Hamsters are one of the most popular pets in the world. They are adorably furry and known for their playful personalities. Hamsters come in a variety of colors and sizes and can make great pets for families with children.
However, there’s a lot more to these little creatures than meets the eye. If you’re thinking about getting a hamster, here are some fun hamster facts that will help you learn more about these adorable house pets!
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Hamster Species
Hamsters are one of the most popular household pets and for good reason! They’re cute and cuddly, but where do these furry little creatures come from?
The first recorded instance of a hamster in captivity dates back to 1839 when French naturalist Isidore Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire kept one as a pet. However, it wasn’t until much later that the hamster became a common household pet.
The name “hamster” is thought to come from the German word “hamstern,” which means “to hoard.” This is fitting, as hamsters are known for their propensity to store food in their cheek pouches.
There are many species of hamsters, but the most common species of hamster is the Syrian. Syrian hamsters are native to Syria and parts of Turkey. They were first introduced to the United States in 1938 and have been popular pets ever since.
There are many types of hamsters available as pets, each with their own unique features.
Syrian Hamster
Syrian hamsters are the most popular species of pet hamster. They are also sometimes called “golden hamsters” or “teddy bear hamsters”. Teddy bear hamsters are a type of Syrian hamster that has been bred to have extra-fluffy fur.
Syrian hamsters typically grow to be about six inches long and live for two to three years. They are usually very friendly and can be easy to train. Syrian hamsters typically have brown fur with lighter-colored stripes running along their backs.
Dwarf Hamster
Dwarf hamsters are the second most popular type of pet hamster. They are much smaller than Syrian hamsters, usually only growing to be about four inches long. Dwarf hamsters come in a wide variety of colors and coat patterns. They typically live for one to two years. Dwarf hamsters are generally less friendly than Syrian hamsters, but can still make good pets for those looking for a small companion animal.
Russian dwarf hamsters are the smallest type of hamster, averaging about two inches in length. They have cute, round faces and small ears. They come in a variety of colors, including brown, black, grey, and white.
Chinese Hamster
Chinese hamsters are similar in size to dwarf hamsters but have a more slender body shape. They are not as popular as other types of hamsters, but can still make good pets and are known for being playful and active.
Chinese hamsters typically live for one to two years. They usually have brown fur with a light-colored stripe running down their backs.
The Chinese hamster is native to the deserts of northern China and Mongolia. These small rodents were first described by scientists in 1879, and they get their name from the country where they were discovered.
No matter what type of hamster you choose, be sure to do your research and find the right pet for you and your lifestyle. With proper care, all types of hamsters can make great companions.
Baby Hamsters
Baby hamsters are called pups. A litter of hamsters can have anywhere from one to twelve pups, but six is about average.
Hamsters are born without fur. That’s right, newborn hamsters are bald! They usually start to grow their fur within a couple of weeks though.
Hamsters are also born blind. Their eyes will open after about two weeks. Hamsters are considered vulnerable at birth and need special care.
Hamster Teeth
Did you know that hamsters have more teeth than any other mammal in the world? That’s right, these little rodents have a whopping 34 teeth! And they’re not just for show, either. Hamsters use their teeth to gnaw on things like wood and wires (something you definitely don’t want them doing).
But what about those cute little front teeth? Well, hamsters actually use them for self-defense. When threatened, hamsters will bare their teeth and make themselves look as big and scary as possible. So next time your hamster gives you a dirty look, remember that it’s just trying to protect itself!
Did you know that hamsters have teeth that never stop growing? This is why hamsters need to gnaw on things like wood and bones to keep their teeth from getting too long. If they don’t, their teeth can actually start to grow into their brain! If you’ve ever seen a hamster with really long teeth, it’s because they haven’t been able to wear them down properly.
Just like humans, hamsters can get cavities. And just like humans, these cavities can be painful and lead to other health problems. So make sure you’re taking good care of your hamster’s teeth!
Hamster Stomach
Another interesting fact about hamsters is that they have a section of their stomach specifically for storing food. This stomach can expand to hold up to four times the hamster’s normal body weight. This allows them to save up food for later and helps them survive during times when food is scarce.
Hamster Eyesight
There are a lot of myths about hamsters and their eyesight. Some people believe that they are nearsighted, while others think that they might be colorblind. The truth is, we really don’t know for sure how good or bad their eyesight is. However, there are some things that we do know about their vision and how they navigate their way around.
For starters, as adults, hamsters can only see a couple of inches in front of them. They also have very poor depth perception. This means that they can’t tell how far away something is from them.
They are most comfortable in low light conditions and they hate bright light. So, if you’re thinking about getting a hamster as a pet, you might want to keep this in mind when choosing their home.
