There are several things that you can do to prevent and dissuade this behavior. We will answer all of your questions in this post, so keep reading to find out more. This is why you should never go away and leave your hamster unattended for prolonged periods of time and make sure that their water bottle is always replaced with clean, fresh water. Obviously, we want to care for our hamsters as best we can, so providing them with a large space to burrow and play and spending time cuddling them allows you to better understand their behaviors. A teddy bear hamster that does not have access to a regular water supply, is unlikely to survive for longer than a week. It goes without saying that hamsters love having a wheel to exercise and burn off excess energy. Hamsters are small and adorable creatures, making them perfect pets for those who live in confined spaces. Therefore, you should resist the urge to prod them awake as they may not take too kindly to it and may react by biting. Sometimes, hamsters in the wild have been found to occupy the abandoned burrows of other burrowing species. Mikos Teddy Bear Hamster by Melbelle via Wikimedia Commons is licensed under CC-BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en. A significant difference between both species is their appearance. Initial research on hamsters determined that the mammalian circadian rhythm is modulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the brain. It makes sense, too, because their original homeland, Syria, is quite hot during the day and much cooler at night. This will minimise stress and anxiety and decrease the risk of fingers being bitten. When she's not writing she loves traveling, perusing used book stores, and hanging out with her other half. Male hamsters develop quicker than females and attain sexual maturity between 4 and 6 weeks. Hamster fact file. But, this is a great opportunity to watch them run around in a hamster-safe play area! . Therefore, you should make sure you have sufficient funds to purchase the essentials. Sometimes my teddy bear hamster wakes up screaming from a nightmare. A normal litter for a teddy bear hamster will contain between 6 to 8 pups. Otherwise known as a Syrian, golden or fancy bear, teddy bear hamsters are incredibly cute and cuddly, which probably accounts for their popularity as a breed. The most important factor in health and longevity for a hamster is diet. So, if possible, choose a home for your hamster with the biggest floor space possible, and fill it with fun objects to stimulate your little pet. This is an affiliate advertising program that is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees and revenue by advertising and linking to amazon.com with recommendations.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'hamsterguru_com-large-leaderboard-1','ezslot_1',141,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hamsterguru_com-large-leaderboard-1-0');report this ad. I could use them! Children learn what they are taught. Are Male Or Female Teddy Bear Hamsters Better? Again, if you are looking to save money, then you could get your kids to make their own versions using toilet roll holders and empty boxes. But, after this initial cost, your teddy bear hamster will be really affordable to care for. Hamsters naturally burrow and delight in having the room and the bedding to do so. During estrous periods, female hamsters will go into heat once about every 4 days. While in this period, they release a number of hormones that lower the males aggression and make them more receptive to mating. Hamsters will not overeat in quantity, so you can spoil their dinners by giving too many treats. The sharp teeth also help the hamster chew through tough nuts, seeds, and roots. Wild teddy bear hamster lifespan ranges from 1 2 years on average. Do not put more than one teddy bear hamster in a cage. Hamsters came from Syria to America in 1936. I see a living being. The hair may be solid black, brown, gold, or dark grey. Teddy bear hamsters are typically weaned from their mothers when they are between 3 weeks and 4 weeks old. Several factors contribute to the hamsters lifespan. Look for any old food and remove it from the cage. Its hard to resist the uber cuteness of a Syrian (Teddy Bear) hamster. The average lifespan of a teddy bear hamster is about 2-3 years in captivity, and less time in the wild. These bags cost around $18. Citrus (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, etc. Follow our blog as we share our hamster experiences with our lovable Syrian hamster Oscar. The average lifespan of a Syrian (Teddy Bear) hamster is up to three years. In order to keep your hamsters teeth in tip top condition it is important that you purchase toys for them to grind their teeth on. Depending