Syrian Hamster is a breed with the most color variations. The hamster's body has white and amber colors, known as amber spotted or simply spotted. Their eyes are red, and there are also variations with a body alternating between white and black, known as panda or cow, with red or black eyes.
Chinese Name
Syrian Hamster
Length: 10-12cm
Weight: 20-50g
Native to: Central Asia, Mongolia
Lifespan: 1.5-2 years
Favored by small pet lovers, it is recommended to raise Syrian hamsters. They enjoy eating sunflower seeds, which not only fulfills their food requirements but also helps them grind their teeth. However, it's important to note that they should not be fed too many sunflower seeds as they are high in calories. Syrian hamsters, also known as spotted hamsters, have the most color variations among the breed. Their bodies are white and they have a very gentle temperament.
1. Long teeth
Long-term consumption of soft food can lead to abnormal tooth growth. Excessive tooth growth can damage the inside of the mouth and affect food intake. It can also cause symptoms such as gingival decay and rhinitis. This will cause the teeth to gradually loosen and fall out. After one side of the teeth falls out, the other side of the teeth needs regular trimming surgery due to the lack of normal grinding. Early diagnosis can lead to early treatment.
2. Injuries caused by fighting
Squirrels have a habit of attacking the weak in the group. Squirrels that appear healthy but have already been seriously ill will be attacked by healthy squirrels. If these attacked squirrels are dissected, it will be found that they have already been seriously ill. In addition, weak squirrels are also easily attacked. If squirrels fighting are found, each squirrel should be separated with a cage. The injured area should be treated with antibiotics to prevent wound suppuration; for larger wounds, surgery should be performed. Due to the possibility of self-mutilation, weak squirrels should be isolated as early as possible.
3. Pneumonia
Squirrels are prone to pneumonia when under excessive stress, excessive humidity, and poor air circulation. Symptoms such as cough, loss of appetite, and lethargy appear, followed by death. Human colds can also be transmitted to squirrels, so special attention should be paid. Antibiotics can be taken for treatment.
4. Hypocalcemia
Female squirrels before and after childbirth are prone to this disease. Due to the decrease in calcium concentration in the blood, symptoms such as convulsions, paralysis, and motor disorders occur. There is a risk of death if calcium supplements are not injected in time. Calcium supplements can be added to the diet of pregnant and lactating female squirrels as a preventive measure. In addition, sunbathing is also important.
5. Rickets
Squirrels, like humans, can also get rickets. In addition to the need to regularly supplement calcium and active vitamin D, sunbathing is also essential. The effect of using artificial sun lamps is good, but improper wavelength of ultraviolet rays can cause serious burns, so it is best to ask the hospital for detailed information before use.
6. Urethritis
Urethritis occurs when the urethra is infected with bacteria. Male squirrels may have difficulty urinating due to swelling of the penis. The pain caused during urination can be accompanied by painful cries. If these symptoms are found, immediate urinalysis and treatment with appropriate antibiotics are necessary.
7. Fractures
When squirrels play indoors, they may fracture their bones due to improper jumping. Simple fractures can heal without surgery as long as they follow the hospital's instructions. Squirrels have low tolerance for anesthesia, so it is best to avoid surgery. However, if the spinal bone is injured, the prognosis may not be good.
1. The newly arrived Syrian hamster may eat very little at first because it is not yet accustomed. Don't assume that its appetite is always so small. You can put an apple in the cage every day as a supplement for it to choose.
2. Leftover feed and hay should be discarded, as it is usually what the hamster has left behind. They believe that it is not nutritious. We should trust their expert eyes. If it is not replaced in time or if it wants to eat fresh food, some Syrian hamsters will pee in the food bowl to remind you to change it.
3. Snacks should only be used for cultivating feelings and training. If you want to let them roam freely, gradually release them from the cage before meals and feed them a little snack to make the training more effective.
4. Do not mix multiple different foods together for the Syrian hamster. They will eat what they consider delicious first and leave the rest. Syrian hamsters need various nutrients, so try to give them a single feed. Main meals should be separate from feeds. However, there are imported Syrian hamster feeds that are made from a mixture of more than 10 different foods. Syrian hamsters will always discard one or two types and not eat them.
5. Syrian hamsters are omnivores and mainly eat grains, vegetables, and berries. Avoid highly stimulating vegetables such as onions, onion leaves, garlic, and wild vegetables. You can feed them vegetarian feed on their own, but not too much at a time to avoid leftovers in the feed bowl. It is also important to remove stale food 8 hours later to prevent food spoilage. Hamsters will store food, so don't be surprised when you find hidden food while cleaning the cage.
6. Water supply is also crucial. It is best to give boiled water to ensure cleanliness and health. Water supplies with drinking tubes can keep the water clean, but they must be placed low enough for the hamster to reach. Use hot soapy water to clean the water supply equipment every week, and rinse it thoroughly with clean water.
1. Shu Ze and the bathroom: Place sand and bath sand for the hamsters to bathe or roll sand.
2. Cooling supplies in summer: marble, heat sink, ice cubes in plastic bottles, and cool sofas.
3. Warm supplies in winter: cotton, warm bags, socks, high-quality wood chips.
4. Cage: In summer, please use a ventilated wire cage or a cage made of half wire and half plastic, such as an outdoor cage. Pay attention to keeping the hamsters warm in winter, and a fully plastic cage is more suitable.
5. Padding material: various types such as pine shavings, poplar wood, and laboratory chips. Provides warmth for the hamsters and absorbs water.
6. Fine cat litter: Suitable for use in real summer, cool, and clumps together after absorbing water, easy to scoop.
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