Hamsters Knowledge

Introduction

Here is the deal, I know nobody like LoooNgg and Boring lecture about history. Well as a student I know the feeling of falling asleep during those classes. To make it sweet, I will keep it short and interesting with pictures. :)

I will TRY not to dream...

Two parts in getting to know hamsters.

Common Hamster Species

Favourite hamster species poll

How to determine their gender

The 5 common hamsters that are kept as pet:


Syrian Hamster

Description: Syrian Hamsters are bigger in size and easy to handle. They are popular with children as their size make it easier for children to hold and they move noticeable and slower. Syrian are SOLITARY; they must live alone,  much attention are required even during mating to avoid blood spill! Teddy Bear is one of their famous nickname.

Life Span: 2 - 2.5 years

Colour: Variety

Winter White Hamster

Description: Winter White Hamsters are smaller in size and are usually easy to tame. Being smaller, they are harder to handle and they could easy escape without notice. Winter White are commonly found in Singapore. They called Winter White as they tend to change their fur to white colour during the winter to match their natural surrounding in the wild.

Life Span: 1.5 - 2 years

Colour: Pearl, Sapphire, Agouti  (White to different shade of Grey)

Campbell's Hamster

Description: Campbell Hamsters look almost identical to Winter White Hamsters however they belong to two different families. They are hard to tell apart for novice and even expert as there are often hybrid involved. They are smaller in size and easy to handle which make them a suitable pet for older children.

Life Span: 1.5 - 2 years

Colour: Variety

Roborovski Hamster

Description: Roborovski Hamsters are relatively much smaller compare to other hamsters. With their fast speed and timid nature which make them jumpy and difficult to handle. This earn them the tittle "cockroach hamster". Although they can also be tamed just like any other pet with longer time and more patient. On the good side, Roborovski Hamsters have a higher chance of living together in peace.

Life Span: 3 - 3.5 years

Colour: Agouti, White faced, Pied

Chinese Hamster

Description: Chinese Hamsters look more like their rat relative because of their visible tail length. Chinese Hamsters temperate range from tamed to aggressive. They are less commonly found in Singapore.

Life Span: 2 - 3 years

Colour: Agouti, Dominant Spot

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Vote for your favourite and find out how many other share the same thoughts!

Boy Or Girl?

For first hamster parents, it is important to be able to tell apart a male hamster from a female hamster. You will not be prepared if you are not expecting arrival of babies, especially for those that are planning to have hamster pair.

Female

• The gap distance between the two holes is smaller.
• They will have nipples below their belly near both side of the hind legs

Male

• The gap distance between the two holes is wider.
• Noticeable "balls" can be seen at their underneath backside.
 

(All images are credit to respective owners)

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