Which hamster breeds are suitable as pets?

Small, playful, adorable and fluffy, the hamster has become one of the most popular pets . Although they are distant relatives of mice and rats, this species managed to integrate much more easily “into society” As soon as for the tenderness and sympathy they demonstrate.
If you or your little ones want to buy a hamster to become a new member of the family, you should know this there are different species of hamsters, each with their own unique care conditions. So it’s also good to do a little research beforehand choosing the perfect hamster should be made based on its needs and the conditions you can offer it.

1. The Syrian hamster

   Friendly and easy to care for, the Syrian hamster is the most common hamster chosen by the population as a pet. It reaches maturity at a length of 17-18 cm and its weight can reach up to 200 g. It is characterized by very thick fur and a very short tail. Another specific characteristic of this species is that Syrian hamsters have smooth, hairless limbs and have 4 toes on the forelimbs and 5 toes on the hind limbs. The Syrian hamster prefers to live alone because it can become aggressive towards other hamsters.
   Being a nocturnal species, the Syrian hamster’s activity begins after sunset and ends in the morning. So the whole day is dedicated to sleep, moments in which it is best to avoid being woken up.

   

2. Chinese hamster

   Known as the hamster with the longest tail compared to other breeds, the Chinese hamster is characterized by its agility and speed. Although it can get along with other hamsters and live together, the Chinese hamster survives better alone. At maturity it reaches a length of 7.5-10 cm and a weight of approximately 40-70 g. The Chinese hamster is very easy to differentiate from other species because it has a long tail, useful for maintaining balance when climbing, and a narrow body and snout, thus resembling a mouse. Like Syrian hamsters, Chinese hamsters have 4 toes on their front limbs and 5 toes on their hind limbs. Another characteristic is that Chinese hamsters have slightly yellowish teeth.
   Although they are nocturnal animals, there are situations in which the Chinese hamster also expresses its energies during the day.

   

3. Russian dwarf hamster

   Agile and very very fast, the Russian dwarf hamster is an extremely sociable breed that gets along well with other hamsters. At maturity they reach 10-12 cm in length and 40-50 g in weight. They are characterized by fur-covered paws and a short tail. As for lifespan, they live between 1.5 and 3 years. The Russian Dwarf Hamster is extremely agile and for this reason becomes quite difficult to handle as there is a high probability that the little furry one will escape. Its moments of maximum activity are in the first part of the day and in the evening, after sunset. This breed, being sociable, can easily integrate with other hamsters. It is advisable to let this type of hamster live in a specially designed terrarium because there is a risk of escaping through the bars of a common hamster cage.

4. The winter white dwarf hamster

   Known as the second smallest breed of hamster, the winter white dwarf hamster is characterized by changing the color of its fur from white in winter to gray in summer. At the same time this breed is very sociable, it can live with other hamsters, however it is not the most suitable for small children because they are quite difficult to handle and with a little carelessness they can easily escape. At maturity it reaches a length of 8-10 cm and a weight of 40-50 g. It is also characterized by a compact body with a rounded shape, small ears covered in fur, short and hairy legs and a very very small tail.

5. Roborovski dwarf hamster

   Also known as the smallest hamster breed, the Roborovski dwarf hamster has a slightly longer lifespan than other breeds, approximately 3-4 years. At maturity they are only 4-5 cm long and their weight reaches 22-28 g. They are also distinguished from other hamster breeds by the lack of the dorsal stripe that is present in all other dwarf hamster species, and by their white eyebrows.
   Since the Roborovski hamster is so small, it is recommended that he live in a terrarium with a mesh cover to prevent him from escaping through the gaps in wire cages. Given its small size, the Roborovski hamster is very agile and fast and loves physical activity. Consequently, if your attention is paid to this breed, you must know that to be happy he must always have many toys at hand.

Although hamsters are among the pets that they require a lot of effort in their maintenance However, there are some things you need to consider to ensure you make the right choice.

• Make sure of this you have prepared for the hamster everything it needs for good survival namely:
  – cage/terrarium for hamsters or any type of closed habitat;
  – special bedding for hamsters and material in which they test themselves;
  – water dispenser, to ensure correct hydration;
  – exercise wheel;
  – various types of food to see what is the right and preferred food for him and, obviously, a food that contains all the minerals and nutrients necessary for good development;
  – various toys .
• Take all hygienic and preventive measures regarding your hamster’s health because they can be carriers of various bacteria that can subsequently be transmitted to humans. Therefore it is good to prevent and talk to your vet about these problems.
• Make sure the hamster has its own space . Little fur babies are happier the more space they have to stretch out, run and hide. Since they are more active at night than during the day, cages with several tunnels and hiding places are ideal for them. At the same time, cages need to be as safe as possible because hamsters are famous for their ability to escape from their cage and wander throughout the house.
• Try doing it assemble the soft house in a quiet place, away from loud noises or power surges. Hamsters also prefer not to be influenced by the light of the TV or other devices.
• Keep this in mind Hamster teeth grow continuously. So, to avoid the appearance of dental problems, the teeth of little souls must be constantly filed. They will if you always provide them with sisal for teething.