Can Syrian hamster be alone?

Can Syrian hamster be alone?

Syrian hamsters are solitary animals and should always be kept with one hamster per cage, yet it seems that pet stores often violate this rule. It is not unusual to see groups of hamsters apparently living in peaceful coexistence at pet stores, but there’s a reason you should not do this at home.

What is the best home for a Syrian hamster?

The ideal cage design for a Syrian hamster: Syrian hamsters should be housed in a large, mesh cage. They like to climb and roam around large areas, so the cage should have several levels and a large enough floor space to keep them active.

What’s the best way to hold a Syrian hamster?

If you have just brought your Syrian hamster home, he is going to need some time to adjust to his new surroundings. Let him explore his cage for a day or two before you start trying to hold him. During this time, he will mark his territory by washing his face and grooming a lot (‘scenting’).

How long does a Syrian hamster live for?

Syrian hamsters tend to span 5-7 inches and weigh around 120-125 grams when they reach adulthood. They have pockets that extend up to the shoulders which they fill with food that weighs up to half their weight. In the wild, they can live for 2-3 years.

What happens if you leave your hand in a Syrian hamster cage?

Leaving your hand in your Syrian hamster’s cage could negatively affect his emotional and physical health. Your hand’s presence could increase your hamster’s stress level. Instead of eventually coming to your hand and accepting treats, he will probably just run and hide.

Can a Syrian hamster take a water bath?

Bathing and Digging Sand – Syrian hamsters, or any hamsters for that matter – are not supposed to take water baths because not only they are prone to getting colds, they also tend to lose their protective natural oils.

Can a Syrian hamster live with a male?

Female Syrian hamsters are aggressive toward males when the females are not in heat. Even when she is in heat, the female at best will tolerate the male. Once you bring your Syrian hamster home, give it lots of space. They are territorial and enjoy room to run, play, and burrow.

How big of a cage do you need for a Syrian hamster?

Once you bring your Syrian hamster home, give it lots of space. They are territorial and enjoy room to run, play, and burrow. At a minimum, the cage for a single hamster should be at least 2 feet by 1 foot and at least 12 inches high. Don’t be afraid to go bigger.

How old do Syrian hamsters have to be to be kept in a pet shop?

It can be very confusing to see Syrian hamsters housed together in a pet shop or at a breeder’s establishment and to then be told that they must be kept on their own. However, the Syrian hamsters sold in pet shops or kept together in a breeder’s cage are youngsters under 8 weeks of age.

What kind of food can you feed a Syrian hamster?

Here is a comprehensive list of safe food for Syrian Hamsters, we have also included which foods to avoid feeding your Syrian Hamster. It’s a popular misconception that hamsters just eat dried hamster food that you purchase from a pet shop, this couldn’t be further from the truth.