HAMSTERSAlissa AngerSyrian Hamster(Mesocricetus auratus)Muridae -family Rodentia –orderincludes other common rodents such as gerbils, rats, mice, guinea pigs and chinchillasHamstersweigh about 4 ounces 5 to 6 inches temperature not much above 80 F…. WHY?below 50 F? What happens?GROUPS/BREEDS Hamsters were first used for medical research.Tame-PetsHamsters are native to the Middle East, Europe and Asia.Syrian or Golden hamster is the most common.Breeds (cont)#2~~ dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungorus)Common colors include: black, yellow, silver grey, light grey, rust and cinnamon.Markings include banded patterns and speckled or piebald patterns.BreedsDwarf hamsters can be brownish-grey, opal, black, sooty grey-brown and albino. HOUSING and EQUIPMENT Spaciouseasy to clean built to prevent escapes (gnaw-proof)Basic Equipment needed:Cage Floor cover/bedding Food dish Water dispenser 10 to 19 square inches of cage floor space per animalCAGESstandard wire commercial cagean aquarium with wire mesh lidhomemade construction. Cages should be at least 10 inches by 16 inches by 10 inches in height.EquipmentWater dispensers (bottles) are hung on the outside of cages with the drinking tube extended into the cage. If water bottles are hung inside of the cage, they need to be protected from gnawing by the hamster. BeddingFloor covering-comfortable place to dwell and also absorbs urine. Bedding is used for nesting purposes. (wood chips BEST not Cedar, newspaper, cardboard, tissues,cotton)Hamsters are a nesting animal and require a material they can use to build a nest. TOYSHamsters are very active animals, but they are nocturnal. Nocturnal-They sleep during the day and move at night. Need Toys!!!Exercise Wheel Wooden ladder Seesaws Merry-go-round Wooden branches and twigs Sand box NUTRITIONFeeding hamsters a nutritious diet is an important factor in keeping them healthy.Hamsters are omnivores, eating both plants and meatBut they can grow and thrive on a herbivorous diet eating only vegetables. FoodHamsters' nutritional needs are best met through commercially prepared pellets.Pellets contain the recommended levels of protein, fat, fiber, energy, vitamins and minerals.FEEDING (con’t)Hamsters eat about a tablespoon of pellets dailyA small amount of vegetables or fruit should also be fed each day.Treats!!!Some example of supplemental foods include: Apples, Carrots, Parsley, Peas, Spinach, Bananas, Broccoli, Corn on the Cob, Nuts, Cheese, Dog Biscuits/Pellets, Bread, Raisins, Crickets, Potatoes, Rice, Pasta Chicken, and Bean sprouts.CoprophagyHamsters will eat their own droppings. This is normal. The droppings contain B vitamins and vitamin K produced in the intestine.Important for microbes (small single celled organisms) that help break down food.REPRODUCTIONHamsters become sexually mature at six weeks of ageFemale hamsters generally produce five to six litters a year. Average litter of eight, but can produce up to 26 per litter. WOW!!!come into heat (estrus) every four days evening hours between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. Gestation in hamsters averages about 16 days (15 to 18 days). Baby hamsters are born totally helpless.weigh only 1/4 to 1/8 of an ounceDo NOT disturb until 14 days oldweaned at 24 to 28 daysCOMMON DISEASESHamsters are relatively healthy animals.The two most common diseases are hamster enteritis (wet tail) and Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM). Disease con’tSymptoms of a problem: Loss of weight Drowsiness Ruffled coat Lethargic movement Fleas, lice and mites are common in hamsters. Frequent cleaning of the cage and use of an insecticide prevents flea problems.