Cheeks puffed, growling, and ready to pick a fight with a barn cat: The black-bellied hamster is a far cry from the domesticated hamster you might have as a pet. It’s a good thing these black-bellied hamsters are defending themselves, because in France, where only 500 to 1,000 remain in the wild, these courageous critters are literally fighting for survival.

So how did this hamster get from the Middle East all the way to your bedroom or classroom. Thank zoologist Israel Aharoni.

Aharoni brought the hamsters back to Hebrew University in Jerusalem. The hamsters quickly multiplied, soon finding their way into universities, zoos, and eventually homes around the world.

Only five species are common as pets. Wild hamsters are found throughout much of Europe and Asia.

They have terrible eyesight but their senses of smell and touch, as well as their whiskers, help them navigate. Take a look at how the black-bellied hamster compares to a common pet hamster.

Cricetus auratus. The golden hamster or Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is a rodent belonging to the hamster subfamily, Cricetinae.

Their numbers have been declining in the wild due to a loss of habitat from agriculture and deliberate elimination by humans. Thus, wild golden hamsters are now considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

They are also used as scientific research animals.

Adult golden hamsters can reach around 7.1 in (18 cm) long. Females are usually larger than males, with a body mass of around 100–150 grams (3.5–5.3 oz) and lifespan of 1.5-2 years.

Like most members of the subfamily, the golden hamster has expandable cheek pouches, which extend from its cheeks to its shoulders. In the wild, hamsters are larder hoarders.

Their name in the local Arabic dialect where they were found roughly translates to “mister saddlebags” (Arabic: أبو جراب) due to the amount of storage space in their cheek pouches.

Golden hamsters and other species in the genus Mesocricetus have the shortest gestation period in any known placental mammal at around 16 days. Gestation has been known to last up to 21 days, but this is rare and almost always results in complications.

If a mother hamster is inexperienced or feels threatened, she may abandon or eat her pups. A female hamster enters estrus almost immediately after giving birth, and can become pregnant despite already having a litter.

Golden hamsters originate from Syria and were first described by scientists in the 1797 second edition of The Natural History of Aleppo, a book written and edited by two Scottish physicians living in Syria. The Syrian hamster was then recognized as a distinct species in 1839 by British zoologist George Robert Waterhouse, who named it Cricetus auratus or the “golden hamster”.

In 1930, Israel Aharoni, a zoologist and professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, captured a mother hamster and her litter of pups in Aleppo, Syria. The hamsters were bred in Jerusalem as laboratory animals.

Descendants of the captive hamsters were shipped to Britain in 1931, where they came under the care of the Wellcome Bureau of Scientific Research. These bred and two more pairs were given to the Zoological Society of London in 1932.

A separate stock of hamsters was exported from Syria to the United States in 1971, but mitochondrial DNA studies have established that all domestic golden hamsters are descended from one female – likely the one captured in 1930 in Syria.

Hamsters are very territorial and intolerant of each other. attacks against each other are commonplace.

In captivity, babies are separated from their mother and by sex after four weeks, as they sexually mature at four to five weeks old. Same-sex groups of siblings can stay with each other until they are about eight weeks old, at which point they will become territorial and fight with one another, sometimes to the death.

In captivity, they may kill and eat healthy young as a result of the pups interacting with humans, for any foreign scent is treated as a threat. Females also eat their dead young in the wild.

Golden hamsters mark their burrows with secretions from special scent glands on their hips called flank glands. Male hamsters in particular lick their bodies near the glands, creating damp spots on the fur, then drag their sides along objects to mark their territory.

Following Professor Aharoni’s collection in 1930, only infrequent sightings and captures were reported in the wild. Finally, to confirm the current existence of the wild golden hamster in northern Syria and southern Turkey, two expeditions were carried out in September 1997 and March 1999.

None of the inhabited burrows contained more than one adult. The team caught six females and seven males.

All these 19 caught golden hamsters, together with three wild individuals from the University of Aleppo, were shipped to Germany to form a new breeding stock.

Owls, however, have also evolved to hunt at dusk and dawn, and even during the day on rare occasions, so the predator avoidance advantage may not apply to owls in particular. Another theory is that hamsters, which are extremely sensitive to temperature fluctuations, may be crepuscular to avoid the extreme temperatures of full daylight and night time temperatures.

Golden hamsters in captivity run two to five miles per 24-hour period and can store up to one ton of food in a lifetime. They keep their food carefully separated from their urination and nesting areas.

Hamsters are extraordinary housekeepers and often sort through their hoards to clean and get rid of molding or rotting food. They gather food in the wild by foraging and carrying it home in their cheek pouches, which they empty by pushing it out through their open mouths, from back to front, with their paws, until it is empty.

Wild hamsters possibly behave similarly to those in captivity.

In 2006 and 2007, golden hamsters accounted for 19% of the total Animal Welfare Act-covered animal research subjects in the United States.

However, these animals have some special requirements that must be met for them to be healthy. Although some people think of them as a pet for young children, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends hamsters as pets only for people over age 6 and the child should be supervised by an adult.

If a hamster is constantly chewing and/or climbing on the bars of its cage then it needs more stimulation or a larger cage. The minimum recommended size for a hamster cage is 775 square inches (5,000 cm2), of continuous floor space (although the source of this recommendation is unknown)[citation needed].

Appropriately sized wooden cages can be made, or bought online. The majority of hamster cages sold in pet stores do not meet these size requirements.

A hamster wheel is a common type of environmental enrichment, and it is important that hamsters have a wheel in their cage. TVT recommends wheels should be at least 30 cm for Syrian hamsters, since smaller diameters lead to permanent spinal curvatures, especially in young animals.

A hamster should be able to run on its wheel without arching its back. A hamster that has to run with an arched back can have back pain and spine problems.

Most hamsters in American and British pet stores are golden hamsters. Originally, golden hamsters occurred in just one color – the mixture of brown, black, and gold, but they have since developed a variety of color and pattern mutations, including cream, white, blonde, cinnamon, tortoiseshell, black, three different shades of gray, dominant spot, banded, and dilute.[citation needed].

Hamsters are popular small pets. If you are thinking about getting a pet hamster for you or a child, you must know how to choose one, what supplies you need, and how to feed and care for your new pet.

Here’s what you need to know about hamsters as pets.

