Common Name: Golden Hamster, Syrian Hamster (many other varieties exist, this is the most common one however)
Latin name: Mesocricetus auratus 

COLORATION / PATTERN / DESCRIPTION
Most hamsters in sold in pet stores are Syrian Hamsters. Originally, Syrian Hamsters came in just one colour — the mixture of brown, black, and gold which gave them their "Golden" name — but they have since developed a myriad of colour mutations such as cream, white, blonde, banded, tortoiseshell, calico, and sable. Therefore in pet stores today, Golden Hamster is only used to label the original coloration (also known as agouti). Other-coloured short-hairs are banded under the label Fancy Hamster. Teddy Bear is a term used to describe the long-haired variety of the Syrian Hamster, named so for their remarkable resemblance to toy teddy bears..

HOME: The Middle East, considered to be an endangered species in the wild, but plentiful in captivity.

LIFE STYLE: Extremely territorial, prefere to live alone. If multiple Hamsters are kept, it is best to raise them up together and never introduce new ones at a later date. Mainly Nocturnal.

FOOD: Hamsters love seed mixes, and a prepared Hamster seed mix is the best everyday reguklar food for your pet hamster. Since some hamsters seem to eat sunflower seeds to the exclusion of many of the healthier parts of their diet, it is always a good idea to encourage intake of higher protein or higher calcium snacks. Tiny chunks of cheese, broccoli, parsley, carrot, peas, whole wheat bread or cereal, as well as very small pieces of apple or orange are often welcomed, but SHOULD ONLY BE USED AS A TREAT. Changes in the diet should always be introduced slowly. Remove uneaten fresh food items at the end of each day. Clean and change the contents of the seed or regular food dish daily, even if the food does not look soiled. For this reason, only a small amount of regular food need be offered.

Like all rodents, hamsters have continuously growing incisor teeth. Wooden chewing objects are highly recommended, but make sure a non-toxic type is provided..Salt lickstones are also recommended to promote water drinking and prevent kidney problems.

ENCLOSURE
Place shavings in your new cage to provide a clean and absorbent bedding surface. Although white cedar shavings have been included in most starter kits, many hamster owners also like alternate beddings such as pine shavings, dried corn cobs or shredded aspen. owever, all bedding types must be changed regularly to be effective. Parents should directly supervise this chore, as most young children are unable to remember hamster cleaning duties on a long term basis. Hamsters are so clean and odour free it is tempting to leave the cage alone for long periods of time. This is not recommended as harmful bacteria and ammonia fumes may accumulate. Most hamster beddings should be changed (at least) once weekly, and the plastic cage bottom should be cleaned and rinsed at the same time.

Your cage top should fit securely inside the raised areas on the inside of the plastic cage bottom. Water bottles and tubes need to be securely attached and checked. Air may occasionally become trapped inside the tube and the animal will have difficulty in obtaining a drink. Change and check the water bottle every day. Keep the water container well away from feeding sites and the nest area.

Hamsters love to exercise on a wheel or in an exercise ball. Some hamsters will run several kilometres each evening on their wheel!

Check your cage frequently for signs of wear or chewing. Check latches periodically for signs of loosening. Younger family members should be reminded to doublecheck the door closure each time the hamster is handled or fed. Place the cage in a location that will allow the owner to easily see the hamster and care for it. A bottom shelf is usually not as desirable as the top of a low table or dresser. Hamsters prefer regular room temperatures. Very cool locations may produce lethargy. High heat and humidity is also very harmful to a hamster. Locations close to a sunny window may become too hot.

Recmmended Products:
Neptune's Corner Brand Hamster Food
LM Animal Farms Daily Liquid Multi-Vitamin
LM Animal Farms Salt Wheels
LM Animal Farms Sun Fun treat sticks