The most important information and tips for raising Syrian hamsters at home
Definition of Syrian hamster
This species of hamster is considered the most popular, constituting approximately 90% of all hamsters, whether in scientific experiments or as pets. Its native habitat is Asia Minor and southeastern Europe, and it typically lives in underground tunnels characterized by high humidity and slightly cooler temperatures compared to the desert environments where other animals are found. Like other rodents, it also has high fertility. Interestingly, the United States is one of the countries most used in experiments, ranking third in scientific experiments. All hamsters there trace their origins to a single population, imported from Syria in 1930, with only three individuals kept for captive breeding.
Syrian hamster behavior
Syrian hamsters live alone in the wild, unlike their Chinese counterparts, which prefer to live in groups. This makes them more susceptible to aggression, especially between males and pregnant females, where conflicts can lead to death. Therefore, it is recommended to separate males from females, especially after the first week of pregnancy.
Hamsters may bite when first handled, especially if awakened from sleep. However, over time, they will become accustomed to handling. They are very active at night, capable of walking long distances in a roller ball, while they are more sedentary during the day.
One of their unique characteristics is the presence of a closed pouch in their mouth (cheek pouch) used for storing food. Don't worry if you see their mouth full of food, as it is simply a means of storing it for later transfer to a designated place. Hamsters are also known for their careful organization of their environment; they designate specific areas for storing food, sleeping, and even for relieving themselves. One hamster even used a glass jar placed in a specific corner as a permanent bathroom.
It is worth noting that pregnant females may resort to placing their young in this pouch to protect them when they feel threatened. This may even lead to them eating their young (cannibalism), which necessitates providing them with a calm and stable environment.
Syrian hamster colors
The hamster's natural color is golden (brown), as shown in the picture, and it has a short fur, just like in nature. Other colors are the result of genetic mutations, including cream, white, albino, black, beige, and peach (which resembles orange), in addition to many other colors. These diverse colors are what make raising a hamster so enjoyable.
Proper nutrition for Syrian hamsters
Many hamster owners rely on ad libitum feeding, believing that hamsters will eat anything, but this is not entirely accurate. Hamsters require specific daily nutrients, such as protein and vitamins, which ad libitum feeding does not adequately provide.
Hamsters are omnivorous animals, eating plants, animals, and insects. However, most owners, including myself, discourage the introduction of meat for several reasons:
To avoid triggering predatory behavior, as a mother hamster may eat her young when stressed or malnourished.
Hamsters may develop a taste for meat, preferring it, which may prompt them to seek out easy food sources, such as your finger, and learn to bite.
Important information about feeding Syrian hamsters
Hamsters need to consume about 15 grams of dry matter daily. Here are some important points regarding their nutrition:
Protein should not be reduced, as it is essential for hamster growth, but it should also not be overused to avoid kidney problems.
It is recommended that protein constitute about 22% of the dry matter provided.
Hamsters love a varied diet; providing a variety of foods makes them happier.
Green leafy plants are very important, but be careful not to overdo it; for example, one lettuce leaf per day is sufficient.
Pregnant mothers need to consume larger quantities during pregnancy and lactation; therefore, it is recommended to provide them with three drops of vitamins for children, preferably calcium-fortified, along with a slight increase in protein.
Hamsters tend to store food, so excessive amounts should be avoided.
It is best to remove old food from the cage daily and provide them with fresh food.
In addition, there is a suggested nutritional mixture suitable for all ages, consisting of:
600 grams of crushed yellow corn.
200 grams of soybean meal.
200 grams of Syrian kernels (sunflower seeds), and don't forget to add a little table salt to the mixture.
Foods you should not give to your Syrian hamster
Chocolate, orange, sweets, grapefruit
Water needed for hamsters
Hamsters drink about 10 milliliters of water per day. The water should be changed daily, and it's best to provide it with water from special drinkers that facilitate its absorption.
Necessary care for hamsters during pregnancy and birth
During pregnancy, hamsters require special care, especially in terms of nutrition. They should be fed foods containing a good percentage of protein, such as scrambled or fried egg whites and cheese, as well as kitten milk or skim milk (not cow's milk, as it is difficult for hamsters to digest).
Hamsters can be handled by hand until 10 days before the start of pregnancy. After this period, it is recommended to avoid handling them to avoid the risk of them eating the newborn pups. After 10 days of pregnancy, it is also recommended to remove the running wheel or raise it to a higher height to avoid injury to the pups until they are two weeks old. During this period, hamsters should not be disturbed and should be left alone under close observation from a safe distance.
birth period
Hamsters give birth during the awake period; this can be in the evening, at night, or in the early morning. During this time, they are most active. Upon birth, they sit and lie down while each baby is delivered. The process takes about 5 to 10 minutes between each baby, so they should not be disturbed at all to avoid the babies being eaten.
The babies are born blind, deaf, and furless. Their eyes may be difficult to distinguish because they are subcutaneous, but their paws, legs, and tail are clearly visible, and they have teeth that aid in feeding. Ensure the babies are provided with water by keeping a watering can near them, as many babies can die of thirst.
The mother and babies should also be provided with clean, hygienic bedding and kept away from other animals and direct sunlight, which can negatively affect their health.
Sometimes, mother hamsters may eat their young due to psychological or nervous stress caused by noise and disturbance from the caretaker, illness or weakness of the young, or a change in the mother's scent resulting from a lack of essential vitamins in her diet during pregnancy. However, mother hamsters do not engage in this behavior without a clear reason.
Hamster baby care period
The young should be isolated when the mother stops caring for them. During the first 2-3 weeks, it is advisable not to disturb the nest or the young, and not to clean the cage for the first two weeks, as touching the young may encourage the mother to kill them.
The mother may not be able to see the young all the time, as she keeps them well covered and warm while away from the nest. Sucklings or squeaking sounds may be heard.
The young grow rapidly; within 5-7 days, their fur color begins to develop, and then the actual fur begins to grow. After about 10 days, their hearing is well developed and their fur is fully developed. Their eyes open 14 days after birth, with their coat fully formed. At this point, you can carefully begin handling the young by hand and cleaning the cage.
When to wean hamsters?
Weaning begins at 21 days of age, when the young hamsters no longer require their mother's milk, although they continue to nurse. At this stage, it becomes necessary to separate the males from the females, with one cage for the females and another for the males. Two to three weeks after the separation, each hamster should be given a separate cage.
Weaning is complete four weeks after birth, when the young hamsters abandon their mother's care. At this time, the mother is tired and may begin attacking her young. Therefore, the females should be moved to a separate cage and the males to another immediately.
Timeline of Hamster Babies
Day 1: The young are born without fur, with closed eyelids to protect their eyes.
Day 5: Fur begins to grow, and the young can taste food and begin grooming themselves.
Day 14-15: The eyes open after the protective skin is removed, and they begin storing food in their cheek pouches.
Day 17: The young begin to leave the nest and play with each other.
Day 21-25: They are able to become independent from their mother.
Day 35-42: They reach maturity and must be separated by sex.
conclusion
In conclusion, hamsters are wonderful pets that require special care and a deep understanding of their needs, especially during pregnancy, birth, and weaning. By providing a suitable environment, balanced nutrition, and following the correct care procedures for their young, hamster owners can ensure a healthy and safe life for their hamsters. Understanding normal hamster behaviors, such as storing food and organizing the nest, also contributes to an enhanced parenting experience. Therefore, adhering to proper care ensures the well-being of these gentle creatures and makes raising them a fun and rewarding experience.