They are small rodents that typically live about two years and are usually best housed alone. Hamsters come in a variety of colors and breeds, and different breeds are known for distinctive traits.

Not every hamster in the pet store is in optimal health. Moving from a breeder or supplier to a store can be a stressful period for baby hamsters, and they will often get sick from it.

Both eyes should be open and, ideally, the hamster will be eating or running around the cage. If a cage seems to have a few sick hamsters, it is probably best to avoid buying any hamster from that group since ​hamster diseases are very contagious.

Choosing a hamster that is easy to tame is another factor to consider. Young hamsters will be easier to train and hand-tame than older hamsters, who may have had bad experiences or have never interacted with humans.

There are many hamster cage options available both online and at pet stores but some cages are definitely better than others. Several cages may look cool, but aren’t very functional and are extremely difficult to clean (cages with colorful tubes are a good example of this).

You may also have to consider that smaller hamster breeds have different cage needs than the larger Syrian varieties, since cage wire spacing can determine whether or not a hamster can escape. Choose a cage that has good ventilation, is easy to clean, has enough space to run and explore, and won’t allow your hamster to escape.

Inside the hamster cage, you’ll need to provide soft and absorbent bedding, a water bottle, an exercise wheel, chew toys, a house, and a food dish. Keep in mind that hamsters like and need to chew on items.

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault. Most people assume that a store-bought bag of hamster seed is best, but hamsters need to eat a variety of proteins, fruits, and vegetables to keep them healthy and happy.

If you offer a pelleted diet instead of a seed mixture and supplement it with a variety of other safe foods, you will be providing your hamster with everything needed to thrive. Greens are a good option to offer daily.

Your hamster’s diet should be made of 75 percent fortified pellets, 20 percent veggies, greens, and fruits, and 5 percent treats.

Most hamsters will also eat the immature seeds in the hay.

Young hamsters are typically easier to hand-tame, but you can start teaching your hamster not to bite by making sure you don’t startle it. Try not to wake it up, and instead entice it to climb onto your hand on its own using a tasty treat.

Hamsters are not aggressive pets but if they are scared or startled they may bite.

Hamsters need to be active and have enrichment so they don’t become bored and overweight. They also need chew toys to keep their teeth neat and trim.

Special balls can also be purchased to allow a hamster to run around safely outside its cage. cute houses and other climbable options are available to provide your hamster with ample exercise.

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault. Hamster breeding is not something the casual hamster owner should do.

However, accidents do happen. Many unsuspecting new hamster owners find themselves with a pregnant hamster after purchasing it from a pet store.

Be aware that, in some cases, hamsters will kill or eat their babies.

In the wild, hamsters express a clear preference for warm, dry areas. This probably explains why the first wild hamsters were discovered in Syria, northern China, Greece, Belgium and Romania.

In the fertile areas on the Aleppinian plateau – sandwiched between northern Syria and southern Turkey, wild hamsters thrived. They continue to live in the wild.

In 24 hours, desert temperatures can fluctuate from scorching hot to freezing cold. And hamsters have evolved to survive these conditions.

On top of temperature fluctuations, wild hamsters also have to contend with changes in food availability. Living in the wild means needing to look for food all the time – winter or summer.

These are then stored for future use. Hamsters in their natural habitat also have different markings and colourings compared to their domestic counterparts.

They also have pale stomachs that reflect surface temperature, ensuring they don’t get too hot or too cold. But what if you have a pet hamster.

The best cage replicates the hamster natural habitat. Remember: In the wild, hamsters live in warm, dry areas where they burrow, run and hoard food.

The best cage – large, clean, well-ventilated and gnaw-proof – will ensure that a pet hamster can act the way it would in its natural habitat. Hamsters are actually relatively clean – they love a sand bath now and then.

More on keeping your hamster clean later.

If you have a dwarf hamster, you could get away with something a bit smaller but really, the bigger the cage, the better for your hamster. Hamsters climb and dig.

The depth is important because ideally, your cage should be able to hold at least 5 cm of bedding and nesting material. On the other hand, the wire top would allow the hamster to climb as high as it would like.

Connect them with a bendy bridge and watch your hamster run up and down. The plastic shelf isn’t just for entertainment.

That way, the bedding remains clean and dry. Hamsters do not like damp bedding.

Hamsters are little Houdinis, so make sure that the cage is secure. Pet hamsters prefer cages with a solid floor covered with bedding and nesting material and a lot of space for them to explore.

So, ensure they have toys to keep them busy. They do not deal well with boredom.

If you don’t provide it with anything to do, it will start chewing the wire, the plastic base, the bedding – anything it can get a hold of. Keep them entertained by including as many of the following as can possibly fit in their cage:

It doesn’t matter how well the inside of the cage mimics your hamster’s natural habitat. If the surrounding environment doesn’t, your hamster will get stressed, possibly get sick and die.

They’re usually noisy, bright, busy and stressful places. That’s why a hamster’s cage needs to be:

That’s why they must have comfortable nest boxes to rest in during the day. In its natural habitat, hamsters are prey.

Providing them with nest boxes allow them to feel safe and secure. Hamsters also tend to burrow underground.

Make sure that your nesting materials don’t separate into thin strands (like cotton wool). Because this can cause stomach blockages if eaten.

Also, avoid shredded newspapers because the ink may be toxic to hamsters. Some pet owners actually use soft toilet paper or white kitchen roll, which a hamster will enjoy shredding.

As mentioned in a previous section, hamsters are actually relatively clean animals. So, your hamster’s cage should reflect that.

One to two weeks is a good chunk of time. You know what they say, “never wake a sleeping baby”.

When you’re cleaning their cage, don’t forget to take their natural sleeping pattern into account. It’s best to do this when your hamster is awake.

If they haven’t been tamed yet, they could get stressed enough to try and bite you, which isn’t pleasant for everyone. Take care to use only a pet-safe cleaner.

A pet-safe cleaner is available in pet shops or online pet stores. Hamsters mark their territory with their scent.

This could unsettle your hamster. Avoid this stress by keeping a handful of used bedding that’s clean and dry.

You may not be able to tell the difference, but your hamster will be able to scent it. The newly cleaned cage would’ve retained enough of the old scent to still smell like home.

They find sudden changes stressful. So, try not to change things too much when you clean out their cage.

Hamsters find comfort in the familiar so keep changes to a minimum.

