SYRIAN HAMSTER 2014

 Syrian (Golden) Hamster
(Mesocricetus auratus)

As can be concluded from its name, Syrian hamster originates from Syria, actually from its desert part– from the high plateau of Aleppo. Its basic colour is golden – after which it takes its other name– however, as a result of breeding now they come in variety of colours and combinations from white to black as well as in many multicolour variations. First species were taken from nature in 1930 and then spread as pets throughout the world.
The life span of a hamster is two to three years; they are lone animals, i.e. in one cage only one can be held. Hamster does not take much space and is an ideal pet for kids older than seven since having hamster they will develop work habits and better understand natural processes which take place with all living beings. Hamster is sexually mature at the age of six weeks. Its pregnancy lasts about fifteen days and it whelps six to ten blind and bare cubs which it treats with care of and breast feeds. After fifteen days the youngsters begin to see and after four weeks they can be separated from their mother.
Feeding a hamster is not complicated since it feeds on a mixture of seeds and adores almost all kinds of fruit. Its titbit are hazelnuts, a dandelion leaf and small twigs of various fruit plants which the hamster enjoys to nibble and thus wears its teeth that continually grow. To this purpose also mineral blocks can be used, which give hamster the minerals it needs and maybe lacks in its other food. Like all animals it must have fresh water.
Anyhow, hamster has to be in cage, but we can take it out and play with it; however, an eye must constantly be kept on it especially in the first days when we get it for otherwise it will crawl wherever it can. It is not good to take it in hands while it is asleep but it should be woken up while it is in cage and then be taken in hands – to that purpose also a kind of titbit can be used. Although like a majority of rodents it is a night animal, if we play with it during daytime it will accommodate to it and enrich everyday life with its tricks.


Boris Cebović
Small animal breeder