The hamster is a small nocturnal rodent, shy, not very playful and with a very short lifespan. It hibernates if it is placed in an environment below 5°C. There are different breeds of guinea pigs: the golden hamster and dwarf hamsters such as the Russian hamster, Campbell's hamster or Chinese hamster. The hamster generally prefers solitude and needs a varied diet: plants, seeds, tubers but also small animals such as worms, insects, snails or frogs.
ADOPTING A HAMSTER: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Hamsters are small rodents of the Cricétidés family. There are several species, divided into different genera. Some of them are bred in captivity as pets, for animal experimentation or for their fur. The first domesticated hamster was the golden hamster, which now exists in many colorful varieties. The adoption of dwarf species such as Roborovski's hamster, Russian hamster, Campbell's hamster and Chinese hamster is a more recent phenomenon.
Before adopting a hamster, it is necessary to be familiar with its characteristics to avoid future inconveniences. Indeed, this small, fierce nocturnal animal, not very playful and not very cuddly, also has a relatively short lifespan. For all these reasons, it is poorly adapted to young children.
WHAT KIND OF HAMSTER TO ADOPT?
The golden hamster
It is a rather docile species that easily consents to be caught by humans. Its larger size, peaceful character and relatively slow movements make it easy to handle, even by children.
Dwarf hamsters
Roborovski's hamsters, Russian hamsters, Campbell's hamsters and Chinese hamsters should be considered "look rather than touch" animals.
Morphological characteristics of hamsters
The hamster has a muzzle with long tactile whiskers (like a cat) that allow it to detect obstacles when it moves in the dark. While its eyesight is relatively poor, its sense of smell and hearing are particularly developed. This one is so sensitive that the hamster can hardly stand noise.
Male or female hamster, not important
When choosing a hamster, you don't have to worry especially about its sex... A priori, this has no influence on the animal's behavior, as long as it is alone of course.
Beware of promiscuity in hamsters
Never impose the company of other hamsters on a golden hamster, as this fierce animal can only tolerate solitude. On the other hand, Russian, Siberian and Roborovsky hamsters enjoy life in pairs, especially if they are used to it from a young age. In this case, be sure to buy a male and a female, but ask in advance to find an adoptive family for their future offspring. Two adult males placed in the same cage are likely to end up fighting each other... This is not - a priori - the case for two females. This rule is unfortunately not valid for the females of Chinese hamsters which are very aggressive.
Choose a hamster neither too old nor too young.
Ideally, it is advisable to adopt a hamster neither too young (not yet weaned, it will not know how to feed itself), nor too old (it will not be used to being handled). The good range is between 5 and 10 weeks.
Opt for a varied diet for your hamster
The hamster is an omnivorous animal and not only vegetarian, as one would tend to think spontaneously. In the wild, it feeds on plants (plants, seeds, tubers, fruits) and small animals (worms, insects, snails, frogs, chicks ...) It is therefore essential to offer him varied menus.
To each his own character
The character of hamsters can vary considerably from one individual to another: there are calm and gentle subjects, and nervous and biting specimens. If a hamster has been handled regularly and delicately from an early age, it will generally be docile. On the other hand, if it has never been accustomed to contact with the human hand, it will probably prove to be shy or even aggressive.
Did you say "coprophage"?
Like the rabbit for example, the hamster naturally engages in coprophagy, that is, it ingests its own excrement. This is a perfectly normal behavior, which allows it to obtain essential nutrients, such as certain vitamins produced by intestinal bacteria.
A high level of nocturnal activity
If you have difficult or light sleep, avoid placing your hamster's cage in your room... Because the night is a period of great activity for your companion. Unless you like to be rocked by the purr of the wheel that he frantically activates for hours! In the same way, your hamster does not like to be disturbed during the day, while it is resting... If you wake it up with a start by trying to catch it while it sleeps, there is a good chance that it will bite you.
HOW DOES THE HIBERNATION OF A HAMSTER TAKE PLACE?
In winter, the golden hamster falls into a latent state of life called hibernation (or lethargy). If it is placed in a 5°C environment, its body temperature drops significantly (from 36°C to 6°C) and its heartbeat slows sharply (from 450 beats/minute to 5 beats/minute). In the pet hamster, hibernation is not equated with permanent lethargy throughout the winter. Your little companion wakes up intermittently to feed.
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