Hamsters are often referred to as “starter pets,” a harmful characterization that implies that they have less worth and fewer needs than other animals and can be used as a “learning experience” for children grappling with responsibility for the first time. This mindset is an example of speciesism, the misguided belief that one species is more important than another.

There is no such thing as a “starter pet.”.

A routine inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture revealed that one PetSmart supplier reportedly allowed severely stressed hamsters to eat one another and left the remains of the deceased animals in cages.

To learn more, visit PETA’s investigation page. Plus, breeding animals to be kept as “pets” has created a homeless-animal crisis: Millions of unwanted animals are euthanized every year for lack of good homes.

Hamsters can be viewed by other animals as prey and may be in danger of getting harmed or killed by other companion animals in the home if proper precautions aren’t taken. To help prevent animal companions from harming one another, it’s imperative that hamsters have a safe, spacious, and sturdy enclosure to call home.

If an enclosure is too small, the animal can develop “cage rage,” a condition caused by stress that can lead to various behavioral issues, including biting, excessive urinating, and incessant cage-bar biting that can cause serious harm to teeth. Large hamsters should have a minimum of 800 square inches of floor space, and dwarf hamsters should have at least 640.

If you’re unable to create your own, another option is a 75-gallon (or larger) aquarium with a fitted mesh lid. Hamsters love to explore, so a larger space will make your hamster happier and healthier.

Hamsters also have the ability to flatten their bodies, and they can fit through very small holes and crevices. They are easily lost and can be difficult to find, often getting injured or killed while on the loose.

A hamster is considered an “exotic animal” and must be seen by a specialized veterinarian. Many people don’t know this, and when their hamster becomes ill, they are not able to find an appropriate veterinarian in their area, thereby delaying treatment.

While hamsters need to be able to play and explore, the well-known hamster toys, the hamster ball and wheel, aren’t designed with the animal’s well-being in mind. Both toys are often made too small, causing hamsters to arch their back unnaturally.

Unlike a hamster wheel, which provides a hamster with a safe place to exercise when the correct size is used, a hamster ball is not recommended. Hamsters are easily frightened, because they don’t have the best eyesight, and they use their whiskers to navigate.

Additionally, hamsters’ legs can become caught in a ball’s air holes, leading to broken bones. Instead of a ball, consider a playpen or hamster-proof a room and allow your hamster to exercise in it under your diligent supervision.

A Syrian hamster can bond with a human guardian, but they should not live with another hamster. They are territorial and will likely fight.

Instead of adopting another hamster to keep yours company, be your hamster’s friend—spend time observing and talking to them. Hamsters don’t usually like to be handled, so only hold them if they are awake, appear unafraid, and are comfortable with you doing so.

There are several options for affordable and safe bedding to give your hamster the home they deserve. However, it’s important to know what’s safe, as even packaging for dangerous bedding, such as pine or cedar shavings, may have a cute photo of a hamster on the label at a pet store.

Aspen shavings, paper bedding, and hemp are all acceptable choices and can even be mixed together in a hamster’s enclosure. Your animal will also appreciate a small container of sand to bathe in.

Hamsters will naturally urinate and defecate in a specific spot, and that area should be cleaned weekly. All the bedding should be replaced every six months or so, but a handful of used bedding should be retained to help the hamster feel secure.

This can be frustrating for a guardian who wants to play with their companion during daytime hours. Waking a sleeping hamster can be stressful for them and can prompt them to act nervously or aggressively.

Just wake them with care and caution.

The bulk of a hamster’s diet should be store-bought pellets designed specifically for them (rotating among brands for variety). The pellets can be scattered in their bedding or provided in a bowl.

Any uneaten morsels should be removed before they start to rot or attract flies, unwelcome guests in your hamster’s home. Since hamsters are omnivorous, they’ll also appreciate occasional treats of dried mealworms or other insects.

Although hamsters are small, they still entail a big commitment. They require daily care, exercise, and attention, just like other animal companions.

Remember, there is no such thing as a “starter pet.” Please also never buy an animal from a store, and tell friends and family not to, either. Urge PetCo To Stop Selling Animals.

Who isn’t taken by a hamster’s large, shiny eyes, fluffy appearance, and tiny toes. No wonder the hamster is a popular and well-loved small rodent pet.

Keeping in mind these important things will help you decide whether a hamster is the right pet for you.

Many people picture an active little creature running around their hamster wheel and keeping them company throughout the day.

Of course, you will still see your hamster throughout the day, but this isn’t when they are most active.

If you are a night owl, these little guys make perfect late-night companions.

If you happen to have a female hamster who gives birth, it is extremely important to give her and her young a calm, separate space. A stressed or disturbed hamster mother may kill or eat her babies.

Certain species, such as some dwarf hamsters, can live together as long as they are properly introduced.

Keeping your hamster’s cage clean is important for both you and your hamster’s health. However, you don’t want to clean it so often that it disturbs your new friend.

Cleaning the cage weekly is advised. Be sure to always wear gloves and thoroughly wash your hands afterward.

Other cleaning tasks include keeping your hamster’s bathroom area clean and wiping out food and water dishes or bottles. Tidying up your hamster’s bathroom area is best done daily, while food and water dishes and bottles are best done during the weekly clean.

Every once in a while, taking the cage completely apart and cleaning it with soap and water will help keep the enclosure clean and free of any smells.

When calculating the costs, be sure to consider all of the supplies and items required to properly house and care for a happy hamster.

If your hamster ever gets sick or has health problems, you’ll also need to consider the potential of vet bill costs. Conditions like wet tail, respiratory infections, diarrhea, and abscesses all require a vet’s attention.

Though often viewed as a perfect pet for young children, their small size and cute features don’t necessarily mean this is true. Children often have the potential of squeezing, dropping, or startling these fragile creatures.

It is always best to have adult supervision anytime a child is playing with a hamster and to gradually and positively introduce them to gentle handling.

Many children want a fuzzy friend to play with after school, but this is usually a hamster’s time to sleep. Waking the hamster from their nap could cause them to feel grumpy, startled, or insecure with their surroundings.

In addition to the above reasons, hamsters are little, fast creatures and have the potential of getting lost. A hamster on the run can get into trouble or be harmed by getting stuck under furniture, chewing wires, or getting injured by other pets.

Avoid this possibility by providing a hamster ball for your pet to zoom around in. Not only will it keep your hamster safe, but also it will provide a fun way to burn off some energy.

