Hamster Description - Our Differences Are Only Fur Deep

 Although the outward appearance of the different hamster species may be pronounced, all hamsters do share some traits in common. The average life span of a hamster is about 1000 days, or a little under three years, with males usually living a little longer than females. Depending on the species of hamster their size can range from 2-4 inches (dwarf hamsters) to 8-12 inches (the aptly named giant hamsters).

 

All hamsters have cheek pouches in which they can carry food from one place to another, or hide their litter if they feel threatened. If you look at your hamster’s sides you’ll notice two little bumps. Don't worry! These are the hamster’s scent glands and are primarily used to mark territory and are nothing to be concerned about. Some species of Dwarf Hamster will have these glands on their abdomen rather than their sides. Others, like the Chinese hamsters, have them in both locations.

 

Hamsters reach sexual maturity at 6-8 weeks, with pregnancy lasting as little as 15 days! Litter size depends on the species, but averages around 6-8 pups. The newborns are born hairless, blind and have closed ears. You can expect to see hair growing starting at around 8 days old, eating solid food at around 7-10 days, eyes open by day 15 (12 days for Dwarf Hamsters), and weaning complete at 21-25 days. Hamsters are very vulnerable to stress, and an inexperienced mother under stress may eat her newborns.

   
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By: Starismyhamster on 30-04-2010 16:23

My hamster had 8 pups, like u said they usually do, but it was 9 x she ate 1 of them though, because we never saw him again.. :cry we named him/her Angel :)

 

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By: Pluffy_Snowflake on 26-11-2009 02:38

my hamster is cinnamon.... 
:grin :p :eek :cry :x

 

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By: Love_hamsters on 13-08-2009 15:56

i don't know what breed is my hamster, help!!!! :?

 

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By: qwertyuiop on 29-06-2009 22:42

Don't Hamsters die quickly? like in 2 years or something? 
 
:zzz :zzz :zzz :zzz :zzz :zzz :zzz 8) 8) 8) 8) :grin

 

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By: DANNERDOO on 30-07-2008 02:24

i have also a panda bear hamster and i feed her guinea pig feed it has alfalfa pellets and also sunflower seeds and some vitamin c as treats  
but all the little things that you see in your average hamster bag of food is just like treats so no need to spend alot of money on your hamsters food spend and save money healthy food like this

 

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By: Guinea Pigs on 24-06-2008 21:21

Well, I bet that your panda bear hamster is just like any other hamster, But just a different breed. There should be some hamster treats on the MENU on the side. :zzz

 

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By: tyler on 16-03-2008 22:36

i dont know what to feed my panda bear hamster :?

 

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