on care and health however, it is possible for teddy bear hamsters to live as long as five years although this is unusual. Its the long hair that sets them apart as Teddy Bear hamsters. This is a great reason to get a teddy bear hamster, because everyone loves a pet that they can play with and cuddle! Lilly. Since it is pretty gentle and enjoys being held, it is sometimes called teddy bear. How Long Do Syrian (Teddy Bear) Hamsters Live? One can find the Syrian Hamsters in different colours and patterns. Teddy Bear (Syrian) hamsters are large, and because of this, theyll need a roomy cage. But a hamsters friendliness also depends on their gender, how tame they are, and whether or not theyre being kept on their own. When handling your hamster, remember to wash your hands, wear gloves and offer treats for good behavior all of which will help prevent painful bites. These larger hamsters make cute and cuddly pets, and are the most popular hamster breed around. You can create a golden hamster maze, or jungle gym. Teddy bear hamsters can live anywhere from 2-5 years, but they most commonly live between . Syrian hamsters have rapidly become very popular household pets in the western world ever since Professor Aharoni captured a female hamster and her 12 pubs in Aleppo Syria back in 1930. The study found that chronic treatment of Syrian hamsters with low-dose selegiline extends the lives of female hamsters but not males. I think a Teddy bear hamster rather than the traditional Syrian ones. Black Bear Hamster: Is This The Ultimate Pet Your Household Needs? What Do Teddy Bear Hamsters Like To Play With? They have a stocky, barrel shaped body with little stubby tails that are almost completely hidden beneath their long fur. They typically weigh around 120 to 125 grams when fully grown. And while they are generally quiet pets, their nighttime activity might keep you awake if you have their enclosure in your bedroom. But, not so big that they take up too much space. Of course, we are bias, but we think teddy bear hamsters are undeniably cute and make the best first time pets. The Syrian, Russian Dwarf Campbell and Roborovski breeds are the most popular for . Exercise, cage cleanliness, and the hamsters stress level are also factors for your pets longevity. Make sure your hamster gets proper nutrition, and they are not fed too many unbalanced snacks. So, try not to surprise your hamster when you want to handle him. When selecting a hamster from a pet store or a breeder, its important to find out if it has been adequately handled. These cost around $5-$10 depending on the type of material they are made from. You may, however, take certain precautions to ensure that you are providing your hamster with the best possible life. The average lifespan for a teddy bear hamster is two to three years. Although a hamster carrier may not be essential straight away, it is good to have something that you can carry your hamster in if you ever need to take it out of the house for example to the vets. The average lifespan of a teddy bear hamster is about 2-3 years in captivity, and less time in the wild. However, there have been instances where these little furballs make it past the average estimates. They're the same thing. Make sure to section off an area, so there is no place for your little friend to escape. Hamsters are burrowers by nature, so you need to ensure that you have enough hamster bedding for them to hide. Here are some interesting facts, such as the average Syrian hamster lifespan, that may help you better bond with your pet hamster and learn more about their habits. As far as pets go, Syrian hamsters are among the easiest hamsters to tame. The potential hamster parent will be required to handle it to tame it until it feels comfortable and develops a bond. Unlike dogs and cats which require constant attention, hamsters tend to sleep during the day, venturing out mainly at night. As mentioned, the Syrian hamster lifespan is around 2-3 years. Yes, Teddy Bear hamsters have a playful, amicable demeanor and a ton of otherwise wonderful attributes! You can always wear gloves if you are worried that they may nip but try to encourage your hamster to run on to and around your hands, moving them in a forward motion. You can choose from a large variety of materials, shapes, and even colors. Cleaning the cage will prevent stress for the hamster while also protecting against diseases like wet tail. Is it getting any better? Especially for children who have school in the day, or adults who work outside of the home. with a lifespan of 2-3 years. They can crawl inside of them and chew on them. They have a stout, stocky body with little tails that are barely visible underneath their fur. Lack of handling (taming) results in an aggressive hamster that