Hamsters can be carriers of different diseases and viruses, such as Salmonella and lymphocytic choriomeningitis. Both can be transferred to humans.

The best way to protect yourself from getting sick is to make sure you wash your hands after handling your hamster or when conducting routine tasks like feeding or cleaning the cage. This should definitely be stressed with children, too.

According to the CDC’s direction for avoiding the transfer of salmonella from rodents, you should avoid washing your hamster’s food and water bowls, toys, or cage in an area used for food preparation. Instead, wash these items in a utility sink, laundry room, or outside.

Hamsters usually only live for about two years. The pain of losing a pet so quickly is definitely something to keep in mind before deciding to add a hamster into your home.

Hamsters make wonderful, entertaining companions, but they may not be suited for every situation. Keeping in mind their activity levels, cage and cleaning requirements, life expectancy, and potential problems can help you determine whether adding a hamster to the family will be the right decision.

Your pet hamster’s ancestors were wild and tended to live in arid regions. Even today, wild hamsters dig a series of tunnels to live in.

The hamsters also collect and fill their tunnels with insulating materials to help regulate ambient temperature. Because your hamster is a descendant of these wild hamsters, your pet will probably be most comfortable in an ambient air temperature of about 65°F to 75°F.1 If temperatures drop much below that, it can put your hamster at risk of various health problems.

Unlike wild hamsters, your pet depends entirely on you to provide what she needs to stay warm. So when cold weather moves into your region, it’s well worth the effort to make sure your hamster stays protected from the chill.

If you usually keep your house below 65°F—perhaps during the day when no one’s home or at night for sleeping—consider placing a space heater in the room where you keep your hamster’s habitat.2 This may help maintain your hamster’s environment within the preferred temperature range while still costing less than heating the whole house.

Also, be sure to use a space heater that is safety tested and certified and look for features like an automatic shut-off, tip-over protection, a shut-off timer, and an adjustable thermostat. Use a Small Animal Heated Pad designed especially for small pets.

Be sure it doesn’t take up the entire footprint of the habitat. you want your hamster to be able to leave the pad and cool off when needed.

Although your hamster must have good ventilation, remember it’s easier to heat a small room than a large one. You might consider keeping your hamster habitat in a smaller room during cold weather, provided it still has adequate ventilation.

Who doesn’t love warm blankets on a cold day. Even though your pet hamster doesn’t have a quilt to bundle up in, he can get much of the same delight from high-quality bedding, which can help keep him warm if it’s deep enough.3.

You can help your hamster even more (and satisfy her hoarding/nesting instincts) by providing your pet with some safe nesting material. Even though you want to keep your hamster warm, it can be dangerous for him to be exposed to temperatures that are too warm, especially above 90°F.

Keeping your hamster warm is easy with a few simple tips. Your pet will surely appreciate the warmth, and he’ll be happy and ready for more playtime with you.

Aspen Commons Animal Hospital. “Hamsters and Cold,” 15 February 2016.

Collingswood Veterinary Hospital & Urgent Care. “Hamsters and Cold,” 15 November 2015.

Jones, Veronica. Vetguru.

As well as the above, your hamster will need a constant supply of water. You may also want to consider getting pet insurance.

The bigger the better as hamsters love to explore and roam. Tanks or aquariums are ideal as they allow for deep bedding and reduce the risk of your hamster escaping through wire bars.

The gaps between bars or mesh should be less than 1cm to prevent any escapes. Hamsters need to burrow, so a minimum of 20cm of suitable ‘digging’ bedding should be provided to allow them to create their own tunnels and nests.

Dwarf hamsters in particular are not very agile and struggle to climb. Tube systems do not have enough ventilation and are often too narrow for Syrian hamsters to travel through comfortably.

Chinese hamsters, also known as Chinese striped hamsters or Chinese dwarf hamsters, are small rodents native to deserts of China and Mongolia. They’re not technically dwarf hamsters, but they received that name due to their small size in comparison to other common pet hamsters, such as the Syrian hamster.

They also have a longer tail than most other hamsters. As pets, these hamsters are fairly simple to care for.

Plus, their housing doesn’t take up much space, and their diet is easy to find in most pet stores.

Scientific Name: Cricetus griseus. Adult Size: 3 to 5 inches long, weighing 1 to 2 ounces.

Chinese hamsters are nocturnal, meaning they sleep by day and are awake at night. But they sometimes might wake up during the day to eat and move around for a short time.

That likely will make it grouchy, and it might try to bite you.

But if they’re not used to handling, some can be nervous and nippy. Moreover, because they are very small and quick, they can be difficult to handle.

Chinese hamsters won’t bond with people like a dog or cat would. But once they’re comfortable around you, they might come to the side of their enclosure if you’re nearby.

However, hamsters kept together might display territorial aggression toward one another. Your best bet to avoid aggression is to acquire littermates that can grow up together and become accustomed to each other’s presence.

They are generally low-maintenance, quiet pets, though they might keep you awake at night with their activity if you have their cage in your bedroom. Expect to spend a few hours each week on feedings and keeping the enclosure clean.

Chinese hamsters range between 3 and 5 inches long on average, weighing 1 to 2 ounces. They reach maturity at around 2 months old.

While these hamsters are tiny, they still need as large of an enclosure as you can fit and afford. This is typically their primary space for play and exercise, so having enough space is crucial for their health.

Cage options are generally either one with a plastic base and wire top or a glass or plastic aquarium. The wire cage will allow for better airflow, but you have to make sure the bar spacing is narrow enough that your hamster can’t squeeze through them.

Include a nest or small animal hideout in the enclosure, which can be found at most pet stores. And add a hamster wheel with a solid surface for exercise.

Moreover, make sure to include some wooden chew sticks or other chew toys made for hamsters, as this will help to wear down their continuously growing teeth.

Hamsters tend to pick a corner of their enclosure as their bathroom. So it’s a good idea to scoop out and change the bedding in that corner every day to keep it sanitary.

Place 1 to 2 inches of bedding, such as aspen shavings or paper-based products, in the bottom of the enclosure. Hamsters may be hypersensitive to certain bedding materials such as cedar chips.

In the wild, hamsters eat a varied diet of seeds, grains, nuts, vegetation, and insects. In captivity, you can feed your animal a commercial hamster food that’s supplemented with vitamins and minerals.

