The Top 5 Most Popular Hamster Breeds!
If you’re considering getting a hamster, these adorable little creatures can make fun and entertaining pets. While there are 24 species of hamsters, only five are commonly kept as pets. Some species of hamsters are best kept alone, while others can live comfortably in groups. If you’re looking for a hamster that you can hold and interact with, some breeds are more conducive to being handled, while others prefer to play on their own.
Tip: You can build a bond with your hamster over time. Be patient and don’t force handling immediately. Regular feeding, offering playtime outside of their habitat, and speaking softly to your new furry friend can help. Hamsters may eventually recognize your scent and voice and see you as a source of comfort.
Species Characteristics
Pet hamsters vary in size from 2 to 7 inches and have short tails; small eyes; and fur colors that include black, brown, gray, white, yellow, or red. They can collect and carry food in their large cheek pouches. Hamsters have wide feet with four toes on the front and five toes on the back. Hamsters have large, chisel-shaped incisors that continuously grow. Larger hamsters prefer to live alone; for example, male Syrian hamsters may attack each other and even attempt to kill one another for dominance if housed together. Dwarf hamsters of the same sex seem to coexist peacefully. Hamsters are usually gentle with humans and rarely bite. All hamsters are nocturnal, sleeping during the day and active at night.
Here are five hamster breeds that make great household pets:
1.Roborovski Dwarf Hamster (Phodopus roborovski): This is the smallest popular hamster breed, only reaching 2 inches in adulthood. Due to their small size, they are best housed in an aquarium with a mesh cover, as they can easily escape through the gaps in a wire cage. They are adorable because of their distinct appearance but are more suitable for owners who prefer to watch rather than interact, as they are skittish and harder to bond with.
2. Syrian (Golden) Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus): Known as the Teddy Bear hamster, this is the most popular pet hamster, especially for children. They range from 5 to 9 inches in length and live for two to four years. Syrian hamsters come in short-haired and long-haired varieties; with a back color of tea, a white belly, and black lines on the cheeks; they have a variety of fur colors including interspersed yellow and white or black and white; some have a yellow body and black ears, looking as though they wear a mask on their face.
3.Campbell’s Dwarf Russian Hamster (Phodopus campbelli): Growing up to 4 inches long, with an average lifespan of two years. This is a social breed that can live in groups if housed correctly. The fur is short and silky, with the belly covered in soft light yellow and light gray down, the back and head in wood brown, and the fur very short in dark slate gray. A clear wood charcoal stripe runs from between the ears to the tail. The pads on the feet and the tail are wrapped in smooth white fur.
4. Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster (Winter White) (Phodopus sungorus): Also known as the Djungarian hamster, this breed is similar to the Campbell’s Dwarf Russian Hamster, typically 3.5 to 4 inches long, with a lifespan of about two years. They have a rounder body and shorter face. These hamsters are very gentle and unlikely to bite.
The Pudding Hamster is a variety of the Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster (Phodopus sungorus), with a body color resembling pudding, hence the name Pudding Hamster, a variety bred in Japan. Pudding hamsters with orange or golden stripes on their back are
called Yellow Pudding, while those with off-white fur are called White Pudding. They are very gentle, highly interactive with people, and easy to care for, making them ideal for beginners or children as small pet mice. Like other pet mice, Pudding Hamsters are compact, easy to feed and clean, and have a docile personality.
5. Chinese Hamster (Cricetus griseus): They can grow up to 5 inches long and live for up to three years. This breed is known for being friendly and good for handling, especially if accustomed to being held and handled from a young age. If not used to being handled, they may become shy and nervous, which could lead to biting.
Advice for Keeping
Cage and Environment
Cage Size: A base area larger than 0.5 square meters to ensure ample activity space.
Hiding Places: Provide multiple paper or wooden hiding spots for hamsters to retreat and rest.
Bedding: At least 20 centimeters thick dust-free soft bedding, such as dust-free wood shavings or hay, facilitates digging and nest building for hamsters.
Ventilation: Ensure the cage top remains open, especially for glass or plastic cages, to maintain good air circulation.
Daily Care and Maintenance
Cleaning: Clean wet bedding and feeding utensils daily, conduct a thorough cleaning monthly, and keep some old bedding to help the hamster adjust.
Exercise and Toys: Provide a flat wheel with a diameter of at least 20 centimeters and toys without sharp edges.
Food and Water Management: Provide fresh water and balanced food, avoiding high salt, sugar, and harmful foods.
Pet Interaction: Gradually increase interaction with the hamster to build trust and reduce stress.
Things to Avoid
Cage Restrictions: Avoid overly small cages and those with mesh bottoms.
Toy Selection: Do not use mesh wheels that could harm the spine, overly small toys, or plastic balls that can cause injury to hamsters.
Potential Hazards: Avoid using plastic toys that may contain harmful chemicals.
Bedding Choice: Do not use cotton or other materials that can tangle, to prevent clogging the hamster’s cheek pouches or causing other injuries.
Feed Management: Avoid sudden changes in feed and using spoiled food.
Activity Area: Ensure the play area is safe, avoiding high or fall-risk areas for hamster play.
Other Pets: Prevent cats, dogs, and other pets from approaching the hamster to avoid stress or injury to the hamster.
Other Considerations
Daytime Rest: Hamsters are mostly nocturnal and should not be disturbed during the day.
Keeping Environment: Avoid placing the cage near air conditioning, heating, or vents to prevent temperature changes that cause stress to the hamster.
