General Information
Golden hamsters belong to the rodent family Cricetidae and the subfamily Cricetinae. They are also called Mesocricetus auratus in scientific terms. They were first discovered by science in 1797 by two Scottish physicians living in Syria. They were then recognized as a distinct species in 1839 by British zoologist George Robert Waterhouse.
Golden hamsters have a natural range that is restricted to a region in northwestern Syria around the town of Halab. Here they live in dry, rocky and shrubby areas where they dig burrows for shelter and food storage. They are endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and human persecution. However, they are widely bred in captivity for pet trade and scientific research.
Golden hamsters are solitary animals that do not tolerate other hamsters of the same sex. They are also nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and are active at night. They have a lifespan of 2 to 4 years, but some may live longer with proper care.
Appearance
Golden hamsters have a stout body with short, stocky legs and short, wide feet with small, sharp claws. The head has small, furry ears and huge internal cheek pouches that extend from inside the lips to behind the shoulders. The tail is stubby and can be either white or pink.
The size of adult golden hamsters is around 6 inches long, weighing roughly 5 ounces. Females are usually larger than males. The coat is short, dense and very soft. The natural coloration is golden brown on the upperparts and white or cream on the underparts. However, there are more than 120 varieties that have been bred for different coat colors, patterns and textures.
Some of the common varieties include:
- Black: solid black all over
- White: solid white all over
- Cream: light beige all over
- Cinnamon: reddish brown all over
- Sable: black with tan patches on face and chest
- Tortoiseshell: black with orange patches all over
- Banded: any color with a white band around the middle
- Satin: any color with a shiny coat
- Long-haired: any color with longer fur
Behavior
Golden hamsters are very curious and active animals that love to explore their surroundings. They have excellent senses of smell, hearing and touch. They use their cheek pouches to transport food to their burrows or cages where they hoard it for later use. They also use their teeth to gnaw on various items to keep them healthy and sharp.
Golden hamsters communicate with each other through body language, vocalizations and scent marking. Some of the common sounds they make include:
- Squeak: a high-pitched sound that indicates excitement, happiness or greeting
- Chatter: a rapid clicking sound that indicates curiosity or interest
- Hiss: a low-pitched sound that indicates anger or warning
- Scream: a loud shriek that indicates fear or pain
Golden hamsters can be territorial and aggressive towards other hamsters of the same sex. They may fight for dominance or resources if housed together. Therefore, it is best to keep them separately unless you want to breed them.
Handling Tips
Golden hamsters can make great pets for people who can provide them with proper care and attention. They can be tamed easily if handled gently and regularly from an early age. Here are some tips for handling your golden hamster:
- Choose a healthy and friendly golden hamster from a reputable breeder or pet store.
- Provide your golden hamster with a spacious cage that has bedding, toys, food bowl, water bottle, hideout and wheel.
- Clean your golden hamster’s cage at least once a week and change its bedding regularly.
- Feed your golden hamster a balanced diet that consists of commercial pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables and seeds.
- Avoid feeding your golden hamster chocolate, onion, garlic or anything salty or sugary as these can be harmful.
- Give your hamster fresh water every day and check that the bottle is working properly.
- Handle your hamster gently and regularly to keep him tame and socialized. Avoid waking him up during the day or grabbing him suddenly.
- Wash your hands before and after handling your hamster to avoid transferring any smells or germs.
- Hold your hamster with both hands, supporting his body and bottom. Keep him close to your chest or lap to prevent him from falling or jumping away.
- Place your hamster back in his cage when he shows signs of stress, such as squeaking, biting or scratching.
Conclusion
Golden hamsters are wonderful pets that can bring joy and entertainment to their owners. They are easy to care for and fun to watch. However, they also need proper housing, diet and handling to keep them healthy and happy. If you are looking for a small pet that is cute, friendly and active, a golden hamster might be the right choice for you.