Proper hamster care involves more than just providing food and a cage. The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is the most common pet hamster in North America. Although popular among children, this small, nocturnal, and solitary animal has specific needs that make it better suited for attentive, patient owners.

General information

• Scientific name: Mesocricetus auratus
• Family: Rodent (Cricetidae)
• Weight: 85 to 150 g
• Lifespan: 2 to 3 years

Unique characteristics

• Expandable cheek pouches can hold up to 20 g of food or nesting material
• Mothers may even hide their babies in their pouches during emergencies
• Nocturnal: becomes active around 9 PM, which may limit daytime interaction

Behavior and socialization

• Strictly solitary: does not tolerate cage mates, regardless of sex
• Forced cohabitation can lead to fighting and serious injury
• Handle with gentle care to avoid sudden jumps or biting
• Allow supervised exploration in a safe room (e.g., bathroom with closed toilet lid)
• Avoid areas with wires or hazardous items

Housing and cage setup

• Ideal cage size: at least 1500 cm² of floor space
• Prefer a wide cage over a tall one — hamsters climb poorly and fall easily
• Cage should include:
  • A silent exercise wheel
  • Tunnels, platforms, and chewable toys
  • A hiding house for rest and security
• Recommended bedding: ✅ Hemp
  ✅ Flax
  ✅ Shredded paper
  ❌ Pine or cedar (release toxic phenols)
  ⚠️ Corn cob: non-dusty, but can cause digestive blockages if ingested

Appropriate diet

• Daily intake: 10 to 15 grams of food
• Feed a species-specific pellet to avoid selective feeding
• Safe additions in moderation:
  • Cooked meat
  • Pasta or rice
  • Small portions of fruits and vegetables
• Provide fresh water at all times using a sipper bottle or ceramic bowl (change water twice a day)

Important precautions about hamster care

• Temperature sensitivity: below 4 °C, hamsters may enter hibernation, which can be fatal in captivity
• Hamsters have two scent glands on their lower back (especially visible in males) — these are normal and used for territory marking

With a proper setup, balanced diet, and respect for its solitary and nocturnal nature, the hamster can be a low-maintenance but truly rewarding companion.