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HAMSTERS

Hamsters are small, loveable pets. There are a few species of domesticated hamsters, some species being dwarf hamsters - smaller hamsters - and a species of larger hamsters being called Syrian hamsters. Each species have different traits, just like each individual hamsters have different traits. They are all their own beings with their own personality, something true to all pets and something everyone should remember. For hamsters, this could mean the hamster is quite friendly, or the hamster may not like to interact with others at all. If you are planning on getting a hamster, you must be prepared for a hamster than does not like interaction. Unless you are okay with any preferences your hamster may have, you should not get one - that is not fair to the hamster if you are not okay with it's personality. That being said, if you are adopting from an ethical breeder, you can ask them for a more friendly hamster, or a less friendly one - which ever you prefer. 

No matter your hamster's preferences on human interaction, all hamsters do not get enrichment from interacting with others and are solitary creatures. That is why they may not seek interaction from you in the same way an animal like a dog might, one that needs interaction with other beings. 

  • Syrian hamsters need more space and bigger things than dwarf hamsters, and typically female Syrians need more space than male Syrians. 

  • Hamsters are crepuscular and nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night, dawn, and dusk. Do your best to not wake up your hamster during the day - do not interrupt their sleep unless you have to (for example, you are moving or taking your hamster to a vet). 

  • Hamsters should be housed alone. Opposite-sex pairs can cause pregnancy and unless you are a professional you should not breed hamsters. Any combination of hamsters may fight and injure each other. 

  • Hamsters burrow for enrichment and use their burrows often, including for sleeping and storing food. 

  • Hamsters have cheek pouches that they stuff with things like food to carry such materials. 

  • Hamsters need to be given lots of enrichment since they do not get any from interaction with others. 

  • Pet hamsters are expected to live about two to three years. 

Information will be expanded on in other pages regarding hamsters; this is merely an overview of them

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