so please bear with us if we cannot answer your call immediately.

 

  
 
- Supported by the Friends of West Hatch

 
 
 

 

IN CASES OF CRUELTY, NEGLECT OR IN AN EMERGENCY TEL: (24 HOUR)

THE SYRIAN HAMSTER

 

Origin ·        

  •             For 50 years the Syrian hamster was thought to be extinct but a single litter was discovered in Syria in 1930. It is from this one litter that all pet Syrian hamsters have descended.

Life expectancy

  •            2 years.

Temperament / Behaviour 

  • ·           They are nocturnal. They can be a bit docile and sometimes grumpy if handled during the day, but in the evening and at night they become very active. For this reason they may not necessarily ideal for children.
  • ·           In general they are quite friendly and don't normally bite.
  • ·           If they get cold they can hibernate.

Company 

  • ·           Syrian hamsters live solitary lives and must not be mixed. They do however seem happy to be handled and enjoy human company.

Mixing / Introducing

  • ·           They must not be mixed. They will fight another hamster to the death.

Diet

  •            What we feed: A complete hamster food e.g. Harry Hamster.
  •            Treats:   Fresh fruit and vegetables. Tiny amounts of biscuit.
  •            Do not feed:    Chocolate as they may put it in their pouches and it will melt and get stuck. Oak leaves, buttercups or hemlock.

 

Accommodation  

  • ·           A tank or cage is fine, but generally cages are more interesting as the hamster can climb. They need wood to gnaw on.
  • ·           In the wild they would run up to five miles a night in search of food so a solid exercise wheel should be in the accommodation.
  • ·             Minimum tank size: 75cm x 30cm.
  •             Cage with 2 levels: 60cm x 30cm.
  •             Cage with 3 levels: 45cm x 30cm
  •             Obviously the larger the accommodation generally the better it is.

 

Maintenance

  • ·           Food and water must be changed daily.
  • ·           Cages will need cleaning weekly. Bedding should be checked daily for any uneaten food or faeces.
  •             An adult should give the Syrian hamster a weekly health check.

IN CASES OF CRUELTY, NEGLECT OR IN AN EMERGENCY TEL: (24 HOUR)