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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