Data sheet teddy hamster
German name:
Teddy hamster, teddy hamster
Scientific name:
Mesocricetus auratus
Origin:
Syria
Size:
Body length 12-14cm
age expectation_
2-3 years
Behave
Lining:
Complete hamster menu, vegetables (not flatulent), wild herbs, natural branches, gnawing sticks, hamster waffles, hamster gnawing sticks, drops
Attitude:
single keeping
Number:
In pairs together with the cracker Alpheus randalli
Difficulty level:
Beginner © Greg Blomberg ID 3649791 stock.adobe.com
The teddy hamsters belong to that Golden hamster breed. They are characterized by their long, silky soft fur, which shines beautifully. This shine is particularly noticeable in satin teddy hamsters. Like the golden hamster, the teddy hamster comes from the desert in Syria.
In the 20th century golden hamsters were caught in the desert and then further bred. Breeding resulted in hamsters different colors and coat lengths. Like golden hamsters, teddy hamsters are loners.
After sexual maturity, they react aggressive to other hamsters. Because of this, each hamster needs its own cage. Hamsters also do not get along with other small rodents such as mice.
To avoid problems, the teddy hamster should therefore be kept alone. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have to deal with it. Even a hamster needs regular outlet and pats.
When keeping hamsters, it should be remembered that they crepuscular and nocturnal are. Therefore, they are only suitable for children to a limited extent. Most of the time, the hamster sleeps when the children are awake.
Hamsters don’t get up before 6 p.m. Some specimens sleep much longer. Even in the wild, they only come out of their burrow in the dark and go in search of food.
They travel long distances in search of food. Therefore, the animals need a lot of space to run. Hamsters have one great urge to move. When searching, they stow the food in their cheek pouches to take to the burrow.
© Johanna Goodyear ID: 1318689 stock.adobe.com
There is one there pantry, in which the feed is kept. Teddy hamsters are shy animals that only become tame if you spend a lot of time with them. However, sometimes the hamsters remained anxious and did not want to be touched.
It is very helpful to offer food from the hand to anxious animals. Then they connect the hand with a positive impression. But there are also specimens that remain shy and do not allow themselves to be touched. You should accept this after a few months.
To entertain the hamsters, you can hide treats that they like very much in the cage. hamster look for their food, as this is very natural for them. Boxes, small sacks or a digging box are suitable as hiding places.
The search promotes the instincts and is very exciting for the animals. The hamster should have to struggle a little to get to the food. The search for food saves him boredom.
Since the teddy hamsters come from the desert, do they like high temperatures. If the thermometer falls below 10 degrees Celsius, this can be life-threatening for the hamsters, as they then become rigid.
But then they often don’t wake up. For this reason, the cage should always be in a well-heated room in winter. There is one for hamsters hibernation unnatural.
acquisition and maintenance
© kulthiwat ID:143419965 stock.adobe.com
The purchase of a teddy hamster is usually not a big problem, since almost every pet shop hamsters for sale. But private individuals also sell them. When buying, it is important to pay close attention to the health of the animal.
The fur should be shiny and not sticky at any point. Therefore, you should definitely look at the hamster from below. The eyes are allowed too not glued be. In addition, the teeth should not have any conspicuous misalignment.
Since hamsters are nocturnal, they can appear tired and sleepy during the day. This is perfectly normal. It is therefore best to choose a hamster in the evening.
Fur care is particularly important for the teddy hamster. The long hair is a bit awkward. For care, the hamsters need a sand bathin which to roll.
In addition, the hair should be regularly with a small brush combed become. The long hair can cause problems in the hamster’s stomach if hairballs form there. The result is digestive problems.
Thorough grooming therefore prevents diseases. In addition, litter and hay often get caught in the long hair, which the hamster cannot remove itself. You can carefully pluck out the hay with your fingers.
Regular cleaning of the cage is part of the care. However, hamsters are relatively clean. It is often enough to change just part of the litter. This is also good as you don’t destroy all of the beast’s paths.
When feeding perishable foods, the pantry to be checked regularly. Rotten food is very unhealthy and should be removed immediately.
As mentioned, hamsters are active at night. When they tumble through the cage, it doesn’t necessarily happen quietly. Light sleepers should So cage in the living room place. Even in the children’s room, the cage will certainly disturb the night’s sleep.
During the day you can cover the cage with a blanket. Most of the time, however, the hamsters close their houses with hay, litter or stuffing. Since a burrow has several chambers, you can offer the hamster several small houses.
requirement for posture
Teddy hamsters naturally have a great urge to move. They also love to dig. In the desert they live in an underground burrow with tunnels and caves. For this reason, the cage should be at least 100 cm long and 50 cm wide be.
The animals must be able to move. Also are several floors advantageous. The home should be in a quiet and warm place, but not right next to the heater or the window. In summer it is important that the cage is not in the sun.
The cage should have a deep bedding layer be covered, the hamster will create tunnels in it. In addition to the litter, straw and branches also belong in the cage. Long are suitable for playing cardboard tubes or cork outstanding.
It is important to encourage natural behavior. In addition to foraging, this includes building a cave and building passages. Heavier furnishings such as bowls and the sleeping houses must stand securely and not be able to fall over.
The hamster should not be able to dig under heavy objects as this poses a risk of injury. In addition, the hamster can be provided with padding material. Cotton litter or hay are particularly good.
Many animals like to walk in one Wheel. This helps them to satisfy their natural urge to move. Runners are also commercially available. It’s also nice if the hamster has a room where it can walk safely on the floor.
The hamster should never be trapped in a ball, these hamster balls are very unsuitable. Harnesses and lines are also nonsense and are not readily accepted. Hamsters want to move freely and choose where they want to go. They are real loners with a strong will.
gender differences
Since hamsters have sex organs that are outside the body, it is easy to identify the sex of older animals. When the hamster is lying on its back, you can males the testicles recognize. Further back is the anus.
feed and nutrition
To ensure optimal nutrition, a Complete hamster food very good. Some hamsters like too carrots, cucumber and peppers gladly. Natural branches and twigs are important because the hamster’s incisors will grow back.
acclimatization and handling
teddy hamsters are shy animalsthat have to be handled with care. The adjustment period is therefore very important. The cage should be fully equipped.
After the purchase one should consider the hamster at least leave it alone for two to three days. He needs time to get used to the new environment. When the feed in the rodent home is empty, you can open the cage and quietly fill up the bowls.
Hamsters need a lot of time and a lot loving and careful handling. They first have to get used to the hand, which is why it is not advisable to reach for the animal directly. The more considerate you are with the hamster, the better the chances that it will become trusting.
For whom are teddy hamsters suitable?
Teddy hamsters do well for working peoplewho are awake longer in the evenings. The shy, nocturnal animals are not recommended for small children. Especially since children can easily injure them if they fall out of their hands.
You should also know that hamsters do not get very old. As a rule, they just live two to three years. This is often a problem for children.
For the daily care you usually need 15 minutes, if you don’t change bedding. Trusting hamsters also like to be entertained. The home should be thoroughly cleaned once a week. This usually takes 45 to 60 minutes.