will bite. I just adopted Mr. Bodhi Lucas P. today. Also called Teddy-bear hamsters (hence my little Teddy's name). Other items that provide entertainment and enrichment are tubes, things to chew on, and small toys designed for hamsters. However, sleeping hamsters awakened to an approaching hand can likely cause it to bite. Accessories will also require extra room within the cage. A female hamster will have 6 pairs of nipples although they may be difficult to spot on a teddy bear hamster due to the length of their hair. You can buy huge cages and tanks that you can fill with over 10 inches of burrowing bedding. Teddy bear hamsters can grow to around 4-7 inches in length and are one of the largest breeds, coming in at almost double the size of a dwarf hamster. How to tell the sex of a teddy bear hamster. Of course, this pet isnt just for kids, and makes a great companion for adults too. Interestingly, Syrian hamsters were observed to be crepuscular; researchers had always thought they were nocturnal. She has a background in Broadcast Journalism & Political Science from CUNY Brooklyn College. Whether you choose plastic or glass, these should be filled up daily and are inexpensive, costing around $6-$12. Syrian hamsters are the most common variant of pet hamster around the world. They have a stout, stocky body with little tails that are barely visible underneath their fur. These animals are very friendly if handled correctly. Individual hamsters can live a short or long life depending on their lifestyle, diet and care. Syrian hamster mothers are known to sometimes eat their own young if they perceive themselves to be in danger. Hamsters are delicate creatures and easily injured. Adolescence arrives quickly in hamsters since they only live a few years. In the wild Syrian hamster numbers are declining due to a loss of habitat and the effects of climate change. If you want a pet you can leave at home while youre busy at work or school, and interact with in the early mornings and late evenings, this is the perfect animal. Their fast reproduction cycles and ease of raising have also made Syrian hamsters ideal model organisms to use in the lab. They are by far the most common variety of hamster and are kept as pets the world around. Providing you get your hamster used to being handled from a very young age, it will love being held by you. Syrian Hamster Lifespan. I see a friend. A Syrian hamster with long hair is often referred to as a teddy bear hamster, due to its cute and fluffy appearance whilst a short haired Syrian hamster is known as a fancy hamster, although the names are interchangeable. Fortunately, you do have a lot of control over these factors. This native aggression makes mating Syrian hamsters sometimes difficult. If you put two Syrian hamsters in a cage together, it is only a matter of time before they battle. The taller the cage, the more opportunity of providing your hamster deep bedding to burrow in. The lifespan of Syrian Hamsters Syrian or Golden hamsters are very active, but also solitary by nature. In order to tame your pet hamster, you should use the same technique as you would for all hamsters. A hamsters typical lifespan and how long do hamsters live will be influenced by a variety of circumstances. link to How long can a hamster go without eating or drinking? A zoologist named Israel Aharoni captured teddy bear hamsters in Aleppo, Syria, in 1930. The bigger one can be almost 12 inches long which is double than dwarf hamsters. Hes no longer with us and will be VERRRRY MISSED. We will also can because more details about the teddy bear hamsters, including whether they like to live together or in solitary. Other differences between the sexes include: The smaller the hamster, the shorter its life span. The average life expectancy of Syrian hamsters is 2 to 2.5 years, although some can live up to 3 years. This isnt always a bad thing! How to tell if a teddy bear hamster is pregnant. Look for any soiled bedding and remove it from the cage. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This can be found in pet store mixes. Syrian hamsters are undeniably cute on the outside. Female teddy bear hamsters go into heat every four days, and there is a bad smell that comes with the heat cycle. They are actually sleep walking/talking, and you want to wake them so they dont hurt themselves. Hamster cages come in many different colors and sizes. Hamsters dont just sleep in their cages all the time, theyre really active! You want to know how long Teddy Bear hamsters live. But, we believe that bigger is always best. Depending on care and health however, it is possible for teddy bear hamsters to live as long as five years although this is unusual. You will need to clean out a fancy bear hamsters home regularly. