A hamster is a mammal belonging to the order of rodents, the family is hamsters. It has more than 240 species of representatives. It is impossible to describe each species due to the lack of information about them. However, it is worthwhile to examine in more detail the most popular breeds of hamsters, both wild and domestic.
Hamsters living in the wild
What unites all representatives of this or that subspecies of hamsters living "in the bosom" of nature? This is a nocturnal lifestyle, rare fertility and extraordinary thrifty. On average, one hamster is able to arrange a "warehouse" of stocks of 15 - 20 kg. There are cases when pantries were found, and in them 70 - 90 kg of various supplies.
Below will be given the names of the breeds of hamsters and given descriptions.
Altiplano
The rodent got its name due to its habitat. These wild hamsters live mainly in the Andes mountains. More precisely, on the high plains of the Andes. The appearance of hamsters is very cute: they are not large - the body length barely reaches 15-17 cm, and the rodent's tail is about the same length. It is covered with thick, beautiful fur, and outwardly hamsters look like the well-known mouse voles. At the same time, the altiplano is distinguished by its unique color. Their back, head, muzzle and legs are brown, and the chest and stomach are white or milky-beige. There are no smooth transitions in the color, so it seems that the animal was painted with two types of paints, forgetting to make a neat color transition.
These breeds of hamsters are purely nocturnal inhabitants. During the day, animals sleep in minks; at night they go out for food. Oddly enough, they feed on food of animal origin - insects. However, their stocks are made not only from caterpillars and butterflies. Roots, grass and root crops go into cheek pouches to household rodents.
In winter, animals hibernate, so all their supplies are stored in the warm season. Altiplano are toilers, and despite their small size, they are able to prepare up to 5 kg of “goodies”.
These animals live in holes that they dig themselves. Hamsters almost never occupy other people's holes, and their own consists of a small "pantry" with supplies, and a "room" where the rodent sleeps during the day and hibernates. Usually a hamster can get into a hole thanks to two or three convenient moves.
As for the "personal" life, this breed creates a couple for the rest of their lives. The female is able to bring offspring all year round; usually 5-7 cubs in a litter. Hamsters grow up quite early: at the age of 14 days they already leave their native hole, and at the age of three months they are ready to create their own family.
The life span of these unusual rodents is very short, only 1 - 1.5 years. And despite good fertility, rodents are endangered species of animals.
Deer hamsters
What are hamsters and breeds yet? Deer, or white-footed hamster. It takes root in almost any climate. Their habitat is wide enough: from Mexico to southern Alaska. Forests are preferred as a place of residence, where you can safely hide from enemies, as well as feed. The body length varies from 10 to 20 cm, and the size of the tail is completely different. Some individuals have 4-6 cm and are almost invisible. Others are owners of a thin tail of 20 cm long. The tail is covered with hairs to match the color, and has a fluffy “brush” at the end.
These breeds of hamsters have a unique ability to "change" coat color. In total, white-footed hamsters distinguish three colors - golden, brown or gray. When the animal is frightened by something, and it is in danger, its color is able to adapt to the environment, in order to mask. This is the rarest phenomenon among mammals, a sort of hamster - a "chameleon".
As for the standard of living, the white-footed hamsters are distinguished by their sociality. They are able to live in large "flocks", in a common hole, and create strategic feed stocks together. They feed on herbs, seeds, and available nuts. But they do not disdain to eat bugs.
Propagate in "geometric progression." The female’s pregnancy lasts about 28 days, and she is capable of fertilization 24 hours after giving birth. The cubs are near their mother for a month, and then they begin an independent life and are ready to reproduce their own kind. For a year, one female is able to give up to 12 litters, on average 5-7 newborns in each. The life expectancy of this breed of hamsters is from 3 to 8 years.
Rat hamster
This animal lives directly in the northern part of China. He chose the arid Chinese plains as his habitat, because it was there that he found it easiest to hide from his main enemies - people. The Chinese do not like these rodents, considering them pests. In part, the way it is. The rat-shaped hamster is a very voracious breed of hamsters. Therefore, it makes its reserves from everything that it can reach. And the rodent gets mainly to rice, which is grown by peasants. So the last one has to fight with the hamster, and that - carefully hide from human eyes.
What does this breed look like? From the name it can be seen that the rodent is very similar to a rat. It is similar, but not its representative. The body length of the animal reaches 25 cm, and the tail accounts for about 10 cm. The color of the coat is brown-brown on the back and light on the stomach. Unlike rat hair sticking out in different directions, the hairline of the rat-shaped hamster has a soft structure, the hairs adhere "one to one". The tail is also covered with soft hair, but these hairs are very thin. One gets the impression that the rodent’s tail is “bald”.
