Information About Short Haired Male Hamsters

There are several types of short-haired hamsters.

Hamsters are a type of rodent, featuring long, curved incisors that allow them to be good at gnawing. Hamsters originated in the wild, but are now domesticated and bred to be caged pets. Male short-haired hamsters are regarded as a good pet for small children, as they are generally laid back and forgiving in nature. Hamsters are available commercially through pet stores and private breeders.

Types

Syrian hamsters, Russian dwarf hamsters, Chinese dwarf hamsters and striped hamsters are all examples of short-haired hamsters. Syrian hamsters are also known as golden hamsters, as they were originally only bred in a golden honey color. Syrian hamsters are now available in black, cinnamon, grey and other color combinations. Dwarf hamsters are smaller than Syrian hamsters and are typically grey or fawn in color. Chinese dwarf hamsters have longer tails than regular dwarf hamsters.

Diet

A balanced diet for all short-haired hamsters should include a commercial hamster pellet mix and other fresh elements including fruits, vegetables and nuts. Carrots, apples, cabbage, celery and lettuce are good choices for hamsters, but citrus fruits should be avoided. The hamster should also always have access to fresh, clean water. The best water delivery system is a water bottle with a sipper tube. If given a bowl of water, the hamster is likely to make "soup" with bedding and food rather than to drink from it.

Housing

Hamsters have strong, sturdy teeth designed especially for gnawing, so they need a cage made from glass or metal that is resistant to their destruction. Conventional hamster cages are made of powder-coated wire with plastic tunnels, ledges and other elements within. Hamsters like to burrow and need access to ample nesting material like CareFresh, which is recycled paper bedding, or aspen bedding, a type of wood shavings. Avoid cedar or pine bedding, as they contain oils that are harmful to all types of hamsters.

Male Characteristics

Male hamsters are regarded as being more laid-back and less aggressive than female hamsters. Males also tend to be smaller in stature than female hamsters. Because the males are more docile, they are recommended as a first-time pet for families with children. Male hamsters are less likely to spook or bite when mishandled, but take care at all times when handling them.

Cohabitating

Dwarf hamsters are set apart from Syrian varieties in that you can house them together, whereas Syrian hamsters should only ever be housed alone. Male dwarf hamsters can be housed with one another in most circumstances, except for Chinese dwarf hamsters, which should be housed alone. Syrian hamster males are aggressive and will fight incessantly with one another if housed together as adults.

References

• Caroline Tanaka, DVM; Veterinarian; Austin, Texas
• JSPCA.org: Hamster Fact Sheet