Most owners put a day’s worth of food in a small ceramic bowl in the enclosure. You can do this at any point during the day, as hamsters like to graze throughout the day and night rather than eat designated meals.

Supplement the commercial hamster food with grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and timothy hay. Put these foods in a separate dish from your hamster’s main diet.

Some options include pieces of apple, carrot, and oats. It’s best to feed fresh foods only when your hamster is awake (often in the evening), so it can eat them before they start to spoil.

Finally, hamsters always need access to clean water. It’s best to use a small animal water bottle attached to the side of the enclosure, which stays more sanitary than a water dish.

Hamsters are generally hardy animals, but they are prone to a few health problems.

Formally known as proliferative ileitis or regional enteritis, wet tail is diarrhea that typically arises from stress or unsanitary living conditions, which bring on a bacterial infection. Besides having diarrhea, your hamster might be lethargic and lose its appetite.

Plus, it can be contagious to any other hamsters in the enclosure. So if you do have other hamsters, put them in a separate cage and monitor them for symptoms.

Hamsters also are prone to lung and airway disorders that can quickly become serious. Symptoms include wheezing, nasal discharge, sneezing, and lethargy.

Furthermore, when they don’t have adequate chew toys, some hamsters might experience overgrown teeth, which can interfere with their ability to eat. You might notice your hamster’s teeth look longer than normal, or you might just see it’s not eating and losing weight.

Prior to acquiring a hamster, it’s important to find a vet nearby who can treat this animal. Hand-taming is typically the extent of training with hamsters.

If it’s becoming stressed, put it down somewhere it’s secure and comfortable. Any time it spends in your hands should be a positive experience.

Providing an exercise wheel, along with a large enough enclosure, should be sufficient to keep your hamster physically fit and prevent obesity and other health issues. There are also exercise balls that you can put your hamster in to allow it to roam safely outside of its enclosure.

Hamsters are fairly clean animals that groom themselves. They don’t need baths.

Your primary monthly costs for a Chinese hamster will be its diet and bedding. Expect to spend between $20 and $40, depending on your food and bedding choices (plus how large the enclosure is).

Moreover, make sure to budget for an annual vet wellness checkup, as well as emergency medical care.

They also can be quite fun and interesting to watch. But they are fairly fragile animals that need careful handling.

If you’re interested in pet hamsters, check out:. Otherwise, check out other hamsters that can be your new pet.

These hamsters can be found at many pet stores, but it’s better to go through a reputable breeder or rescue organization. There are some small animal-specific rescue groups, and general animal shelters also sometimes have hamsters.

Expect to spend around $20, though this can vary based on factors including the animal’s age and tameness.

Make sure the seller doesn’t house male and female hamsters together, or you could end up going home with a pregnant female that you weren’t planning for. Observe the hamsters before selecting one.

A dirty enclosure increases the chance of health issues.

Got a new pet over the holidays.

The Caller-Times put together a list of a dozen pet stores in the Corpus Christi area to fulfill your needs for your four-legged, eight-legged or no-legged critter. 3109 S.

Products and services: Cages, Syrian hamsters, dwarf rabbits, pet grooming, snakes, guinea pigs and other pet accessories. Hours: 10 a.m.

Monday through Saturday. noon to 4 p.m.

Contact: 361-814-9997. Website:facebook.com/profile.php.

14330 S. Padre Island Drive.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Website:facebook.com/islandanimalsupply. 2217 Ayers St.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Contact: 361-452-6915. Website:facebook.com/profile.php.

5625 Saratoga Blvd. Products and services: Pet food, horse medication, bird toys, pet grooming, pet treats and pet cleaning supplies.

to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Website:corpuschristi.earthwisepet.com. 4209 S.

Products and services: Finches, parakeets, lovebirds, cockatiels, macaws, bird grooming, bird boarding, cages and bird food. Hours: 10 a.m.

Monday through Friday. 10 a.m.

Saturday. 11 a.m.

Sunday. Contact: 361-814-3363.

5425 S. Padre Island Drive.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Website:petsuppliesplus.com. 6418 S.

Products and services: Reptiles, freshwater and saltwater fish, pet food, pet treats, pet beds, pet medicine, ferrets and livestock supplies. Hours: 9 a.m.

Monday through Saturday. 10 a.m.

Sunday. Contact: 361-986-9222.

830 S. 14th St.

Products and services: Pet food, pet treats, leashes, pet medication, aquarium kits and other pet accessories. Hours: 9 a.m.

Monday through Saturday. 11 a.m.

Sunday. Contact: 361-516-0045.

5214 Blanche Moore Drive. Products and services: Reptiles, freshwater and saltwater fish, pet food, pet treats, pet beds, pet medicine, guinea pigs and pet grooming.

to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Website:petsmart.com. 5413 Everhart Road.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Website:facebook.com/Saltyafcc. 6325 McArdle Road.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Website:facebook.com/TropicalFishHaven. 1420 Airline Road.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Contact: 361-929-5519. Website:wholepetmarkets.com.

Corpus Christi ahead of the curve. More:Gifting a pet for Christmas.

John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at [email protected] or Twitter @johnpoliva.

When a person looks at someone holding a hamster, it often comes to mind where do these small and adorable creatures come from. There are almost 20 different kinds of species of hamsters which have been domesticated over centuries.

After all, it is an interesting story. Puffed cheeks, growling, and ready to pick a fight with stray cats, the hamster never holds back to the surprise.

They belong to the rodent family and have become established as small house pets. The most common species that is kept as a pet is the Golden or Syrian hamster.

Table of Contents. The first known wild hamsters can be traced back to the Northern China regions, Greece, Romania, Belgium, and Syria.

They are nocturnal and become active in the dark. As the hamsters don’t have good eyesight, they rely on their sense of smell to find food and their safe habitats.

The places that hamsters decide to live in don’t just depend on the warm and dry places. There are also several factors that affect their choice of living.

Just like other rodents, physical characteristics have a great saying in the matter of living. The small bodies, short tails, and tiny ears along with their fur have a different reaction to different climatic conditions.

As a nocturnal animal, the hamsters prefer being active during the night. The wild hamsters dig a series of tunnels which gives them access to their needs.

The tunnels can be the perfect environment for breeding purposes too. Plus, the tunnels can also be used to stay cool in the hot climate.