The rodent feeds on grains, mainly rice. However, the hamster's favorite food is not grain at all, but acorns and legumes. It leads a nocturnal lifestyle, and carefully stores its supplies in a hole. The holes of the rat-like breed of hamsters deserve special attention. These are real strategic mazes. Numerous horizontal and vertical walkways, many moves and a large "room" for stocks. To replenish these reserves, animals periodically, mainly in the autumn and spring, come out of their holes to the surface in the daytime. In winter, hamsters do not hibernate, but do not go out into the air, spending the winter period of time in their own holes. At this time they feed on their supplies.
They are not social animals, in addition, by accidentally meeting with a representative of their breed, hamsters are able to arrange a fight. And until one of the rodents is killed, this massacre will not stop. And it doesn’t matter who met: two females, two males or a male and a female. Compromise only in the mating season. Propagate in the summer. The female can produce up to 3 litters, 7-10 cubs each. The life span of this fighting rodent is very small - about a year.
Common hamster
Representatives of this breed of hamsters are ubiquitous. They can be found both in Europe, and in America and Russia. They live primarily in meadows and fields. Sometimes they can settle in urban-type settlements, closer to human housing. But in large cities, ordinary hamsters are almost impossible to meet. For rats dominate there, and hamsters do not dare to compete with these cunning and clever "brothers". Even despite its large size, a rodent is able to reach a length of 35 cm, 4 cm of which falls on the tail. In addition to its impressive dimensions, the animal has sharp front teeth and very sharp claws on its paws. These representatives of the hamster family are quarrelsome and cruel. They converge only during the breeding period, the rest of the time they live according to the principle "hamster hamster - wolf".
The color of the hamster is an ordinary sand color. There are always two small white spots on the chest. The fur is very dense, the hair is thick. This is due to harsh climatic conditions in some countries where the animal lives. In winter they hibernate. The process of storing food is interesting. The hamster is able to harvest up to 12 kg of feed. However, there were cases when they found up to 90 kg of provisions harvested by this breed. The rodent stores its stocks in a special compartment of its own hole. And the holes in ordinary hamsters are deep, up to 1.5 meters. In the hole can be from 5 to 10 inputs. The rodent will defend its territory to death. It is able to protect the hole not only from relatives, but also from large predators. In case of danger, the hamster can attack a person. These animals jump rather high, have strong claws, therefore it is better not to try to invade the space of such a defender.
They feed on all kinds of grains and enjoy potatoes and lentils with pleasure. As a delicacy, they are quite capable of eating a small mouse.
As for breeding, the female common hamster gives birth to 4 litters per year. There are 3-5 cubs in the litter. The life expectancy of rodents is from 3.5 to 4 years.
A little more about the "savages"
What are the breeds of wild hamsters, in addition to the above? South African hamster, field hamsters, Pre-Caucasian hamsters, Transcaucasian hamsters, Trans-Baikal hamsters and many others. All these rodents are very difficult to tame and try to avoid human society. Fans of the "exotic" have repeatedly tried to turn such a breed of hamsters as an ordinary hamster into a pet. But the idea did not justify itself, this animal is extremely distrustful of people, and practically does not live in captivity.
The main presented breeds of hamsters with photographs will help to most accurately understand the appearance of animals. Let's consider some of them in more detail.
The most famous "home" hamsters
Of course, these are breeds of domestic hamsters, such as Syrian and Dzungarian. Dzungarian hamsters gained their popularity not so long ago. But their Syrian "brothers" have always been considered a universal breed. One that lives in a three-liter jar happily ever after. In order to avoid misconceptions regarding any features of these two breeds, it is worth talking about them in more detail. The breeds of hamsters with photos are presented.
Homa - red-haired barrel
Why is such a strange title - "red barrel"? It will be about a Syrian hamster. Because the second name of the Syrian hamster is golden. The roots of this cute rodent go to Syria, but there are no reliable facts about the origin of the breed. One of the legends says that the breed was discovered in Syria, several individuals were transported to England, and from there the distribution of animals around the world began.
The main color of the Syrian hamster is golden. However, there are many other colors now. This is silver, and ivory, and just white. There are spotted rodents, dark brown, gray and even black. These animals are longhair and shorthair. Longhair is also called "Angora hamsters", and they usually belong to representatives of the "male" part of rodents. Females are owners of short hair. The hairline is very soft and pleasant to the touch, however, long hair can be tangled in the area of the hamster's hind legs.
Short description and contents
Syrian hamster is a small animal. The length of his body is only 10 cm, the tail is short and almost imperceptible. As mentioned above, the color ranges from white to spotted. The muzzle is pointed, the ears are small, located high on the head, rounded. The eyes resemble beads, their main color is black. However, individuals with red eyes are found.
The hamster is unpretentious in care, but this does not mean that it can be kept in a three-liter jar. No, the animal needs a spacious cage, equipped with a drinking bowl, feeder and all kinds of loopholes, wheels, as well as a house. Syrians are very mobile. They lead a nocturnal lifestyle, they can run around the wheel all night, rustle their supplies and explore other objects in the cage.
