Hamsters (merged)

HappyMJ

Ok... http://www.rspca.org.uk/ImageLocator/LocateAsset?asset=document&assetId=1232723025744&mode=prd

Tropez

Rachels1979 wrote: »

I'd be looking at getting a syrian hamster as I want one that I've got a good chance of being able to handle, aren't they supposed to be kept on their own?

I'm pretty sure that the flat is above that temperature, it's just that's it's not constant that I was concerned. I know they don't live long but I thought that 12 - 18 months was a bit too short, maybe there were other factors involved in that.

Thanks for your help

Yes, Syrian hamsters generally need to be kept alone. Only some breeds of dwarf hamsters can be kept in pairs easily without fighting but on the whole hamsters are very solitary creatures.

One thing I would recommend with the Syrian hamsters is to get a male hamster. The females tend to be less trusting, more aggressive and generally more problematic. Unless you just want to pop it in a cage and be done with it, it is generally a little easier to get a male to not mind being handled.

I haven't had a hamster for a while now but I've only ever had Syrian and all lived over 2 years.

Amethyst_ice

Pet store hamster foods contain more natural seeds that can pass through a hamsters digestive system far easier than a curry! Im not talking wagg hamster food that is full of sugar either.

some unsafe spices and herbs for hamsters include

• Cayenne
• Chili
• Garlic
• Kidney Beans
• Leek
• Onion
• Potato Leaves
• Ramson
• Rhubarb Leaves
• Spring Onion
• Tomato Leaves

agreed homemade recipes you know exactly what you are putting into it but by simply posting curry is ok on such a large forum, i would bet most people would use out of the jar and as a hamster owner myself and who talks to many NHC registered breeders, i would not want soemone to see it and feed their ham some of their friday takeaway!

also meat wise, a small amount of chicken is ok but other meats such as pork are too salty for hamsters. Also most currys contain a large amount of oil which a small digestive system simply cannot process- my point is- there is no NEED to feed your hamster curry therefore why do it?

and i wasn't implying your cooking was junk- i must remember to stop posting on mse as people always jump and become defensive! silly me!

Amethyst_ice

Tropez wrote: »

Yes, Syrian hamsters generally need to be kept alone. Only some breeds of dwarf hamsters can be kept in pairs easily without fighting but on the whole hamsters are very solitary creatures.

One thing I would recommend with the Syrian hamsters is to get a male hamster. The females tend to be less trusting, more aggressive and generally more problematic. Unless you just want to pop it in a cage and be done with it, it is generally a little easier to get a male to not mind being handled.

I haven't had a hamster for a while now but I've only ever had Syrian and all lived over 2 years.

Good advice but syrians should ALWAYS be kept alone, not generally, ALWAYS!!!!

In regards to males vs females. Males are more laid back but both can be equally untrusting- it all depends about how much time you spend with them. As a general rule of theumb females tend to be more active/skittish than the males. They also come onto heat every 4 days so they will scent rub their whole cage and "stand"..which can be a bit unplesant lol

Hamsters are lovely pets- me and my boyfriend have 4 syrians and 2 dumbo rats and we attend hamster shows and have won rosettes. I have made a nice circle of friends through it also.

I found https://www.hamstercentral.com has put me in touch with lots of people near me and i have learnt so much in the past year (such as fluffy bedding being DEADLY, an 8" diameter wheel should be the minimum size)... come on over and join, lots of good cage reviews etc on there and members selling cages cheap as well.

temperature wise, it wont be good to have varying heat for where the hamster is. Travel wise, ours do car journeys but id say a few times a week may be a bit stressful for the ham.

come join us on hamstercentral, although some advice given on mse pet boards is ok there are too many people that give wrong answers- such as syrians should be kept in pairs lol

enjoy your new addition xxx

samboette

Hi Rachel1979

We now have 5 hamsters but our numbers change frequently if some little critter needs a home.

Currently we have 3 Syrians and 2 Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters.

You say you're going to have a Syrian Hamster which means it DEFINATELY needs to live ALONE!!!! They are solitary animals. As for the heating issue, as long as you give your hamster plenty of bedding, they will make themselves nice and warm. If you're still concerned about them being too cold, you can buy heat pads that you can place under the cage, we had to do this when we had a poorly hamster. Our hamsters are in a room on the cold side of the house and we do at times put the heating on when it becomes too cold, however we have to be careful of the temperature in the room due to now acquiring a pair of Chinchillas!!!

Just a few more tips for when you get a hamster:

Buy the biggest cage you can afford, the bigger the better so the hamster can stretch it's legs and so you can have plenty of room for toys, sandbaths, toilets etc.

Buy a wheel that is at LEAST 8" in diameter. All cages come with wheels that are far too small for adult hamsters. A too small wheel can cause arching in your hamster's back.

It doesn't matter what sex hamster you get. We've had both male and female Syrians and their temperaments were the same, our female used to be waiting at the top of her tank to come out, was really friendly. That said all our males are exactly the same, as tame as anything and always waiting to be let out for a run around the room.

As long as you keep them fed, watered and give them loads of bedding in this weather they will be happy.

If you need further advice, i'd recommend going on www.hamstercentral.com/forum there are loads of tips and advice about keeping hamsters.

wilykit

when i bought a hamster that was female i was told keeping two females together would result in them fighting...with most other breeds you would get 2 females to keep together but hamsters only really come together when it is time for mating as they are solitary.

Tropez

Amethyst_ice wrote: »

Good advice but syrians should ALWAYS be kept alone, not generally, ALWAYS!!!!

Actually, generally is more correct than always, although I can understand why people believe that Syrian hamsters should never cohabit.

In rare circumstances, and of course by experienced and professional handlers, Syrian hamsters can live together in pairs although this almost invariably involves litter mates growing up together. Two strangers are highly unlikely to get along, no matter when they were introduced.

stumpycat

Defensive, no - just replying to the rude tone of your post:

Amethyst_ice wrote: »

seriously. if you are going to ahve a pet respect it enough to feed it proper food and not junk food.

If you actually read my original post, I said to the OP that if she was ever cooking curry, to give the hamster a taste of it. At no point did I suggest ordering the animal a vindaloo 3 times a week!

As for a good hamster treat - share some cardamom rice. Before anyone complains, here's the science bit :rotfl::
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mnfr.200600249/abstract

Amethyst_ice

Tropez wrote: »

Actually, generally is more correct than always, although I can understand why people believe that Syrian hamsters should never cohabit.

In rare circumstances, and of course by experienced and professional handlers, Syrian hamsters can live together in pairs although this almost invariably involves litter mates growing up together. Two strangers are highly unlikely to get along, no matter when they were introduced.

No no no- you are seriously wrong!!!!! I know over 5 NHC (national hamster association) registered breeders and not a single one ever keeps syrians together. They will eventually fight and kill each other- whatever sex they are and regardless if they are litter mates. Where have you got this impression from? (not being rude but very curious- and concerned) x

Tropez

Amethyst_ice wrote: »

No no no- you are seriously wrong!!!!! I know over 5 NHC (national hamster association) registered breeders and not a single one ever keeps syrians together. They will eventually fight and kill each other- whatever sex they are and regardless if they are litter mates. Where have you got this impression from? (not being rude but very curious- and concerned) x

I am sorry, but I am not seriously wrong.

Nor is this an impression, but actual experience with people who have done this in a scientific capacity.

But for the average owner, no they shouldn't be putting Syrian hamster's together, despite the way in which the RSPCA leaflet linked earlier in the thread makes it sound a lot easier than it actually is.