Among the most popular and commonly kept pets in the United States, Hamsters are known for their adorable looks, small size, and easy maintenance. There are several types of hamsters, but the Teddy Bear Hamster is the most popular breed.
The Teddy Bear Hamster breed originated from Syria when they were kept in captivity in the 1930s. That is when they became domesticated hamsters due to their sweet and cuddly nature. This Syrian breed, also known as the Golden Hamster, is friendly and can make a great pet.
Although a teddy bear hamster is much easier to keep compared to other pets, it is critical to know the care procedures that it requires. If the hamsters are not given proper attention and care, They may experience chronic stress that decreases their lifespan. It is relatively easy to take care of a golden hamster because of its docile nature.
Read this guide further to learn more about the teddy bear hamster before getting it as a pet for your household.
Teddy Bear Hamster Lifespan
The average life expectancy of a teddy bear hamster is between two and three years. The record for the longest life span of a hamster is seven years. These hamsters are predisposed to contracting a sickness known as wet tail disease. It introduces bacteria into the intestines, which may result in symptoms such as diarrhea and lack of appetite. A hamster suffering from this ailment needs to be treated by a veterinarian who specializes in caring for small animals. On the other hand, the lifespan of a fancy bear hamster is also the same as the others, but proper care and diet are essential factors.
Teddy Bear Hamsters Solitary
The reason you will find it easy to maintain this pet is that they are solitary creatures. They spend most of their time in a cage where they feel comfortable. Pet experts always recommend keeping a hamster alone in one cage so that it can thrive.
On the other hand, if you want to keep multiple hamsters, you can get dwarf hamsters. They can survive when kept in same-sex pairs, especially if they have been together from a very early time.
When it comes to keeping a teddy bear hamster, it is important to remember that this affectionate solitary animal loves to sleep during the day. They are most active after dusk and at night when everyone’s sleeping.
Teddy Bear Hamster Coat
One of the major factors in Teddy Bear hamsters care is maintaining their coat. Syrian hamsters can clean their coats themselves but that does not mean you can skip brushing their fur. The average length of a teddy bear hamster’s coat is between 4 and 7 inches. The longer the fur is, the more your hamster requires care to avoid any tangles or knots. The recommended way to brush your teddy bear hamster’s coat is by using a toothbrush. Make sure the bristles are not sharp.
Now, the teddy bear hamster is just one type of the Syrian category. Other categories include satin hamster which has a glossy coat. Their fur is shiny and short, which can be groomed very easily. Rex Hamster, a breed of the Syrian hamster, is relatively common in Europe and is making its way to North American households as well. It has short, dense, and curly fur that can also be brushed by a flea comb or a toothbrush. If you have a hamster or want to get one, do not forget to brush them as they are prone to infections.
Female and Male Teddy Bear Hamster
Examining the distance between the hamster’s anogenital openings is the method that provides the highest level of accuracy in determining whether the animal is male or female. This is the distance between the genital apertures, which include the penile entrance in male hamsters, the vaginal and urine openings in female hamsters, and the anus. The distance between these two points is significantly shorter in females compared to males.
Teddy Bear Hamster Care Routine
Hamsters typically prefer a spacious place where they can be alone, especially the Syrian hamster. They like to play and hide, which is why small cages are not ideal for them. Also, they do not want to share their space with any other pet. If you want to keep two or more hamsters, it is recommended to keep them in separate cages far from each other.
Here are the basic steps to follow when it comes to petting a teddy bear hamster:
1) Caging
- It is not a good idea to make your hamsters live together as this will only stress them. The ideal capacity of a cage can be 10 to 12 gallons, which is enough for your hamster to play, chew toys, sleep, and eat.
- If you are unable to provide a comfortable cage for your pet teddy bear hamster, make sure to buy the one that is available in the market and suits your hamster’s housing requirements.
- Hamsters love to chew on everything so make sure to get caging materials such as stainless steel or plastic.
- The cage must contain a wheel, also called a treadmill, as a hamster must exercise daily.
- It is also important to avoid putting the cage directly under the sunlight as the hamsters live and survive in shaded or dark areas.
2) Bedding
When it comes to making bedding for a hamster, it is important to choose high-quality lining materials. Moreover, make sure to do your research before getting any item for your hamster’s cage. Some bedding materials must be avoided as they contain harmful chemicals that may cause your hamster irritation or respiratory issues. These materials include cedar shavings, corncob bedding material, and pine shavings.
As hamsters love comfortable bedding, make sure it is deep enough so they can dig themselves. Comfy and deep bedding is essential for a hamster’s well-being.
3) Housing
As mentioned above, it is recommended to keep the hamsters separately if you are planning to get more than one hamster. Female hamsters are more aggressive when kept with other females. A male can be aggressive too towards other male hamsters but not more than a female hamster. Therefore, it is better to house hamsters separately.
4) Cleaning
Cleanliness is important for the well-being of your hamster. Make sure to provide a clean environment for your teddy bear hamster so it can live for a longer time. The lifespan of a teddy bear hamster is two to three years but with proper care, it can get up to five years.