Another interesting fact about hamsters is that they have a very wide field of vision. In fact, they can see almost 270 degrees around them! (But only for a couple of inches.) This is helpful for them when they are trying to find food or avoid predators.
As many pet owners can attest, hamsters are notorious for their very poor eyesight. In fact, they’re practically blind! Their less-than-good eyesight means that you need to keep them safe and protected. This is why it’s so important to never allow a hamster to walk around on the furniture, as they could easily fall and hurt themselves.
There are plenty of other ways to keep your hamster entertained and safe – like setting up a play area with soft bedding for them to explore. Just be sure to supervise at all times, and never let them out of your sight!
So, how do hamsters navigate their way around if they can’t see that well? Well, it turns out that they rely heavily on their other senses to get around.
Their sense of smell is very acute, and they use it to find food and avoid predators.
They also have a good sense of hearing, which helps them to stay aware of their surroundings. Touch is also important to hamsters; they use their whiskers to feel their way around in the dark.
Overall, hamsters are very adept at using their other senses to navigate their environment despite poor eyesight. This makes them well-suited for life in the wild.
However, it also means that pet hamsters require special care to ensure that they can safely get around their home. For example, hamsters should never be let out of their cage in an unfamiliar room, as they may not be able to find their way back.
Also, keep in mind that hamsters are also prone to startle easily due to their bad eyesight, so it is important to approach them carefully and slowly. Speak their name as you approach them to give them fair warning.
By understanding the unique challenges that hamsters face due to their poor eyesight, you can provide them with the best possible care and ensure that they live a happy and healthy life.
Hamsters Are Nocturnal
Did you know that hamsters are nocturnal creatures? This means that they sleep during the day and are active from twilight. If you’re thinking about getting a hamster, be prepared for some late-night activity! Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering adopting a nocturnal pet.
First, consider your own sleep schedule. If you’re a night owl, then having a furry friend who is up and about when you are may not be an issue. But if you prefer to hit the hay early, be aware that your new hamster may keep you up at night with its playful antics.
Nocturnal pets can also be more prone to anxiety and stress since they are active when the house is quiet and dark. This means that it’s important to provide your hamster with a safe and comfortable environment, complete with plenty of hiding places and toys to keep them occupied.
If you’re prepared to deal with some late-night noise and activity, then a nocturnal pet may be right for you! Just be sure to do your research before bringing home your new furry friend.
Hamsters Love To Run
Hamsters do indeed enjoy running and are fast runners. They will often run for several miles each day. This is because running is a natural instinct for hamsters, who need to exercise to stay healthy. Hamsters also love to play and explore their surroundings, so running gives them a chance to do both at the same time.
If you have a pet hamster, you can encourage them to run by providing them with a hamster wheel or other type of exercise equipment. You should also make sure that their cage is large enough for them to move around freely.
Hamsters Are Clean
Hamsters are known for their cleaning habits and their love of cleanliness. In the wild, hamsters will clean their elaborate burrows every day to ensure that they are safe and comfortable. They will also use their fur to line their nests and keep themselves warm.
Domesticated hamsters don’t have to worry about finding food or keeping their homes clean, but they still like to keep themselves tidy. In fact, they spend more time grooming than eating or drinking! Hamsters will groom themselves several times a day, using their paws to wash their face and body. They will also lick their fur to keep it clean and soft.
If you have a hamster as a pet, you may notice that they like to play in sand. This is because they enjoy being clean and it feels good to them!
Hamsters Plan Ahead
Hamsters are known for their storage habits. They love to hoard and store food and they will often stuff their cheek pouches full of food to take back to their burrows.
They’re also very good at hiding their food. They will often bury their food in their cage bedding or in other areas of their cage. This helps them to keep their food safe from other animals and also helps them to have a food supply for when they wake up at night.
Hamsters Can’t Vomit
Like other rodents, hamsters cannot vomit. This may not seem like a big deal, but it can actually be quite dangerous for them. If they eat something that doesn’t agree with them, they have no way to get rid of it. This can lead to serious health problems, and in some cases, death.
So, if you’re thinking about getting a hamster, please be aware of this potential danger and take the necessary precautions to ensure your hamster’s safety. Make sure you do your research and only give your hamster the best possible diet. If you think your hamster may have eaten something it shouldn’t have, please take it to the vet right away.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed learning some fun facts about hamsters! These adorable creatures make great pets for families with children who are willing to learn how to handle them properly. Remember to always provide your pet hamster with a clean and comfortable home, along with plenty of food and water. If you do this, you can help your hamster live a long and happy life.
