Hamsters

1. Hamsters

2. History • Rodent evolved about 55 to 65 million years ago with Paramys being the ancestor of all rodents. • Paramys was a large squirrel like animal with clawed feet for grasping and climbing and a long tail for balancing.

3. Hamster Information • The Golden Hamster is the most abundant of the hamster population. It is native to the deserts of Syria and is sometimes referred to as the “Syrian”. • In 1931 young hamsters were brought to the US to Carville, LA where they were used in Medical Research. It was during this time it was found that they could be tamed and kept as pets.

4. Male or Female • Male Hamsters have prominent scent glands on their flanks to mark their territory although the female is the more aggressive sex and will dominate the male.

5. Characteristics • Hamsters are “Nocturnal” meaning they sleep all day and play all night. It was too hot in the desert to be out during the day and more predators were out then as well. • They would forage for food at night and stuff their cheek pouches full and run back to their burrow. The word Hamster comes from the word hamstern which mean “to hoard”.

6. Characteristics • Hamsters are solitary animals and very protective of their territory. Young can be kept together until around 5 weeks of age then should be separated. Cannibalism will ensue if litters are left together too long. Females only tolerate the male for breeding.

7. Characteristics • Hamsters will live around 1 to 3 years if well cared for. • Hamsters prefer a temp of around 70. If they are in a temp higher than 80 they will go into a deep sleep like hibernation that ensured their survival in the desert. This hibernation is known as estivation which helped them to survive.

8. Housing • There are many housing options available although rodents are escape artists. Cages that are all plastic are not recommended since hamsters are rodents they can chew right through the plastic and get out. • These best option is usually a fish tank with a wire top.

9. Exercise • A healthy hamster does need exercise. Wheels can be added to the cage but plastic ones will be eaten. The metal ones are nice but if keeping the hamster in a bedroom not recommended since they will run all night.

10. Bedding • Bedding should be clean and dry. Bedding can be paper confetti, wood chips, paper strips, hay, straw, or pieces of cotton. • Course sawdust can be used but it can have a lot of dust that can cause eye and nasal irritation.

11. Feeding • The easiest way to feed a hamster is with a commercial food that is prepared for the animal. Pellets are hard which can wear down the front teeth and the ration should include corn, oats, wheat sorghum, and sunflowers. Lettuce, Carrots, potato, fresh clover or alfalfa hay can also be given.

12. Handling • Hamsters are nocturnal and shouldn’t be bothered when sleeping. The more a hamster is handled the more tame it will become. • Hamsters should be picked up firmly in the thumb and fore finger. Do not squeeze!

13. Common Diseases • We tail-caused by bacteria or a virus, wetness around the tail of the animal, and causes are poor sanitation and poor diet. • Rectal Prolapse-Read area around the anus-death will occur a day or two later.

14. Reproduction • Place female in males cage as females are very territorial. • They will mate several time in a 15-20 minute period. • Heat will occur in the evening from 5 to 11. • Gestation is 16 days!

15. Cavies • Babies will move at about 10 days, open their eyes at fourteen days and should be weaned at about 24-28 days. Mom might bite them if they are left too long. • Mom should be left a lone and be calm as she will eat her babies if she is nervous or scared.

16. How many? • Females will produce only five or six litters a year and then no longer produce offspring. Males will become infertile at about 1 year although sometimes longer.