Information About Fancy Hamsters
Fancy Hamsters also go by the names Golden Hamsters, Teddy Bear Hamsters and Standard Hamsters. The word hamster comes from the German word "hamstern" which means, "to hoard," according to the website, Animal World. Hamsters inherited this name because they like to fill their cheeks with food. These animals are popular pets because they are cute, small and docile. They average in size between 5 and 6 inches long with a lifespan of about three years.
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Identification
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Fancy Hamsters are medium-size hamsters that resemble mice in many ways. They have small ears and very short, almost insignificant tails. They are golden in color with a lighter color underbelly and white markings on their cheeks and chins. You can find different color and hair variations of these hamsters available.
Facts
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Fancy Hamsters are nocturnal. This means they will sleep during most of the day and become more active at night. This can be annoying for those who keep their pets in their bedrooms. An easy solution to the problem is to move the hamster cage out of the bedroom to a safe place at night, according to the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association.
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Diet
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Fancy Hamsters need a nutritional, balanced packaged mix. Check to see if the mix you use has very few unnatural ingredients. Hamsters also enjoy bites from some of fruits and vegetables you eat. Limit how much human food you give your this breed of hamster because too much of the water-based foods will give it diarrhea, according to Animal World. A shallow earthenware bowl is best for dry food because these kinds of bowls can't be chewed and they are almost impossible to tip over. Your hamster will also need a water bottle.
Change your hamster's food and water daily.
Habitat
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Your hamster will need a cage in which it can move about freely and get plenty of exercise. Standard hamster cages are suitable as they provide hamsters with lots to do. Since many hamster cages are made for dwarf hamsters, make sure your Fancy Hamster will not outgrow his cage and will fit through any tubes. Use decent bedding for the cage lining and avoid any pine or cedar shavings, as these are bad for your hamster's respiratory system and skin. Recycled paper pulp is a good, healthy choice. Clean your hamster's cage thoroughly every week.
History
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Fancy Hamsters first appeared in written history around 1797, where they are mentioned in the 'Natural History of Aleppo' in Syria, according to the website, Hamsterific. Descendants made their way to Britain and eventually America. Their native habitat is dry and warm.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit hamster eating image by cat from Fotolia.com
