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by Daydreamer on June 30th, 2005

Daydreamer

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How many species of hamsters are there?

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  • by Daydreamer on June 30th, 2005

    Daydreamer

    There are five species of hamster, which are widely kept as pets.
    These are as follows:
    SYRIAN HAMSTER – This is the most common species and is sometimes referred to as the golden hamster due to it’s original wild colouring. Today though, there are many different colours and coat mutations. Syrian hamsters are solitary creatures and must never be kept with other hamsters as they will fight and may even kill each other. Syrians are ideal pets for small children as they are easier to handle and are less delicate than other hamsters due to their large size.
    DWARF CAMPBELLS RUSSIAN HAMSTER – Unlike Syrians, these hamsters are sociable and can be kept as pairs or in a group, provided they are introduced at a young age. They can be difficult for young children to handle and are also less tolerant of clumsy handling and can be prone to nip when annoyed. They can squeeze through the bars of some hamster cages, so glass or plastic aquariums or cages designed for mice make much more suitable housing for these hamsters.
    DWARF WINTER WHITE RUSSIAN HAMSTER – These hamsters are very similar to the Dwarf Campbells Russian hamster, although they are less common and are rarely found in pet shops. The hamster’s name comes from its tendency to turn white in the winter. This is due to the shorter daylight hours and the hamster's coat may become lighter or have white patches or become almost completely white.
    CHINESE HAMSTER – These aren’t as widely kept as the Russian hamsters mainly due to the fact that fewer numbers exist, as there are difficulties in breeding them. They have good temperaments and rarely nip although they are difficult to catch, as they are extremely timid and fast moving. They’re not usually very active when handled because of their timid nature. Chinese Hamsters are a fascinating pet for those who prefer simply to observe, particularly when given a large and interesting environment in which to live.
    ROBOROVSKI HAMSTER – These are the smallest of the hamster species kept as pets. There are also probably the most active and difficult to handle, therefore not a good pet for a child wanting to hold and play with it. Like the Chinese hamster they are best kept as pets to observe and can be fascinating to watch. As they aren’t suitable for children they are rarely seen in pets shops but can be purchased from specialist hamster breeders.

    There are many other species, most of which live only in the wild.
    These include:
    European hamster
    Romanian hamster
    Turkish hamster
    Ciscaucasian hamster
    Ladak hamster
    Chinese Striped hamster
    Mongolian hamster
    Eversmann’s hamster
    Tibetan hamster
    Lesser Longtailed hamster
    Armenian hamster
    Greater Longtailed hamster
    Mouse-like hamster

    www.petwebsite.com/hamsters/about_hamsters.htm

    Comments

    • I've had Campbells and Robos (tres cute!); the Campbells are territorial about hands in their cage, besides being nippy.

      lynnenorth

      by lynnenorth on March 19th, 2006

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