In such conditions, the tunnels serve as the most protected place for them. And as they prefer living alone, it is better than they dig tunnels for themselves.

Normally, the hamsters also need the essential nutrients just like humans. But certain things are not appropriate for the hamsters.

Thus, as they live in the wild, they also tend to eat frogs, lizards, and a variety of insects. And they are also a part of their diet when they are not living in the pet stores.

With the cuddly bodies, soft fur, and bright-and-beady eyes, the hamsters can be a lot of fun to be around. Plus, they are relatively low maintenance pet.

It will come as a surprise that the hamsters have only been domesticated in recent decades. It was about the time of mid-1700 when the first hamster was adopted as a pet.

As you now know that hamsters used to be wild animals, it is vital that you understand that among the various breeds, only a few of them are suitable to be your pets. So, if you are thinking of buying a hamster as a pet, then you can choose one among the below listed.

These hamsters are often known as a teddy bear or golden hamster. They were discovered near Syria in the mid-1700s by a physician.

They were domesticated around 1930 but most commonly used as lab rats. But over time, they were accepted inside the house after then, and since then they have become popular house pets.

This hamster breed is prevalent in the native parts of China. They are less docile as compared to the Syrian hamster.

Also, they were also domesticated around the same time when the Syrian hamsters were taken into homes. But you have to remember that the Russian dwarf hamsters are a lone animal and don’t like living in the company.

It is the smallest sized hamster breed among the species. They were discovered in Northern China.

These dwarf hamsters don’t bite, but they are very quick. That’s why they do not opt for the kid’s pets.

They only live about 3 to 4 years and fits well with the other hamsters as f they are littermates. As you can see, not every breed of the cute looking hamsters can be turned into household pets.

As the life span of the hamsters is not long enough, they are considered as disposable or starter pets. But they can turn out to be amazing pets for the kids to teach them responsibility.

As much information as you have about your pet hamster it will be easier for you to take proper care of them. You May Also Interested In:

Pet stores cause countless dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, reptiles, and other animals to endure extreme pain and suffering. Here are four reasons why you should NEVER buy an animal from a pet store:

Most of them are born at breeding mills—places where animals are forced to give birth over and over again, only to have their babies taken away so that they can be sold to pet shops. 🙁.

All caged birds were either captured or bred in captivity. Like puppy and kitten mills, there are huge factories where thousands of exotic birds are kept in small, dirty cages without enough room to unfold their wings.

Before they’re torn away from their mommies, dogs, cats, and other animals are forced to live in horrible conditions at these mills. Many live in cramped, uncomfortable cages, chained outside all day long or kept alone.

They claw at cage openings, pace back and forth all day, fight with each other, and even refuse to eat.

When female animals are too old or tired to have any more babies, they are sold or killed. The journey for many exotic animals in the pet trade, like lizards and snakes, begins in places outside the U.S., such as Africa, Australia, and the jungles of Brazil.

The shipping process for exotic animals is a miserable one. They’re stuffed into tiny, filthy cages and refused proper food, water, and even air.

Sadly, most exotic animals die before arriving at pet stores. The sale of exotic animals is also unsafe for people and the environment since many of them carry dangerous diseases.

Other animals, including mice, rats, guinea pigs, and hamsters, often arrive dying from starvation, very ill, pregnant, or injured. Many animals are forced into tiny boxes and containers and suffer for days before being unpacked from the containers they were shipped in.

Fish, including bettas, are transported in tiny plastic bags and stuffed into cardboard boxes. During one investigation, PETA discovered more than 100 iguanas in a shipping crate who had been left without food or water for weeks after the order for them was canceled.

Once animals arrive at pet stores, they’re unloaded into cages, priced, and sold like products, not treated like living, feeling beings who would rather be just about anywhere else.

Fish are meant to have entire oceans and lakes to explore, but in pet stores, they circle endlessly in tiny tanks. Birds are put on display in cages, where they can barely stretch their wings, much less fly.

Sick and dying animals are often left to starve, tossed in the trash, or shoved into freezers while they’re still alive. Pet stores send the message that animals are only worth what we’re willing to pay for them—which, as you know, is NOT OK.

The good news. YOU can help countless animals by NEVER visiting or buying animals from pet stores or breeders.

Sharing is caring.

But they didn’t originate under the too-bright lights of your local PetSmart. Where did they come from originally.

Where Do Hamsters Live Outside of Pet Stores. It depends on the breed of hamster, hamsters are known to live in desert areas in underground burrows.

Get Your Own Hamster Owner’s Handbook.

Syrian hamsters, also known as Golden hamsters live in *drum roll*… Syria. They also live in Turkey, but they were discovered in Syria, so that’s the name that’s stuck with them through the years.

Their existence in the harsh desert climate might come as a bit of a shock, as we’re used to hamsters living in the controlled, temperate climates of our homes. Syrian hamsters are actually quite well-equipped for desert life though.

They dig networks of tunnels under the ground and live inside of them. These tunnels give them protection from the harsh heat and sunlight typical of desert environments.

This also might seem odd, as most animals are usually either diurnal (active during daytime) or nocturnal (active during nighttime). But this behavior is also perfectly suited to a desert climate, as it helps the hamsters avoid both the extreme heat of daytime and the extreme cold of nighttime.

READ MORE: Do Hamsters Make Good Pets.

These hamsters occupy a large part of northern Asia, ranging from Kazakhstan to China. Roborovski hamsters, like their Syrian cousins, prefer the desert environment because of its optimal burrowing conditions.

Robo dwarf hamsters are also most active during dawn and dusk for the same reasons Syrian hamsters are (milder temperature/fewer predators). One key difference between the Roborovski hamster and the Syrian hamster is that the Roborovski hamster has evolved to better withstand colder climates.

However, despite the Robo’s ability to survive in cold climates, they are more commonly found in the southern part of their habitation zone. This suggests that they prefer warmer climates, even though they can technically survive in colder ones.

They also create burrows in the sand, but they are operating on more of a nocturnal schedule than their Syrian and Robo cousins do. Depending on where you live, you might not actually see the Chinese hamster in a pet store.

Some states in the United States (New Jersey and California) see this hamster as an unwanted pest and add extra registration hoops in order to own or sell them. As a result, many pet stores in these states will avoid selling them in preference of other hamsters that don’t have legislative red tape wrapped tightly around them.

