The hamster
Hamsters are small rodents of the family Cricetidae which form the subfamily Cricetinae. There are several species, divided into different genera.
Super-family: Muroidea
Family : Cricetidae
Gestation period:
Roborovski Hamster: 22 days
Life expectancy:
Roborovski Hamster: 3 years old
Chinese hamster: 2 – 3 years
Length :
Roborovski hamster: 4.5 – 5 cm
Chinese hamster: 8.2 – 13 cm Cricetulus barabensis: 7.4 – 10 cm
Weight :
Roborovski hamster: 20 – 25 g
Chinese hamster: 30 – 45 g
Cricetulus barabensis: 17 – 31 g
Origin
Hamsters are of Syrian origin and were used mainly for research. From 1948, thanks to Albert Marsh, a road engineer, they were introduced as pets.
Features
Hamsters have a stocky body covered in thick fur, a small rodent tail, and jowls that are used to hoard food. These rodents do not give off any particular odor. Being nocturnal creatures, they usually sleep during the day and play at night.
Hamsters are solitary animals. Some species can live in pairs or in groups such as the Roborovski hamster and the Campbell hamster. Male/female cohabitation is not recommended, since they are prolific breeders.
Benefits of adopting a hamster:
Hamsters are affordable and require little maintenance other than cleaning the cage and providing adequate food, and they rarely get sick.
What you need to get when adopting a hamster:
- A cage or aquarium at least 15 inches long by 12 inches high for one hamster or two dwarf hamsters. The larger the habitat, the happier your rodent will be.
- A structure where your hamster can burrow, hide and sleep.
- A water dispenser to avoid spills and a bowl.
- Toys such as wheels, a small house, a ladder, a tunnel, etc.
- Handkerchiefs or cotton to make a nest.
- Varied food designed for hamsters sold in our Animo stores etc.
Source: Wikipedia
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