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The average lifespan of a teddy bear hamster is about 2-3 years in captivity and less time in the wild. This is mainly due to their size as they are more robust than dwarf hamsters, especially if you buy your pet very young. In the wild, they burrow and create tunnel systems beneath the ground. Individual hamster can live shorter or longer depending on their lifestyle, diet, and care. Make sure you teach your children how to properly look after and handle a hamster, and supervise their petting sessions. Teddy bear hamsters have the shortest gestation period of all the breeds, at around 16 days, and from the 10 day mark you will start to notice her belly swelling. "So my hamster ate my other hamster, and I'm 8 years old. Fancy bear hamster sizes generally range between 4 to 6 inches long, though they can grow larger. Have a question? Wondering how long do teddy bear hamsters live? Why does he do that though? Syrian hamsters typically have short round bodies, stocky legs and feet, and have short silky golden brown fur. It lives alone in the wild too! Puppies should be taken from the cage at 4 to 5 weeks, or their mothers will turn against them. He states that male hamsters are friendlier and easier to handle. In the wild, teddy bear hamsters will only live for 1-2 years on average. Selegiline is used to treat Parkinsons disease. I put clothes over his cage on 3 sides and the top, so he can only see out in front of his cage. After two weeks, the hamster will begin to be able to see, can walk on its own, and has a fully formed coat. your own Pins on Pinterest Once the hamster pups arrive you shouldnt need to look after them as this is the job of mum. Wild teddy bear hamsters have been domesticated into wonderful little pets. They have poor eyesight as they are both nearsighted and colorblind. These tiny mammals are herbivores eating grains, vegetables, and fruit. Syrian hamsters are genetically more likely to get wet tail disease, which has a low survival rate. So, they can be an ideal first pet for older, responsible children. 1MobileMarket While most are black, its not unusual for them to have blackish blue, blackish-red, dark red, or pink. And now you know that theyre quite fascinating in terms of history, behavior, and personality, too! Other names include Golden hamster, fancy bear hamster, short hair hamster, bear hamster, and angora hamster. Whats your favorite thing about this little pet? In the wild, these hamsters come out during the day, whereas pet hamsters are nocturnal. Thus, children can be very responsible and can derive a great deal of learning and satisfaction from caring for a pet. This indicates that the hamster is sexually mature as well as having achieved or is very near to reaching its full length. There is some debate on the safety of an operating ball. Hamster cages are not a one-size-fits-all and should be sized according to your hamster. I feel a soul. A.D. Williams. In truth, the earliest hamsters originated in Syria, hence the name, but they have since spread to Greece, Belgium, and northern China. I LOVED HIM SO MUCH. This does not mean that your pet hamster cant live longer because Syrian hamsters can live so long as 4 years and possibly more. Hamsters are also of interest to researchers studying circadian rhythms in mammals as they have very well-defined daily routines. Teddy bear hamsters like wooden and cardboard chew toys. You may, however, take certain precautions to ensure that you are providing your hamster with the best possible life. If youre looking for a starter pet, the fancy bear hamster is a great choice, because it prefers to live on its own. Once your hamster is happy to be held, you need to master the art of picking them up. Once they are content to take them from your fingers, you should slowly start placing your hands inside their cage to offer them off the palms of your hand. Yes, they are aware they are extremely cute. They have a greater risk of stillbirth. Syrian hamsters will either have a short, long, or rex coat (fur.) Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. As animals can sense anxiety and may feel scared themselves, we recommend taking them to a secure play area such as a playpen or bath. Hamsters should be fed a diet that mimics what they would naturally eat in the wild. Wake him with your voice, not your fingers! Children will usually mimic the behavior seen, especially when combined with good teaching. The color of your hamster might not matter to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Theyre responsible for feeding their hamsters, refilling their water and making sure that they get out of their cages when they want out. Female hamsters can reproduce between the ages of 8 and 10 weeks when they weigh an average of 90 to 100 grams. Male hamsters, in general, are larger in appearance than their female counterparts. In the long-term hamsters need very little, relying on us daily for the basics of food, water and shelter. READY FOR NEW HOMES!! 