Dwarf Winter White Russian hamsters live in northwestern China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan.

Read more about Winter Hamster. Cambell’s Dwarf hamsters live in the steppes and semidesert regions of central Asia.

Its specific distribution map shares much overlap with Dwarf Winter Whites, as Campbell’s Dwarf hamsters are also found in China, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. The European hamster is a rarity, in that it is the only hamster to have Europe taking up the vast majority of its geographic distribution.

To be specific, the European hamster lives in an area stretching from Belgium to Russia and reaching down all the way to Bulgaria. While most hamsters live in desert and meadow climates, European hamsters are often found living in gardens and hedges.

Despite this country-specific endangered label, the European hamster population is in excellent condition overall and is not in any danger of extinction. The Grey Dwarf hamster has one of the largest ranges of all hamster types, ranging from Eastern Europe to western China.

They have also been found in Russia and the Middle East, making for a fairly large north-to-south range in addition to their incredibly wide east-to-west range. The Gansu hamster is found in China.

I wasn’t alive when they were naming these hamsters though, so I guess I’ll have to let it slide. The Greater Long-tailed hamster is also solely found in China.

READ MORE: Are Guinea Pigs Smarter Than Hamsters.

They would be hard-pressed to adapt to the unique challenges presented by other climates without first going extinct. It’s unlikely as your hamster will lack the social group and wilderness fitness essential to survival.

Where did you get your hamster. Let us know in the comments below.

Andreea is a very passionate content creator and her purpose is to provide you with the most interesting articles, while constantly discovering new facts. She’s been freelance writing for the past five years and has created numerous articles and educational materials while managing her own mom blog.Read her Latest ArticlesFind her onFACEBOOK AND Instagram.

Hamsters are one of the cutest rodents that many of us are happy to keep as a pet. The Syrian hamster, in particular, happens to be the most popular choice for pet owners.

So, how long do Syrian hamsters live.

The Syrian hamster, also known as the golden hamster, is not only adorable but is also quite smart as well. It’s no wonder that this furry little rodent continues to be such a popular pet choice.

The Syrian hamster averagely lives between 2-3 years. ©stock_shot/Shutterstock.com.

However, in captivity, they have been known to live longer, up to 3-4 years. The average lifespan of each hamster breed varies, however.

Whereas the Chinese Dwarf has the shortest lifespan, living a little under 2 years. Neurobiology of Aging published a study that examined ways to prolong mammals’ lives.

Selegiline is used to treat Parkinson’s disease. For the first time, it has been shown to extend animals’ average and maximum lifespans in a reproducible way.

How long do hamsters live. A hamster’s life cycle is normally completed by the time this adorable, furry rodent gets to about three years old.

A Syrian hamster’s gestation period is 15 to 18 days. A Syrian hamster can have anywhere from 5 to 10 babies.

A puppy is vulnerable and utterly dependent on the mother. It starts to grow hair and teeth in about a week.

At two weeks, hamster babies may be weaned, and this is an excellent time to begin handling puppies destined for a life as a companion. Puppies should be taken from the cage at 4 to 5 weeks, or their mothers will turn against them.

Male hamsters develop quicker than females and attain sexual maturity between 4 and 6 weeks. Female hamsters can reproduce between the ages of 8 and 10 weeks when they weigh an average of 90 to 100 grams.

They have a greater risk of stillbirth. When a Syrian hamster reaches the age of 12 weeks (3 months old), it is considered fully mature.

Syrian hamsters are the biggest of all hamster species, and there will be significant size changes between the newborn hamster you got from the pet store and the adult hamster in your cage. Syrian hamsters may reach a length of 6 inches.

A hamster’s typical lifespan and how long do hamsters live will be influenced by a variety of circumstances. The following are some of the factors you should be aware of:

©Happy monkey/Shutterstock.com. As mentioned, the Syrian hamster lifespan is around 2-3 years.

There is no foolproof method for extending a hamster’s life. You may, however, take certain precautions to ensure that you are providing your hamster with the best possible life.

While tracking these furry friends in the wild is a tough task, some information has been found. The main threat to their lifespans are predators such as owls and other birds of prey.

researchers had always thought they were nocturnal. This could be so they avoid owls who mostly hunt at night or to avoid extreme temperatures of day and night.

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Campbell’s dwarf hamsters are small, round-bodied hamsters with distinctly small ears and grayish-brown fur that has a dark stripe running down the back. They make fairly low-maintenance and affectionate pets, though they do need socializing or might be prone to nipping.

Still, Campbell’s dwarf hamsters are relatively easy to care for, requiring a pretty straightforward diet and regular enclosure cleaning.

Scientific Name: Phodopus campbelli. Adult Size: 2 to 4 inches long on average, weighing around 1 to 2 ounces.

Campbell’s dwarf hamsters are generally low-maintenance, quiet pets. During their waking hours, they like to dig, tunnel, and explore.

Most are friendly and don’t mind being handled, especially if you start gently handling them from a young age. But some might nip if they feel threatened.

These hamsters won’t bond with a person like a cat or dog would, but many will come up to the side of their enclosure if you’re nearby. And unlike some other hamster species, Campbell’s dwarf hamsters are social with their species.

But always monitor them for any signs of aggression, as they can become territorial. Also, because they are so small and fragile, it’s best to keep them away from other household pets, including other hamster species.

The Campbell’s dwarf hamster only stretches around 2 to 4 inches long on average, and it generally weighs between 1 and 2 ounces. It will mature at around 2 months old.

Provide your hamster with as large of a cage as you can fit and afford, as this will be its primary spot to exercise and get mental stimulation. There are two main options for an enclosure: a glass/plastic aquarium with a secure mesh top for ventilation or a wire cage with a plastic base.

Within the enclosure, include a nest or other structure in which your hamster can sleep and hide. Also, add chew toys and an exercise wheel with a flat surface (not wire) to prevent any injuries.

You also can include hamster tubes and compartments for your pet to explore. But make sure they don’t take up too much space, especially if you have multiple hamsters in the enclosure.

The bottom of the enclosure should have a 1- to 2-inch layer of bedding, such as aspen wood shavings or unscented natural cellulose fibers. Avoid wire flooring, as it can damage tender hamster feet.

Remove wet spots in the bedding daily. And fully change the bedding weekly when you wash the whole enclosure with mild soap and water.

