Here are a few important things to keep in mind if you're thinking about getting a hamster:
- Hamsters aren’t as smart as other pets like dogs or cats, so you can’t train them to do complex tricks.
- Hamsters can be territorial and may fight each other, regardless of their size. It's generally recommended to keep them alone to avoid aggression.
- Hamster bites can hurt (I still remember the bite I got from a Syrian hamster when I was a kid).
Now, let's get to know hamsters a bit better:
Hamsters belong to the subfamily Cricetinae within the family Cricetidae. In China, there are three genera and eight species. Due to their cheek pouches, which allow them to store food temporarily, they’re also known as "cheek mice" or "storage mice."
Hamsters are small creatures, with body lengths ranging from 50mm to 340mm. They have short legs and tails and are terrestrial animals primarily found in temperate regions.
Hamster fur comes in various colors, depending on the species and individual differences, including white, gray, black, golden, and russet.
Hamsters are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and are active at night. They need plenty of exercise, so you'll need to provide them with a spacious cage and other necessary accessories. Their vision is poor, and they can only see in black and white, so they rely heavily on their sense of smell.
Their sense of smell and hearing are extremely sharp.
Hamsters can be broadly classified into dwarf hamsters and Syrian hamsters.
Dwarf hamsters include:
- Campbell’s dwarf hamster (commonly known as the Djungarian or “three-stripe” hamster)
- These hamsters have a gentle temperament, making them great for beginners.
- Winter White hamster (also known as the “one-stripe” hamster)
- Roborovski hamster (often called “Robo hamsters”)
- They are very timid.
Syrian hamsters (commonly known as golden hamsters or “teddy bear hamsters”)
- These hamsters are larger, live longer, but are more aggressive and should be kept alone.
Some people wonder how to tame a hamster. Let’s take the Winter White hamster (often called a “silver fox”) as an example:
Winter Whites are generally gentle, but individual personalities can vary.
As a beginner, it's important to take things slowly. First, set up their environment so they can get used to it. They need to know where their food is and where to go to the bathroom.
Observe which types of food they like best (sunflower seeds often work well) and try feeding them by hand. Gradually encourage them to eat from your hand so they get used to your scent. Over time, they'll become more comfortable with you.
Since each hamster has its own personality, whether timid or bold, it’s important not to rush things. If your hamster is only lightly nibbling or sniffing your hand out of curiosity, don’t pull away or grab it suddenly. Take it slow and steady. Eventually, your hamster will learn that your hand is safe and not a threat.
I once went to a pet market with a friend to pick out a hamster, and we ended up getting a silver fox. Surprisingly, it was comfortable with handling on the very first day—a bit of a lucky break!
Finally, here are a few tips on feeding:
- Although hamsters love grains, be careful not to overfeed them. Foods like sunflower seeds and pine nuts are high in fat. Overweight hamsters can have a hard time losing weight, and they’re more prone to shedding and skin problems in the summer.
- Offer small amounts of fruit to your hamster, but not too much, as it can cause diarrhea.
- Always provide clean, fresh water.
I hope everyone can raise their hamster babies to be happy, healthy, and as friendly as possible!