Difference Between a Girl Hamster and a Boy Hamster
Female and male hamsters look quite similar at a glance. Unlike birds, there isn't much of a color or size variation or difference between the two sexes. When naming your hamsters, it is natural to want to know what the sex of it is before you do so. It is also crucial to know the sex of the hamsters if you are planning to buy more than one.
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Physical DIfference
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In order to decipher the sex of your hamster, you will need to pick it up and turn it upside down. For a female, you will see two tiny holes that are very close together near the tail. Males also have the same holes, however these are further apart. You may also be able to see a male hamster's testicles but most times they are retracted. Female hamsters also have nipples running on either side of the belly, but depending on how furry your hamster may be, this can be hard to find.
Purchasing Hamsters
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If you wish to purchase a hamster, it is recommended that you go to an animal sanctuary or breeder. These people are experts and will be able to tell you the sex of the hamster you are interested in. In pet stores, some of the staff may not be able to tell the difference, so you must check yourself to be sure. This is imperative especially if you have another hamster at home. Having two hamsters of different sexes will result in you possibly having multiple hamsters.
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Disease
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The sex of your hamster can also determine the risk of disease in the hamster as well. Though animals experts have proven this is the case for some animals such as rats and larger pets, they are not fully sure if this is conclusively true for hamsters. It can be noted that female hamsters seem more prone to cancers especially in the uterus.
Differences in Behavior
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Though it is not scientific proof, it is suggested that female and male hamsters differ in behavior as well. Female hamsters can spend more time hoarding food and making nests. They also have more determination to try to escape from their cage. In scientific studies, it is shown that male hamsters are more submissive in behavior especially after fighting with another male hamster. Female hamsters may be less submissive or not at all.
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References
- Photo Credit BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
