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Although discovered in the early 1800's, today's Syrian hamster was brought into captivity in 1930 when a litter was discovered in the Syrian desert. All of today's Syrian hamsters are descendents of the surviving two females and one male siblings of that litter.

Today, while there are several types of domesticated hamsters, the Syrian Golden is the most common. Two dwarf varieties are gaining in popularity -- the Chinese Dwarf, and the Dwarf Russian (either Winter White or Campbell's Russian), but the overall favorite remains the Syrian.

This article is to acquaint the owner, or prospective owner, with the hamster as a pet. Our piece is centered around the Syrian with the assumption that the hamster will be a pet, and not a part of a breeding program, or for the "show ring."

Hamster's are great pets. Properly trained they can be handled outside their cages, and they will provide hours of enjoyment as they perform their daily routines and follow their natural inquisitiveness. They are good companions for the young, and can help teach the need to be responsible. But, they are alive beings. And, as such, deserve the respect and care to which all living things are entitled. Their entire welfare is totally in the hands of its owner. So, before you get a hamster, read this article, and the article found at I Died Today. (It's about a dog, but the meaning applies to all animals.)

The Syrian hamster is a small rodent weighing between 3 to 5 ounces; growing to 6 or 7 inches in length. Because of its high metabolic rate its life span is usually no longer that 2 1/2 to 4 years. It reaches maturity in 4 to 6 weeks.

Its fur is dense and sleek with bands of different colored fur. Eyes are bold and bright, ears large and alert, and a short stump of a tail. A hamster's front feet are more like hands (and they use them as such), while rear legs and feet help to propel it, support it when it sits up, and give it the ability to move backwards (very handy when scooting back down into a burrow).

A hamster has no odor. It is a very clean animal, easily tamed, and naturally inquisitive. It may hibernate if exposed to cold conditions below 50°, or "semi-hibernate" at temperatures between 70-80° (usually for periods of less than a few minutes). So, don't assume its left this life because it hasn't moved around for awhile!!

Hamsters are very prolific. They have short gestation periods (16 to 18 days), have litters up to 15, and the doe (female) is ready to breed again after 4 to 5 weeks.

Some believe that males make the most user-friendly pet, but its a close call. Females will be less friendly while pregnant or caring for her litter. Other than that their temperament is about the same.

Hamsters are normally active during the evening hours, but are usually eager to play at any time.

If you are positive you want to get a hamster, double-check the following items before buying:

• They are nocturnal - they make noise after dark!
• Talk to a vet, preferrably one you would use for your hamster.
• Visit someone who owns a hamster.
• They need daily attention and handling (to tame and to have them remain tame)
• They need to be fed - every day (including the days that you just don't have the time).
• Their cages need to be cleaned, partially on a 1 to 2 days basis, and always once a week.
• Does anyone in the home have allergies? Could they be allergic to hamsters?
• Hamsters are not good surprise gifts!
• Can, and will, you take it to a vet when necessary? Hamsters are not throw-away toys.
• Hamsters have short life spans.
• Did you read the article at I Died Today

Where Do I get One?

The most common place to get a hamster is a pet store. Exotic breeds, breeding and show stock are available through breeders, but they may be hard to find. Check your local papers, pet magazines and the Internet if you are interested in a breeder.

Animal shelters may have hamsters, but generally not. If you find one at a shelter, and it appears healthy, give it a home. You won't regret it. But, make sure you check it thoroughly to determine the status of its health and its age.

Check out the following items when evaluating your place of purchase:

• Does the staff appear competent, friendly, and eager to answer all of your questions?
• Is the store or breeder's area clean and sanitary.
• Are the hamsters clean and in a clean environment?
• Except for very young siblings are the hamsters kept in separate cages (the answer should be Yes)?

How do I Determine a "Good" Hamster?

Here are several things to do and look for when evaluating a hamster for a pet:

• Look for your hamster later in the day, or in the evening (remember, they're nocturnal and naturally won't be as active during the day).
• Because of their short life spans you probably want to get a young hamster (a sign of old age is hair loss, apathy and difficulty in moving (that all sounds too familiar).
• Ears. Alert and erect. Younger hamsters will have white fur inside the ear.
• Eyes. Bright and prominent. No puffiness, crust or discharge.
• Nose. Dry, not crusty, runny or wet.
• Fur. Abundant, soft, silky, and shiny with no bald patches. Should not be dull or coarse.
• Body. Cylindrical and filled out, solid. Should not be thin.
• Anus and surrounding areas should be clean. Rear-ends should not be wet (could be a very contagious condition called "wet tail"
• Should be vigorous (that's why you choose one later in the day), but should not be running around frantically
• Should not be apathetic (again, time of day is important).

How Many Should I Get?

Hamsters, by nature, are solitary creatures, and should be kept in separate cages. So getting a second hamster as company for the first one is not a good thing.

Two hamsters can quickly lead to many, many more hamsters. Make sure you know the sex:

• Males have paired testicles near the base of the tail
• In females the distance between the genital opening and the anus is noticeably shorter.

More than one hamster in the same cage may work out, especially if they are siblings who have been together all the time. But you need to keep a close watch and separate them if things get out of control.

Housing Your Hamster

Today's pet stores have a wide variety of cages suitable for hamsters. The cage should be:

• Light and airy
• Glass, plastic or metal construction (hamster gnaw wood)
  • If metal, check for the distance between the bars. A grown hamster can fit through a hole the size of a quarter. The young can fit through openings less than 1/4"
• No smaller than 20" x 16" and at least 10" high.
• Solid floor.

Place the cage on a raised platform, out of harm's way. It must be free from draft, the humidity should be low, and NO SMOKING!. Do not place it in direct sunlight or near a direct heating source. TV's, radios and stereo speakers will only add to a hamster's stress level -- as will surprise visits from a cat, dog or iguana.

Cover the floor of the cage with soft hay, wood shavings, dry sawdust (not too dusty), or other such materials. Do not use soil. Provide additional material for bedding (shredded tissue or toilet paper). A hamster will become creative with bedding, as many a curtain too close to the cage has proved.

Provide playthings and exercise devices. Twigs for gnawing. Small cardboard boxes that the hamster can turn into "safe" places. Swings, ladders and wheels.

The cage must have the ability to water and feed the hamster. Water bottles and bowls are available, as well as food dishes.

Cleaning

Your hamster, itself, will not need to be bathed. They are very clean animals, and spend a great deal of their time grooming themselves. Their cage is what will need your attention.

The cage must be thoroughly cleaned once every week. That means changing the litter, washing, disinfecting the floor, and placing new litter.

• Water and food dishes need to be cleaned daily. Fresh water should always be available.
• Remove damp litter every two days.
• Remove food "stashes" before they spoil.

Handling

Keep your hamster inquisitive and active. Change its playthings to keep it from becoming bored. Set up games like hiding food in clumps of paper or in small, cardboard containers. Encourage use of the swings and exercise wheels. Provide it with an ability to climb.

Handle with care!