Keeping a Syrian hamster is better than one. Males will definitely sort things out, and this will not end with anything good for the animals. Females, like males, are able to compete for supremacy in the cage, and this is fraught with fights and injuries leading to the death of the animal. Keeping a male and a female together is undesirable, because hamsters are extremely fertile. Females can bring offspring at intervals of forty days, and frequent births, which are guaranteed when living together with the father of a hamster family, can undermine the female's body. And she will simply die during the next birth.
Food preferences
The diet of the Syrian hamster is based on a balanced diet. It includes all the necessary grains and herbs. Millet, wheat, buckwheat, dry sedge and vetch are favorite "dishes" of animals. However, do not keep the animal on the "soldering" rations. Vegetables other than cabbage and fruits other than bananas, grapes and mangoes should be present in the diet. Twice a week it is worth giving a little boiled, cooled meat without bones. It can be chicken, turkey or beef. You can treat your pet with low-fat cottage cheese and a piece of boiled egg. Of course, the hamster should not be given sweet, spicy foods, pickles or smoked meats. The drinker should have clean water at all times. These cute creatures drink a lot, especially in hot weather. Once a week you can give a little low-fat kefir.
The nature and timing of life
Syrian hamsters are easily tamed. They are contacts, they can sit in the hands of the owner all day. Other representatives of the breed respond to their name, occasionally rodents master various tricks. But it is still not a smart and quick-witted rat. The mental abilities of Syrian hamsters are somewhat different. But the pet can be watched closely: he amusingly runs in the wheel, concentrates on storing provisions and transfers it in cheek bags to his own house.
As for the cleaning of the cage, it should be carried out two to three times a week, completely removing the filler and food debris. Rinse the bottom of the cell with hot water and a disinfectant, wipe it dry and make sure that there are no traces of this product itself. With proper care, good nutrition and regular cleaning in the cage, the pet's chances of surviving up to 3-3.5 years grow. The average life expectancy of 2.5 to 3 years.
Restless kid
And these are hamsters of the Dzungarika breed, or Dzungarian. Despite their small size, about 5 cm, these babies have a strict character and require certain conditions of detention.
Conditions of detention
First of all, a spacious cage and a wheel are needed to keep the Dzungarian hamster. These animals are so mobile that they are able to "run" overnight in the order of 40 km. In addition, dzhungariki are prone to excess weight, and this significantly reduces their life expectancy. Therefore, the wheel is necessary both for the surge of energy of a moving animal, and for maintaining its physical shape.
The second point is the "insides" of the cell. In addition to the wheel, it should have tunnels and ladders, ideally a two-story cage equipped with ladders, tunnels and a large wheel. The house can be placed on the ground floor, it will be more convenient for a hamster to enter it with his cheeks full, and you will not have to climb the stairs. It is advisable to purchase a wooden house, because by virtue of its choleric nature, the rodent will certainly taste it. Plastic can harm the digestive tract of the hamster, and wood is safer in this regard.
The third is a drinking bowl with clean water and a feeder. The food for the Dzungarian hamster is no different from its Syrian relative.
The fourth point is cleaning in a cage. Weekly, with complete disinfection and thorough washing with boiling water.
The nature and timing of life
The breed of domestic Dzhungarsky hamsters has a very "cool" character. There are cases when two hamsters got along in the same cage, but this is very rare. Dzhungariki are pugnacious, and they cannot stand neighbors on their territory. If a newcomer is planted in a “old-timer” hamster, then in 95% the latter will die from the teeth of the owner of the cell. Moreover, Dzungar hamsters are killed with particular cruelty.
As for breeding, the animals converge for the period of mating. After this, the future parents need to be seated, otherwise, the male is quite capable of hammering the female. Pregnancy from 28 to 35 days, in the litter there can be up to 12 babies. At the age of 4 weeks, cubs can and should be separated from the parent and attached in good hands.
These hamsters live only 1.5-2 years. Although with proper care they can live up to 2.5 years.
General facts about keeping domestic hamsters
- It is better to use corn as a filler in the cage. It is not able to cause an allergy in a rodent, it easily blocks unpleasant odors, and if a hamster decides to taste the filler, it will not become dangerous for the animal.
- Hamsters can not be bathed. In order to clean their fur, you can put in the cage of an animal special sand for swimming chinchillas.
- Rodents should not be given cabbage.
- In the hot season, the cage with the pet should be kept away from direct sunlight. In no case should you put the cage on the balcony.
- These animals are afraid of loud noises and cigarette smoke. Therefore, it is necessary to limit them from noise and loud music, as well as from the smell of cigarettes.
- Home breeds of hamsters with photographs and names are given so that you can see clear differences between the Syrian and Dzungarian rodents.
Finally
All the breeds of hamsters listed above (with photos) are the most popular among the rest. For example, an ordinary hamster can be found walking in the field. To know how to behave at such a meeting, descriptions of rodents and their characters are given.
As for domestic hamsters, there are many misconceptions regarding their breeds. This article is an assistant for those who want to get a Syrian or Dzungarian hamster as a pet.