Pet Hamster FAQs #1

Published July 22, 2023 | By luxorganic

ID	Question	Answer
1	How long do hamsters live?	The lifespan of a hamster depends on the species. Roborovski hamsters live the longest, about 3 to 4 years. Larger Syrian hamsters typically live 2 to 3 years. Smaller dwarf hamsters live 1.5 to 2 years on average.
2	Are hamsters nocturnal?	Yes, hamsters are nocturnal animals. This means they are most active at night and sleep during the day.
3	Why are they called hamsters?	The name “hamster” comes from the German word “hamstern,” which means “to hoard.” This is a reference to the hamster’s habit of storing and hoarding food in their cheek pouches.
4	How many species of hamsters are there?	There are about 18 species of hamsters in the world. However, only five are commonly kept as pets: the Syrian hamster, Roborovski hamster, Campbell’s dwarf hamster, the Chinese hamster, and the winter white Russian dwarf hamster.
5	How big do hamsters get?	The size of a hamster can vary by species. Syrian hamsters are the largest, and can grow up to 7 inches (18 cm) long. Dwarf hamsters, like the Roborovski and Campbell’s, are smaller and grow to around 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm) long.
6	What do hamsters eat?	Hamsters are omnivores. In the wild, they eat a variety of foods like seeds, grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and insects. Pet hamsters should be fed a balanced hamster diet that includes a hamster mix, fresh fruits and veggies, and occasional proteins.
7	Do hamsters hibernate?	Some hamster species do hibernate in the wild during cold periods. However, in the controlled environment of a home, it is not necessary and can even be risky. If a pet hamster’s habitat gets too cold and they try to hibernate, it could lead to health problems.
8	Can hamsters see in the dark?	Hamsters have poor eyesight, even in the daylight. However, they are adapted to being active at night. Their other senses, such as hearing and smell, are far more important for their orientation and detection of danger.
9	What is the ideal cage size for a hamster?	The minimum recommended size for a hamster cage is 450 square inches (around 2900 square cm) of unbroken floor space. Bigger is always better when it comes to hamster habitats.
10	Why do hamsters stuff their cheeks?	Hamsters have pouches in their cheeks that they use to store and transport food. This is a natural behavior that allows them to take food from a source back to their burrow for storage in the wild.
11	Do hamster teeth grow continuously?	Yes, like other rodents, hamsters’ teeth grow continuously throughout their life. This is why it’s important for them to have access to materials they can gnaw on to help keep their teeth at the right length.
12	Are hamsters social or solitary animals?	Most hamster species are solitary and prefer to live alone. Syrian hamsters, for example, must be kept individually as they are territorial and can fight if housed together. Dwarf hamsters can sometimes live in pairs or small groups, if introduced properly and monitored closely.
13	How much exercise do hamsters need?	Hamsters are active creatures and need plenty of exercise. A hamster wheel is a great way for them to burn off energy, but they also enjoy exploring outside of their cage in a safe, supervised area.
14	How do hamsters breed?	Hamsters become fertile at around 4-6 weeks of age. After mating, the gestation period varies by species but is generally around 15-30 days. After birth, the mother takes care of the babies, who are weaned at about 3-4 weeks old.
15	How many babies do hamsters have?	The size of a hamster litter can vary greatly, but it’s usually between 4 and 12 pups. However, it can be as many as 20 or more in some cases!
16	Are hamsters colorblind?	Hamsters do not see in full color like humans do. Their vision is more similar to being colorblind. They primarily see in shades of light and dark, which helps them detect movement and navigate in their nighttime environments.
17	What should I feed my hamster?	Pet hamsters should be fed a balanced diet of hamster pellets or mixed food, along with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. They can also have small amounts of proteins like cooked chicken or mealworms. Always avoid foods that are toxic to hamsters.
18	What are common health problems in hamsters?	Some common health problems in hamsters include wet tail (a serious diarrheal disease), respiratory infections, dental problems due to overgrown teeth, and tumors.
19	How often should I clean my hamster’s cage?	It’s recommended to spot clean a hamster’s cage daily by removing soiled bedding and food waste. The entire cage should be thoroughly cleaned and bedding replaced once a week.
20	Where do hamsters come from?	Different species of hamsters come from different parts of the world, mainly in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. For example, Syrian hamsters are originally from northern Syria and southern Turkey.
21	Are hamsters good pets?	Hamsters can make good pets for those who understand their needs. They are relatively low-maintenance compared to dogs or cats, but they still require daily care and attention.
22	Why are hamsters prey in the wild?	In the wild, hamsters are prey for a variety of animals, including birds of prey, foxes, weasels, and snakes. Their small size and ground-dwelling habits make them vulnerable.
23	How much water do hamsters drink?	An average-sized hamster will drink about 1-2 ounces (30-60ml) of water per day. This can vary depending on the size of the hamster, its diet, and the environmental conditions.
24	How do I pick up my hamster safely?	To pick up a hamster safely, gently scoop them up

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