In taxonomy, it is a subfamily of the hamster family. There are 7 genera and 18 species, including 3 genera and 8 species in China, commonly known as hamsters. Except for the small hamsters distributed in Central Asia, they all have cheek pouches on both.
The hamster is an omnivorous animal with a wide range of diet and a habit of storing food. It mainly feeds on plant seeds, as well as plant stems and leaves, fruits, and occasionally insects. Hamsters do not hibernate and rely on stored food to survive in winter.
In 1829, hamsters were first discovered in a city near Siberia. In 1880, Mr. Scay, who served at the consulate in Aleppo, Syria, caught golden hamsters and brought them back to Scotland to breed. The breeding continued for nearly 30 years before it ended. In 1930, Professor Aharoni from Hebrew University of Jerusalem captured these mice again in Aleppo, and the local guide who accompanied him also found their nests in wheat fields. After digging, he found a mother mouse and 11 newborn mice, and caught them all and put them in a wooden box. However, when the mother mouse realized that something was wrong, she bit one of the newborn mice to death. Therefore, Professor Aharoni had to separate the mother mouse from the mice and brought the mice back to Israel for breeding. The mice that Professor Aharoni bred increased to 150 a year later. In 1931, some of these mice were taken to the UK and handed over to Professor Sidden at the London Institute of Science for breeding, and then began to be sold to the public. The domestication of hamsters as pets began at this time, and the hamsters bred in the UK now are descendants of that time. In 1938, hamsters, which had become pets, spread to the United States. It was not until 1950 that Syrian hamsters began to gain popularity in the United States. Hamster breeding became popular in Europe in the 1970s.
Hamsters are distributed in Central and Eastern Europe, Asia Minor, Syria, Iran, Mongolia, Siberia, northern China, and Korea. In China, they are mainly distributed in the provinces north of the Yangtze River, including the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Hamsters are suitable for all pet lovers. They have a gentle temperament and rarely bite. Hamsters have a keen sense of sight, touch, hearing, and smell. They mainly rest during the day and are active at night. Their vision is poor and they can only distinguish shapes vaguely. They can only differentiate between black and white colors.
1. Tumor
Pet symptoms: When touching the pet, there is a noticeable protrusion on a certain part of the pet's body, and the protrusion becomes larger over time.
Like humans, hamsters can develop tumors when their body cells become abnormal, and they can be either benign or malignant. When a tumor is found on a hamster's body, a tissue section examination is needed to diagnose the nature of the tumor. If the tumor is malignant, surgery is required. However, after the operation, there is still a chance for malignant cells to spread to other parts and cause tumor metastasis and recurrence.
2. Skin disease
Pet symptoms: Hamsters may experience hair loss, scratching, and redness and shedding of the skin.
First, keep the environment clean and dry, actively consult a veterinarian, and seek good medical advice. Finally, conduct relevant examinations such as skin microscopy for the pet, determine the skin problem, and then apply corresponding medication.
3. Heart disease
Pet symptoms: Loss of appetite, poor mobility, and difficulty breathing.
If a hamster shows the above symptoms, it may be suspected of having heart disease. Actively consult a veterinarian, undergo detailed examinations based on professional consultations, and conduct X-ray examinations to observe whether the hamster has diseases such as ventricular hypertrophy. After confirming the diagnosis, to stabilize the condition, treatment methods such as cardiac tonics and vasodilators can be used.
4. Malocclusion
Symptoms: Drooling, inability to fully close the mouth, loss of appetite, etc.
Recommended treatment: To prevent malocclusion in hamsters, regularly provide them with harder food or mineral stones for teeth grinding. If a hamster is found to have malocclusion, a veterinarian should be consulted to trim their teeth.
5. Constipation
Pet symptoms: Decreased frequency of bowel movements, or even no feces.
When a pet experiences changes in its living environment, it may suffer from constipation. In addition, hamsters may also experience constipation due to bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.
Firstly, maintain a clean cage, then provide the pet with fresh and fiber-rich food, and sufficient water. Treat the condition with medication under the guidance of a professional veterinarian. If the condition is severe, prompt medical treatment is necessary.
6. Cold
Pet symptoms: Drooping ears, low spirits, wet nose, and weak activity.
If a hamster catches a cold, it must be treated as soon as possible. If the problem is not serious, you can try using some anti-inflammatory drugs. However, be sure to control the dosage. A hamster cold can be prevented by feeding the pet with foods rich in vitamin C on a regular basis. At the same time, take appropriate measures to keep the pet warm and avoid placing the cage in a windy area.
1. It is best to keep one hamster in one cage.
2. Hamsters cannot drink raw water, they drink cold boiled water. If feeding vegetables, remember to wash the leaves and let them air dry.
3. The living environment for hamsters should not be too noisy, too cold, or exposed to direct sunlight.
4. Keep the cage closed at all times. Hamsters are escape enthusiasts and can easily get injured after escaping.
5. Do not feed them with food meant for humans. The high salt content and heavy seasoning can burden their bodies.
6. Do not wash the hamster's body with water.
7. Do not use newspapers, facial tissues, or other materials as bedding. Newspapers contain excessive ink, and facial tissues contain bleach.
8. Do not keep the hamster in too small of a space. The space should have at least a wheel, water bottle, food bowl, and a small nest.
9. Do not feed them with insects, moldy, or expired feed.
10. Do not use bamboo chopsticks, Popsicle sticks, or other items for the hamsters to gnaw on. Please use specialized gnawing toys and feed available on the market.
Hamsters clean themselves, so owners don't need to bathe them frequently. However, when you find that the hamster's fur is dirty, you must clean it in time. You can use a towel dipped in warm water to gently wipe the hamster and wash away the dirt on its body. If you must bathe the hamster, it is best to do it when the weather is warm. After bathing, use a hairdryer to thoroughly dry the hair to prevent the hamster from catching a cold and getting sick.
Pet Encyclopedia
