Hamster: The Syrian

Syrian hamsters originate from the desert regions of Syria. They were more commonly seen before the various dwarf species became popular.

Characteristics: Syrian hamsters can grow to about 16cm long. Females are usually bigger than males. They look adorable, with big eyes and a stocky body with short legs. Life span: Two to three years.

Behavior: They are solitary animals. It is not advisable to house more than one in each cage, as they may fight. An excellent sense of smell makes up for their poor eyesight.

Care: Exercise is very important. Place a tread-wheel in the cage to keep your hamster fit! Syrian hamsters are generally meticulous animals who prefer to use only one or two corners of the cage as toilets. Put some litter sand in these corners to make cleaning easier. Restrict the amount of greens and fruits to prevent diarrhea. Do not feed them sunflower seeds alone, as these are not nutritious enough.

Colors: A wide variety of colors, marking, and patterns. The Syrian hamster’s original color is golden.