Hamsters can make great little pets but can require more work than you might think. They live an average lifespan of only 2-3 years and, depending on breed, can grow up to 4-7 inches long and weigh 100-150 grams. They are nocturnal animals, meaning they sleep during the day and are active at night. This makes them the perfect companion for night-owls. This also means you probably shouldn’t have their cage in your bedroom as they will likely keep you up at night.

The most common breed of hamster that is kept as a pet is the Syrian hamster. They are more commonly referred to as golden hamsters or teddy bear hamsters and are considered to be the friendliest option for families with children. It is important to note however that while Syrian hamsters don’t typically nip at their owners, they will turn violent in pairs and fight over territory. For this reason, hamsters should always be housed alone.

HAMSTER DIET

In the wild, hamsters feed on plants, seeds, fruit, and insects. The current diet recommendation for pet hamsters is pelleted rodent ration with 15-20% protein, sometimes sold in dry block form. Seed diets are also available for hamsters; however, they tend to be high in fat and can lead to obesity and calcium deficiencies when fed alone.