Popularly known as Golden Hamsters, these small rodents were first found in the Syrian desert. Most pet hamsters are descended from a single family that was collected in 1930. Today, Golden hamsters are bred in light, dark and normal varieties.
Keep in a cage of heavy duty (chew-proof) plastic and metal grilles, that is at least 16 by 12 by 12 inches. Line with a deep layer of peat and/or wood shavings. Provide shredded paper, tissues and hay for nesting material. Avoid fibrous beddings.
Wild hamsters eat a wide variety of plants, seeds and animal foods. Pet hamsters should be given dried hamster food, supplemented with pieces of vegtables, fruit, wild plants, cereals, nuts and hard-boiled egg.
Hamsters live for 1 to 3 years. They are solitary animals, so keep each adult hamster in a cage on its own. They young become sexually mature at about 4 to 6 weeks old, after this time the adults will fight with each other unless they are separated.
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