Hamsters should have constant access to food and water. A small ceramic food bowl works well, as it’s too tough to chew and too heavy to knock over.

But also provide a water dish until you’re sure your hamster is drinking from the bottle, and check the bottle regularly to make sure the nozzle is working. Fill it with fresh water daily.

Select a commercial hamster food that’s formulated for dwarf hamsters. Consult your veterinarian on the proper quantity to feed, as this can vary based on factors such as age and size.

You also can give your hamster some supplemental foods, again consulting your vet on the appropriate types and amounts. Some options include oats, carrots, and greens.

remove them after a few hours to prevent spoilage.

Diabetes is common in the species. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, as well as a sweet smell to the urine.

Furthermore, hamsters are prone to wet tail, which is diarrhea brought on by an overgrowth of bacteria in the digestive system. It is highly contagious to other rodents and must be treated with antibiotics quickly or else it might kill the hamster.

Finally, hamster teeth naturally grow continuously. And sometimes they become overgrown, especially if the hamster doesn’t have enough chewable materials in its environment to wear them down.

A vet can trim overgrown teeth and then advise you on how to prevent this problem.

So before even acquiring a Campbell’s dwarf hamster, make sure there is a vet nearby who will see this animal. Hand-taming is the most common training people do with their pet hamsters.

Also, make sure the space is secure in case your hamster accidentally gets loose. Never squeeze or jolt a hamster as you hold it.

It can be helpful to hold a favorite treat, so your hamster forms a positive association with handling.

Providing a large enclosure and an exercise wheel should give the hamster what it needs to be physically active. You also can purchase a hamster ball for it to roll around in outside of its enclosure.

Hamsters self-groom and generally don’t need any help from you. However, if they get some dirt or debris stuck in their fur, you can gently rub the area with a damp cloth if they’ll allow it.

On a monthly basis, food and bedding will be your essential costs for a hamster. Expect to spend around $20 to $40, depending on your chosen diet and bedding type (plus the size of the enclosure).

Plus, make sure to budget for an annual veterinary checkup and emergency medical care.

They also don’t require an excessive amount of maintenance. However, they are mostly up at night, so you might miss them when they’re at their most active.

If you are interested in dwarf hamsters, check out:. Otherwise, check out other hamsters that can be your new pet.

If you’re certain you want a Campbell’s dwarf hamster, go to a reputable breeder or rescue organization. Pet stores often carry hybrids or misidentify this species with its similar relatives.

When choosing your pet, look for one with bright eyes and a shiny coat. Its tail should be clean and dry.

Local exotic veterinarians might be able to point you toward a good breeder or rescue to get your hamster. The main benefit of breeders is they often have a wider selection of younger animals, though their costs are often higher than rescues.

You also might inadvertently wind up with a pregnant female. To avoid accidentally becoming a breeder yourself, always keep hamsters solo or with members of the same sex.

These hamsters can be good pets for older children who are able to handle them gently and understand that they are small, quick, fragile animals. Campbell’s dwarf hamsters are relatively low-maintenance with their primary care needs involving daily feedings and regular cage cleanings.

If only love could keep beloved pets alive, hamsters could live longer than a few short years. This is longer than many other small animals, but it pales in comparison to the decade-long lifespans of cats and dogs.

In this article, we explore why this is and what you can do to keep them as healthy as possible. Like most animals, hamsters live longer in captivity than they do in the wild as long as they’re provided appropriate care.

Syrian hamsters usually live longer than the smaller dwarf species. The rate of deterioration in domesticated hamsters is slower than what their wild cousins are subjected to.

Still, hamsters have the bodies of prey animals and cannot escape the fragility of their bodies. The animals that live the longest have unique traits that bring them close to immortality, but hamsters are not one of them.

A short fall from their cage door or a splinter in their paw could prove fatal before you realize something is wrong. Hamsters are also victims of overbreeding.

Issues like inbreeding often go unchecked and increase a hamster’s chances of developing diseases later on. Even if the hamster doesn’t pick up a hereditary disease, many start their lives with low birth immunity.

Wet tail is the most common deadly disease, but it’s also treatable if caught early enough. It usually affects young hamsters, especially if they’re overstressed or fed a poor diet.

Other illnesses, like heart disease and cancer, are often unavoidable outside of selective breeding. Congestive heart failure is suspected as the leading cause of spontaneous death in older hamsters.

Another issue is treating the disease once a hamster is diagnosed. Their small size and already short lifespans make it difficult to test and measure treatment, meaning it’s usually better to manage pain or euthanize an afflicted hamster.

Hamsters may fall ill soon after you first take them home for this reason. Inadequate housing–such as overcrowding, too few hiding spots, lack of enrichment, and improper space–suppresses a hamster’s immune system.

Bacteria like Clostridium piliforme take advantage of stressed hamsters, leading to issues like wet tail or diarrhea that prove fatal if not addressed. It’s important to treat any signs of illness or changes in behavior as a serious warning sign.

When foraging in nature, hamsters can find what they need to eat to ensure a balanced diet. As your companion, they rely on you to find a quality food source that’s both tasty and healthy.

This unbalanced diet contributes to issues like obesity and heart problems that cut months off an already short life. A hamster’s diet should consist of a reputable commercial feed as a baseline with a seed mix for vitamins, fats, and minerals.

Hamsters also benefit from protein from bugs, egg whites, and even meat. Understanding why hamsters die so easily is part of doing research before choosing a pet and learning how to care for them properly.

Over the winter months it’s perfectly natural for a hamster to go into a state of hibernation. During hibernation your pet’s metabolic rate will slow, and this can make it difficult to know whether it’s simply hibernating, or has become ill or died.

Hamsters only hibernate in cold temperatures. If the temperature of your hamster’s cage is over 20°C then it isn’t very likely it’s started to hibernate.

If it is cold enough for your hamster to have been hibernating, look for signs of breathing. Watch very closely for several minutes, as during hibernation the breathing rate slows to as little as one breath every two minutes.

This can be difficult to find, but to do this, simply place your forefinger and thumb on either side of the hamster’s chest just above the elbows. Apply the same amount of pressure as you would if you were trying to stop your hamster running away without hurting it.

Don’t worry if your hamster feels cold. During hibernation your pet’s body temperature will drop to match the environment, so coldness isn’t always a cause for concern.

If you are concerned about your pet’s health, it is advised that you contact your vet.