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Hamsters are cute little creatures. They were first introduced as pets about 70 years ago. One of their native habitats is Syria. Syrian hamsters are the largest of the hamsters at 6-7 inches in length. These larger hamsters live for about 2 ½ to 3 years, while smaller Dwarf hamsters live for only 1 ½ - 2 years. The Dwarf hamsters are more social, extremely agile and quick. They are 3 ½-4 inches long.

Hamsters are not particularly social with other hamsters. While Dwarf hamsters usually can be housed together with other hamsters, the larger Syrian hamsters do not like company. These hamsters want their cages entirely to themselves.

When selecting a hamster, you need to check the fur. It should be full and thick with no bare patches. Check the eyes. They should not be teary or have a discharge. The hamster should be alert and active. Make sure the hamster’s cage has been kept clean, and check to see that the other cage mates (if any) are healthy as well. Illnesses can spread quickly. Try to acquire a young hamster. 6-weeks-old is a desirable age. A hamster this young will be more ready to acclimate to a new environment and adapt to humans.

What do hamsters like to eat? Hamsters can be feed a variety of foods including apples, bananas, carrots, whole grain toast, unsalted peanuts, and hard-boiled eggs. The most reliable diet for hamsters is pre-made pellets or a seed mix. A pellet diet can be supplemented with such “people food” treats as listed above. The pellets provide a wholesome mix to maintain a healthy hamster.

How do you make friends with a hamster? Read and sing to him. That’s right. When you bring your hamster home, a good way for the hamster to become accustomed to you is to hear your voice. For the first week, you will want to read, sing, and talk to your hamster. By the second week, you can begin to put your hand in his cage, but don’t touch the hamster yet. Let him learn your scent and feel gradually. For the third week, feed the hamster treats from your hand. Finally, by the fourth week you can gently pick him up. Nobody said making friends with a hamster would be easy.

It is extremely important to keep the hamster’s cage or aquarium clean. Hamsters can become sick easily if they are forced to live in a dirty environment. Smaller hamsters fair better in an aquarium than a cage. Small hamsters can crawl through the slats on a cage. Hamsters are nocturnal. They sleep most of the day and are active at night. They enjoy exercise wheels and other objects to crawl in. Hamsters love to chew on things, so give them non-toxic items like a toilet paper roll or a stick. They also like to create comfy nests to bed down in. Unscented toilet paper is a good choice for this.

For a quick peek at a hamster in action, visit the Humane Society’s website for a podcast and more information about hamster care