Hamsters are one of the most common pets you find in households. They are adorable and don’t require a whole lot of effort to take care of. They are beloved by both adults and kids alike. We have some facts about hamsters that you probably were not aware of.
1. Not all hamsters make good pets
Overall, there are 24 different species of hamster. While that seems like a lot only 5 of these are sold at pet stores. The 5 different types of hamsters sold are Syrian hamsters, Chinese hamsters, Russian dwarf hamsters, Campbell’s dwarf hamsters, and Roborovski hamsters. The rest don’t really make for good pets.
2. Hamsters enjoy their personal space
While hamsters seem like loveable pets that can do no wrong, they can be quite defensive if their personal space is encroached by another hamster. Most hamster lovers tend to buy more than one hamster to ensure their beloved pet has company. However, Syrian hamsters are known to actually fight other hamsters if they feel their personal space is invaded. So be careful before you decide to overcrowd the cage with too many hamsters.
3. Hamsters are not nocturnal
You may find that your hamster can be quite active at night but hamsters, in general, are not nocturnal animals. They are crepuscular and are most active in the twilight hours. Scientists believe the reason for that is because of their diet. The bugs they usually eat are more active in those hours so in order to eat they must be also.
4. Hamster wheel can be bad for them
We all are aware of how much hamster’s love to run and enjoy doing so on hamster wheels. You won’t find a hamster cage without one. While the wheel allows them to be active, if the wheel is too small for them it can actually lead to spinal problems and another type of pain. So it is important you get the right size of the wheel for your hamster so it can stay active and healthy.
5. Hamsters love to hoard
The word hamster comes from a German mean which translates to “to hoard.” So you will find that even the hamster you bring home and domestic will hoard.
6. Some hamster species are in danger of extinction
The Syrian hamsters are a species of hamster that has been threatened due to human encroachment on their natural habitat.
7. Hamsters have bad eyesight
Hamsters are colorblind and nearsighted which means they don’t have the best vision. However, they have whiskers that help them navigate around.
8. European hamsters can grow to 13 inches
The European hamster is considered to be the biggest of hamster and can grow to be 13 inches long. That is more than twice the size of an average hamster.
9. They store food in their cheeks
Hamsters can even hoard food in their cheeks. If they feel that the current environment they are in is not safe for them to eat, they will store the food in their cheeks and eat it when they are more comfortable.
10. Hamsters are omnivores
Most hamster owners tend to mistake hamsters as vegetarians. However, they omnivores and eat insects.