Here are the things that you should keep in mind while cleaning your pet hamster’s cage:
- The lifespan of a teddy bear hamster is two to three years, but with proper care, it can reach up to five years
- Make sure to check the bedding regularly. If it’s wet or dirty, change it to provide a comfortable environment for your teddy bear hamster.
- Do not skip wiping out the food and water dishes
- It is also recommended to empty the cage once a week to clean it deeply and replace the bedding with a new and clean one
- One thing to keep in mind is that hamsters have poor eyesight, therefore, make sure to buy one that is available on the market and suits your hamster’s housing requirements.
Caging Requirements
A Syrian hamster or teddy bear hamster prefers living alone in a cage. Make sure you choose a cage that is spacious for your hamster to play with easily, as they do not like small cages. If you want to keep more than one hamster in your house, make sure to keep them in different cages, far away from each other.
Making them live together is not a good idea as it can leave them chronically stressed. The cage should have at least a 10-12 gallon capacity with all the items that they require such as chewable toys, freshwater containers, a wheel, and a food bowl. The water should be changed regularly and the bedding should be kept clean for the hamster to get any infection or disease. A treadmill is a must as the hamster requires constant exercise and entertainment. As the teddy bear hamster is active at night, avoid putting the cage under direct sunlight!
Hamster’s Diet & Feeding Care
After consulting with experts, we came to know that a perfect hamster’s diet includes a staple diet. A staple diet consists of hamster mix which is easily accessible and you can get it from the nearest grocery store. The hamster mix includes essential nutrients that are perfect for your hamsters such as a blend of fruits, grains, and vegetables.
Pellets are a major part of the hamster mix diet. Do not pick just any commercial food mix packet that you see at a grocery store. Make sure to check the nutritional chart and consult a vet. Some food mixes are high in fat or contain artificial colors, which can lead to serious health problems.
Teddy bear hamsters also enjoy chewing crunchy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and lettuce. These hamsters also enjoy nibbling on fruits like apples and grapes which are rich in vitamins and good for your hamster’s health. You can also treat them with unsweetened whole grains and nuts twice a week. Make sure not to overfeed your pet, as this can cause health issues.
Conclusion:
The most adorable Syrian hamster breed called Teddy Bear Hamster needs proper care and grooming. You will find different categories of teddy bear hamsters with a variety of colors and patterns. They have become very popular amongst United States households. It is preferable to do your research before getting a hamster as a pet. In addition to that, you should be in contact with a small animal veterinarian for health care and treatment. You should know what your hamster looks like as they are prone to getting sick or stressed.
Teddy bear hamster has a nocturnal nature and likes to play at night. They like to live in a large and spacious cage with exercise wheels and tunnels for entertainment. Make sure you take some time out to play with your pet hamster as it likes human affection. On the other hand, avoid keeping more than one hamster together in a cage or near one another, as it will affect their health due to stress.
FAQs:
What do teddy bear hamsters eat?
We also classify the teddy bear hamster as a Syrian hamster with long fur. These small mammals are herbivores that consume cereals, fruits, and vegetables. Regarding the best hamster food, serve them high-protein foods like boiled eggs, a spoon of cheese, etc.
Are teddy bear hamsters friendly?
Hamsters that look like teddy bears live alone.” (lowercase “teddy bears. They are not compatible with dwarf hamsters or any other kind of hamster. These animals may avoid humans at first, but they are amenable to being trained. While handling a hamster, it is important to move gently since they are capable of biting if startled.
Where can I buy a Syrian hamster?
You can find Syrian hamsters at pet stores like Petco and PetSmart. However, before buying, consider adopting from a small animal rescue to give a homeless hamster a loving home.
How long do teddy bear hamsters live?
Teddy bear hamsters, also called long-haired Syrians, can live for 2 to 3 years with good care.
What is the difference between teddy bear hamsters and Syrian hamsters?
There’s no difference. Teddy bear hamster is just a nickname for a Syrian hamster with long fur. They’re the same species, just like a poodle and a Labrador retriever are both dogs.
Are long-haired teddy bear hamsters good pets?
This kind of hamster is by far the most common, and for good reason: they make charming and devoted pets. Hamsters that look like teddy bears are friendly and need little care. As a direct consequence of this, older, more mature youngsters are readily able to manage them. They are wonderful companion animals for the home.
What fruits can teddy bear hamsters eat?
Regarding the consumption of fruits and vegetables, hamsters have the same requirements. Carrots, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, romaine lettuce, spinach, and other greens are all wonderful examples of fresh vegetables that should be washed with water before being consumed. Apples, pears, bananas, grapes, and the majority of berries and berries of all kinds are wonderful examples of fresh fruits. It is a suggestion to make a hamster food chart and feed it according to the time.
Does teddy bear hamster bite?
Yes, like their other family members, they are known to bite people, especially when hamster bears find any sort of threat near them. If you are planning to purchase one for yourself, ensure it from the previous owner whether to touch it in your daily routine or not.
Are teddy bear hamsters Syrian?
Syria is the country where teddy bear hamsters first appeared. They can transport both food and bedding in the cheek pouches they have. These hamsters are only active at night. They have the appearance of teddy bears due to their huge ears and tiny, dark eyes.
