Types Of Hamsters

Hamsters are mammals and are the most popular pet of the rodent family. In the wild, hamsters live in burrows under the ground. These burrows include many chambers where the hamster will live, sleep and store food. 

Hamsters are nocturnal animals, in nature sleeping during the very hot days and active during the cooler nights. Pet hamsters live this pattern too. There are many breeds of hamster, although the most common kept as pets are the Syrian or ‘Golden Hamster.’ Syrian hamsters are generally solitary animals and, characteristically, fight with other hamsters, meaning they need to be caged alone.

Hamsters have two large front teeth that are continually growing, this means you will need to provide your hamster with a constant way to gnaw the teeth down, or they may need to go to the veterinary to have them filed down. Hamsters have very poor eyesight, but excellent hearing and sense of smell. Most breeds of hamster have expandable check pouches to store food and bedding for transportation. 

Hamsters have a short life span of only two to three years so it is important to consider this when making them a pet for small children.