Syrian hamster
Mesocricetus auratus
Strictly solitary and territorial. Uses cheek pouches to transport food.
Overview & key figures
Regulations
Companion animal
ℹ️OPAn: minimum enclosure sizes, deep substrate for burrowing; golden hamsters typically solitary (separate housing). Professional trade: competence required.
Lifespan
from 1.5 to 2.5years
ℹ️up to 2.5 years for dwarf species
Adult weight
from 27 to 150g
ℹ️27-150 g depending on species and sex
Lifestyle
Nocturnal / Solitary
Body temperature
from 37 to 38°C
Sexual maturity
from 42 to 56days
ℹ️6-8 weeks
Gestation
from 15 to 18days
Litter / clutch size
from 4 to 14
Habitat & environment
Type of housing
Large multi-level cage, sheltered from drafts
Substrate & bedding
Plant-based bedding (hemp, corncob), paper (Twistynest), cellulose (Carefresh), towels, DryBed®, Toftbo® mats or blankets. Avoid cedar and pine.
Lighting
Photoperiod : Natural cycle (at least 12 h)
Prevent torpor when days are too short or temperature low.
Required equipment
- ✓ Wheel (appropriate diameter)
- ✓ Branches to gnaw (hazel)
- ✓ Hideouts (PVC pipe, small house)
- ✓ Sand bath
- ✓ Food bowl
- ✓ Water bottle or heavy water bowl (refresh daily)
Technical parameters
| Ambient temperature | 21–25 °C Heatstroke >28 °C |
Nutrition
Daily base
Vegetarian with omnivorous tendencies. Pellets or extruded food (<5% fat) to prevent selective feeding.
🪵 Pellets
🥕 Vegetables & greens
Fresh and/or dried vegetables 1 to 2 times per day.
Supplements & pellets
Dietary staple
Treats
Animal protein (occasionally). Remove uneaten fruit after 12 hrs.
To avoid
- 🌻 Seed Mix — Predisposes to obesity
- 🍽️ Table Scraps
- 🍊 Citrus
- 🥬 Cabbage — Cabbages / Brassicas
- 🥔 Potato — Raw
- 🍫 Chocolate
Behaviour & socialisation
Social life
Does not tolerate cohabitation (especially females).
Activity cycle: Nocturnal, very active at night.
Enrichment
- Running wheel
- Tunnels and mazes (PVC)
Health & prevention
Preventive medicine
Avoid drafts and dusty bedding. Monitor weight. Provide a cool spot during hot weather.
Vaccination
None
Surgery & sterilisation
Castration (male): prevents testicular tumours and reduces seborrhoea. Spaying (female, from 4 months) if necessary.
Clinical warning signs
If any of these symptoms appear, prompt veterinary care is essential. Contact an exotic-pet vet as soon as possible — they can assess your animal's condition and make the appropriate diagnosis.