Syrian Hamsters: The First Domestic Hamster Species
As pointed out to us by a group of Hamster enthusiasts and experienced breeders, the scientifically accurate term for a kind or type of Hamster is referred to as a species, and not breed. Hamsters cannot be bred nor housed with a different species of Hamsters. They are essentially identified as different species individually. While some of us may argue that this is a controversial topic, we shall not deny the fact that accurate information can be shared as a form of education for the masses too.
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The Syrian Hamster
Like their name states, Syrian Hamsters originate from Syria, first
discovered by British Zoologist George Robert Waterhouse in 1839. The skin of
his first Syrian Hamster specimen is currently housed in the National History
Museum of London. In 1930, Zoologist and Professor Israel Aharoni captured a mother Syrian Hamster and her litter of pups in Aleppo, Syria.
Syrian Hamsters were then bred in Jerusalem for use as lab
animals. Some of these Syrian Hamsters eventually escaped through holes and bred in the wild. The offspring of
the remaining few were shipped to Britain in 1931. In Arabic languages, they
were adorably dubbed as Mr Saddlebags— their ability to store so
much food in their cheek pouches is not unknown to many today ☺
Fun Fact Did you know? The Syrian Hamster population in the wild is considered threatened now, due to the loss of habitat in their native lands.
Appearance Of A Syrian Hamster
Size — A Syrian Hamster’s body is the size of an adult hand, and the average length of an adult Syrian Hamster is about 13 to 18 cm long.
Features — A Stout body carried by wide short legs, with a stubby tail that is barely visible underneath it's fur. Tulip shaped ears sit on top of their heads, coupled with large round eyes.
Fun Fact Unlike the Dwarf Hamster species, the Syrian Hamster's nose and mouth are much more noticeable, due to difference in size, and sharpness.
Coat — Both Short and Long hair are available.
Colour — The Syrian Hamster has many nicknames, and one of which is The Golden Hamster, and also Teddy Bear. These nicknames were derived from their different coat colours, but the original colour of the Syrian Hamster is none other than Golden! Other Colours include White, Cream, and Blue.
Features — A Stout body carried by wide short legs, with a stubby tail that is barely visible underneath it's fur. Tulip shaped ears sit on top of their heads, coupled with large round eyes.
Fun Fact Unlike the Dwarf Hamster species, the Syrian Hamster's nose and mouth are much more noticeable, due to difference in size, and sharpness.
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Colour — The Syrian Hamster has many nicknames, and one of which is The Golden Hamster, and also Teddy Bear. These nicknames were derived from their different coat colours, but the original colour of the Syrian Hamster is none other than Golden! Other Colours include White, Cream, and Blue.
Grooming A Syrian Hamster
Syrian Hamsters are
extremely easy to groom, for they do not require water baths.
Only bath them if absolutely necessary, if they can’t get certain stains off or
if they are starting to smell. A damp towel works great as well, and if you
have to use shampoo, choose an unscented one. Always make sure your Hamsters
are completely dry. Otherwise, Syrian Hamsters are great self groomers. Additionally, there are also long-haired Syrian hammmies out there (as informed by another Hamster enthusiast). These require a tad more effort in grooming in combing out their fur!
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There are still mixed
reviews as to whether a Syrian Hamster needs sand baths, because it seems that
some Hammies like it, and some do not. Introduce your Hamsters
with a little sand bath and watch how they react to it. Certain Syrian Hamsters are said to love digging and playing it, so it could be more of a burrowing behaviour
as opposed to hygiene.
Housing
Avoid pine and cedar
bedding as usual, as they could cause respiratory problems, and ensure they
have toys like tunnels and such in their cages or as an attachment, to mimic
their natural habitats. Since Syrian Hamsters are relatively larger, ample space and hiding spots are a must, ensure they have enough space to move about and play while you are not available.
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Syrian Hamster Personality
Syrian Hamsters are docile, curious creatures with the adorable ability to store huge amounts of food in their cheek pouches. The possible forms of aggression can be derived from territorial issues with other Hamsters / a female that has just given birth / when they are accidentally shocked.
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A Syrian Hamster’s scent gland is located on the side of their hips, and they use these to mark territories. They make active and fun pets, and are much easier to handle than dwarf hamsters, but adult supervision is still advised for children handling them.
When in captivity and proper care, a Syrian Hamster can live up to 3 or 4 years.
Fun Fact When threatened by a new scent on her pups, an inexperienced mother Syrian Hamster may eat her pups. That is why we have got to be extra careful these babies!
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