get them acquainted with being held and interacting with humans. If your hamster has spent time with a male hamster in the same cage, then there is a chance that the two will have mated. A male hamster has more prominent scent glands which are situated on either side of their flanks or in male dwarf hamsters they are situated near the middle of the belly.