eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.
"Hamster" is an umbrella term referring to several species of rodent that look and act a lot alike. There are four species that are popular in the pet trade--the Syrian, the Russian Dwarf, the Chinese and the Roborovski. On the whole, these are incredibly intelligent, charming animals that are very good at training people to... more »
The two main species of domesticated hamster are the Syrian and Dwarf. However, there are several breeds in each species, with a variety of coats and colors. Knowing the distinguishing features and unique needs of each will help prospective owners provide them with a healthy and satisfying life. more »
Choosing to breed hamsters is not a decision someone should make lightly. It takes a lot of work and can have tragic results if not done correctly. This article will assume you know the basics about hamster care. If you are unfamiliar with the basics of hamster care, then you are not ready to consider breeding them. more »
The nature of friendly little hamsters has helped make these rodents among the most popular domestic small pets in America. Hamster owners should know some of the important information and details about how to properly care for hamsters to ensure that their pets live happy and healthy lives. more »
Hamsters are small rodents that are suitable pets for adults and children. If socialized from a young age, hamsters enjoy being held and they are relatively easy to care for since they groom themselves. Hamsters can be adopted when they are eight weeks old and have a life expectancy of two to three years. more »
Dogs and cats are the most common pets around, but what if you're looking for a smaller pet...
The responsibilities of pet ownership are many and varied. First and foremost with many small...
It is possible to keep two hamsters in one cage, though hamsters will often fight. Watch your hamsters carefully in the beginning to make sure... more »
Hamsters are furry little creatures that many boys and girls want to keep as a pet. These rodents have a wide variety of different coat patterns... more »
When selecting pet hamsters, it's important to observe the animal to ensure that it's alert, active and healthy. Some hamsters are susceptible to... more »
Hamsters make perfect pets for apartment dwellers and people on a budget. Hamsters are surprisingly social, clean and inexpensive to maintain.... more »
Hamsters have very fast metabolisms and must have constant access to foods rich in nutrients. A varied diet, including a seed/pellet mix, fruits,... more »
Hamsters are rodents belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae. The subfamily contains about 24 species, classified in six or seven genera."Fox">Fox, Sue. 2006. Hamsters. T.F.H. Publications Inc.
Hamsters are crepuscular. In the wild, they burrow underground in the daylight to avoid being caught by predators. Their diet contains a variety of foods, including dried food, berries, nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables. In the wild they will eat any wheat, nuts and small bits of fruit and vegetables that they might find lying around on the ground, and will occasionally eat small insects such as small fruit flies, crickets, and meal worms. They have elongated fur-lined pouches on both sides of their heads that extend to their shoulders, which they stuff full of food to be stored, brought back to the colony or to be eaten later.
Although the Golden Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) was first described scientifically in 1839, it was not until 1930 that researchers were able to successfully breed and domesticate hamsters.Barrie>Barrie, Anmarie. 1995. Hamsters as a New Pet. T.F.H. Publications Inc., NJ. Pet Syrian hamsters are descended from hamsters first found and captured in Syria by zoologist Israel Aharoni."Fritz">Fritzsche, Peter. 2008. Hamsters: A Complete Pet Owner’s Manual. Barron’s Educational Series Inc., NY.
Hamster behaviour can vary depending on their environment, genetics, and interaction with people. Because they are easy to breed in captivity, hamsters are often used as lab animals in more economically developed countries. Hamsters have also become established as popular small house pets.Barrie/>
Etymology of name
The name hamster is derived from the German verb hamstern, which means "to hoard" because hamsters have expandable cheek pouches lined with fur to store their food."Fox"/> The word hamstern itself comes from earlier Old High German hamustro, from Old Russian choměstrǔ, which is either a blend of the root of Russian khomiak "ham read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamster
Connect with people who share your interest by joining one of our Groups:
What Is Semi-Formal Dress?
How to get free HD channels with Comcast
How to Unplug Your Ears When You Have a Cold
How to Get Fired Gracefully
How to Stop a Shopaholic
How to Drive Defensively During the Holidays
Wonders of the World
Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.