20. These little animals are much cheaper to care for than bigger pets. Maintaining a clean cage may be the most important thing to prevent potentially fatal diseases, like wet tail. What Do Teddy Bear Hamsters Like To Play With? It is important to never lunge or grab at them, as this is how predators attack their prey in the wild. Every time I get close to the cage, he squeaks up a storm. Small cages with no enrichment can lead to stress, unhappiness, and sickness. This is because they are having their estrus cycle, in which they release a thin, whitish discharge and a scent that attracts male hamsters when it is time to mate. Getting our Syrian hamster Oscar was not a decision we took lightly. And interestingly, females usually grow bigger than males. Hamster cages range from $20-$100 although if you have the time and D.I.Y know-how, check out our step by step guide on how to make a hamster bin cage. When Alex isn't nerdily stalking the internet for science news, he enjoys tabletop RPGs and making really obscure TV references. Maybe its, There are over 20 known species of hamsters but only five breeds are popular as pets. Can I please get some tips for starting out? Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Exercise is vital for the teddy bear hamsters health, and an exercise wheel is a favorite toy of all hamster breeds. The Laboratory Animal Medicine Third Edition published an article (Biology and Diseases of Hamsters) that notes Syrian hamsters currently residing in the wild of the Middle East are found in arid desert regions where they tunnel deep to stay cool. Hamsters are excellent diggers and are known to create rather elaborate underground burrows with multiple entrances and exits. They are sometimes called Angora hamsters. One of the more notable physical features of Syrian hamsters is their long and sharp incisor teeth. Newborn pups reach sexual maturity in about 3-4 weeks. Teddy bear hamsters need brain stimulation and are incredibly active (especially at night). Syrian Hamster Lifespan: How Long Do Syrian Hamsters Live? Genetic disorders and predispositions can be inherited in hamsters as they can in humans or dogs. Another great reason to get a Syrian hamster is their affordability. The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends that a hamster cage be a minimum of 6 inches tall. Little animals should never be left at the mercy of children who have no impulse control orsense of the consequences of their actions. Teddy bear hamsters are incredibly cute and make great pets, the common name for whats known as the Syrian hamster. These hamsters reach adulthood when they are about 4 months old. I agree with Debi619, each of my kids have their own hamster in their room. We are a team of prolific hamster fans and pet enthusiasts, combing the web for up-to-date, fact-checked information on hamster breeds, care, and products. Hamsters are one of the cutest rodents that many of us are happy to keep as a pet. Some breeds of hamster, like the Russian Dwarf, like to have company, and live well in pairs. Syrians reach maturity when they're between 8-12 weeks old. You may wonder what the difference is between teddy bear hamsters, Syrian hamsters, and dwarf hamsters. Also, youll have to plan ahead for feeding them and otherwise ensuring their wellbeing. As long as interactions are supervised by an adult, many children are great with hamsters and will understand that they are delicate pets that need proper care. Pre-made pellet and seed mix from a pet store gives plenty of variety and is very nutritious. There are two different breeds one are called dwarf golden hamsters and the other is called the biggest hamster breed. But there are key differences between male and female genitalia that are easy to detect and will allow you to determine the sex of your hamster. It is possible, but rare, for these animals to live as long as five years. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. For more details, click. One main reason to choose a Syrian hamster as your pet is: theyre really fun! But before you succumb to a moment of weakness, youll want to find out what goes into Teddy Bear hamster care. I had the seat belt over the carrier to keep him safe. But, the Syrian hamster must be kept alone. Syrian hamsters in the wild live much shorter lives than our domesticated pets. Field Mouse vs House Mouse: Whats the Difference. You can train your teddy bear hamster to be held from a young age, and they do enjoy this kind of social interaction.