Hamsters are the general term for animals of the subfamily Cricetinae. There are seven genera and eighteen species in total. They are mainly distributed in Asia, and a few are distributed in Europe. Hamsters are cute small pets and are also commonly used laboratory animals. There are different breeds of hamsters, each with its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. This article will introduce four common hamster breeds, namely Syrian hamsters, Djungarian hamsters, Campbell's dwarf hamsters, and Roborovski hamsters, and compare them in terms of morphological characteristics, habitat environment, and living habits.
Syrian Hamster
The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), also known as golden hamster, Syrian hamster, Teddy bear hamster, etc., is the largest in size, has the most varieties, and is the most docile among hamsters. Syrian hamsters are native to Syria, Lebanon, Israel and other places in western Asia. It was not officially classified as a pet until it was introduced to the United States in 1938. After years of artificial breeding, Syrian hamsters have derived many different coat colors, markings, hair types and textures. The superposition of various basic genes has created different flower patterns.
Morphological characteristics: Syrian hamsters are about 10-18 centimeters in length and weigh about 85-150 grams. Their lifespan is about 2-3 years. Syrian hamsters have thick and smooth fur, which can be long or short. The colors include black, gray, honey color, white, brown, yellow, red or mixed colors. Syrian hamsters have cheek pouches on both cheeks, which can be used to store and carry food. Syrian hamsters have sharp incisors and need to gnaw hard objects frequently to wear them down.
Habitat environment: Syrian hamsters are solitary animals. In the wild, they will build their own underground burrows and store food and build nests in them. Syrian hamsters are highly adaptable and can survive in different climates and terrains.
Living habits: Syrian hamsters are animals that appear at dusk. During the day, they will mostly stay in burrows to rest and come out to forage and move around at night. Syrian hamsters are omnivorous animals and mainly feed on seeds, fruits and vegetables. Occasionally, they will also eat insects and meat. Syrian hamsters will reduce their metabolic rate and enter hibernation in winter.
Djungarian Hamster
The Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus), also known as wild three-striped hamster, three-striped spotted hamster, dwarf hamster, etc., is a kind of hamster with a smaller size, more coat colors and a more obedient personality. Djungarian hamsters are native to Central Asia, such as Kazakhstan, Mongolia and other places, and mainly live in grasslands and deserts. After artificial breeding, Djungarian hamsters have many different flower colors and variations, such as silver fox, pudding, milk tea, purple dwarf hamster, etc.
Morphological characteristics: Djungarian hamsters are about 7-10 centimeters in length and weigh about 30-50 grams. Their lifespan is about 1.5-2 years. Djungarian hamsters have short and dense fur. The colors include black, gray, brown or white. Djungarian hamsters usually have a dark stripe on their backs that extends from the head to the tail. Djungarian hamsters also have cheek pouches on both cheeks, which can be used to store and carry food. Djungarian hamsters also have sharp incisors and need to gnaw hard objects frequently to wear them down.
Habitat environment: Djungarian hamsters are social animals. In the wild, they will share underground burrows with their companions and store food and build nests in them. Djungarian hamsters are highly adaptable and can survive in different climates and terrains.
Living habits: Djungarian hamsters are animals that appear at dusk. During the day, they will mostly stay in burrows to rest and come out to forage and move around at night. Djungarian hamsters are omnivorous animals and mainly feed on seeds, fruits and vegetables. Occasionally, they will also eat insects and meat. Djungarian hamsters will grow white winter fur and enter hibernation in winter.
Campbell's Dwarf Hamster
The Campbell's dwarf hamster (Phodopus campbelli), also known as wild one-striped hamster, one-striped spotted hamster, Russian dwarf hamster, etc., is a kind of hamster with a smaller size, more coat colors and a more irritable personality. Campbell's dwarf hamsters are native to Central Asia, such as Mongolia, Xinjiang, China, Kazakhstan and other places, and mainly live in grasslands and deserts. After artificial breeding, Campbell's dwarf hamsters have many different flower colors and variations, such as amber, snowball, black bear, etc.
Morphological characteristics: Campbell's dwarf hamsters are about 7-10 centimeters in length and weigh about 30-50 grams. Their lifespan is about 1.5-2 years. Campbell's dwarf hamsters have short and dense fur. The colors include black, gray, brown or white. Campbell's dwarf hamsters usually have a dark stripe on their backs that extends from the head to the tail. Campbell's dwarf hamsters also have cheek pouches on both cheeks, which can be used to store and carry food. Campbell's dwarf hamsters also have sharp incisors and need to gnaw hard objects frequently to wear them down.
Habitat environment: Campbell's dwarf hamsters are social animals. In the wild, they will share underground burrows with their companions and store food and build nests in them. Campbell's dwarf hamsters are highly adaptable and can survive in different climates and terrains.
Living habits: Campbell's dwarf hamsters are animals that appear at dusk. During the day, they will mostly stay in burrows to rest and come out to forage and move around at night. Campbell's dwarf hamsters are omnivorous animals and mainly feed on seeds, fruits and vegetables. Occasionally, they will also eat insects and meat. Campbell's dwarf hamsters will grow white winter fur and enter hibernation in winter.
Roborovski Hamster
The Roborovski hamster (Phodopus roborovskii), also known as dwarf hamster, desert dwarf hamster, grandpa hamster, etc., is a kind of hamster with the smallest size, the fewest coat colors and the liveliest personality. Roborovski hamsters are native to Central Asia, such as Mongolia, Xinjiang, China, Kazakhstan and other places, and mainly live in deserts and semi-deserts. After artificial breeding, Roborovski hamsters have many different flower colors and variations, such as white eyebrows, white face, white tail, etc.
Morphological characteristics: Roborovski hamsters are about 7-10 centimeters in length and weigh about 18-25 grams. Their lifespan is about 1.5-2 years. Roborovski hamsters have short and dense fur. The colors include gray, brown or white. Roborovski hamsters usually have a dark stripe on their backs that extends from the head to the tail. Roborovski hamsters have a distinct white patch of fur between the eyes and ears. Roborovski hamsters also have cheek pouches on both cheeks, which can be used to store and carry food. Roborovski hamsters also have sharp incisors and need to gnaw hard objects frequently to wear them down.
Habitat environment: Roborovski hamsters are social animals. In the wild, they will share underground burrows with their companions and store food and build nests in them. Roborovski hamsters are highly adaptable and can survive in different climates and terrains.
Living habits: Roborovski hamsters are animals that appear at dusk. During the day, they will mostly stay in burrows to rest and come out to forage and move around at night. Roborovski hamsters are omnivorous animals and mainly feed on seeds, fruits and vegetables. Occasionally, they will also eat insects and meat. Roborovski hamsters will grow white winter fur and enter hibernation in winter.
Summary
The above is the introduction of four common hamster breeds, and a comparison has been made in terms of morphological characteristics, habitat environment, and living habits. They each have their own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and are suitable for different breeders and environments. If you want to keep a cute small pet, you might consider choosing a hamster breed that suits you and provide them with comfortable living conditions and enough care.