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Most Popular Hamster Species
Hamster Cages, Hamster Food, Hamster Exercise Balls
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The pet hamster is among the most common caged pet in every country nowadays.
Because of it's popularity, it is becoming harder to choose one that would perfectly suit a would-be owner.
Some of the typical hamster pet species are discussed here to guide anyone interested in bringing one home.
Syrian Hamster - This species has several names, most of them are probably
familiar. It is known originally as the Golden Hamster because of it's natural golden color but
due to variations in coat and breeding practices, it is now known for names such as the Fancy Hamster,
Teddy Bear Hamster, Long Haired Syrian Hamster, Alien Hamster (for those hairless variations),
Black Bear Hamster (for the black variations) along with others. These varieties make very good
pets for handling, however, this type is naturally a solitary animal and would not be comfortable living with young
that is older than 1 or more months. When mixed with other types of hamsters, a Syrian Hamster may
get aggressive.
Dwarf Campbells Russian Hamsters - The original habitat of this species is the
semi-arid lands of Central Asia and in the sand dunes of Northeastern China. It is the most common species found in
pet shops among the Dwarf Russian Hamsters and is usually labeled as a Siberian
Hamster. Unlike the Syrian Hamsters, this type is sociable and can live with other
hamsters of it's own species, of different sexes and of different ages as long as they were introduced at an early
age. Beware though that Campbell Hamsters may nip when annoyed and do not deal well with
uneasy handling.
Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamsters - This hamster got it's name from it's
coat's capability to turn white during winter. Often referred to as the Furry Haired Footed
Hamster, this species has a characteristically hairy coat, a more pronounced nose, and a bullet shaped
body. Like its close cousin, the Dwarf Campbells Russian Hamster, it has an attitude regarding
improper handling.
Chinese Hamster - This type looks like a cross between a mouse and a hamster
and is not as popular among pet owners, unlike the Russian hamster, due to their appearance and
availability. It is quite timid and tends to be inactive during handling.
Roborovski Hamster - It is presently the smallest pet hamster with it's length
ranging from 4 to 5 cm. It moves rapidly and is very active which makes it a bit unpopular among children who would
like to handle their pets more often and with more ease.
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