There are two common species of hamsters that are sold as household pets.

TEDDY BEAR (Syrian) (Life expectancy 2-4 years)

This is the most common type of hamster kept as a pet. It has expandable cheek pouches, which it uses to collect and carry food. These hamsters are solitary animals although they live together as babies. They will not usually tolerate the company of another hamster once they reach approximately 8-10 weeks of age. Therefore they should be housed separately, and if housed together, serious fighting, injury, and even death can occur. The Teddy Bear hamster is nocturnal usually waking during the evening.

DWARF (Life Expectancy 1 ½ -2 Years)

The Dwarf hamster is approximately 10-12 cm when full grown, with males being larger than females. This is a sociable animal and will live with others of its own kind in single or mixed sex groups provided they’re introduced at a young age. The Dwarf hamster is nocturnal but can be quite active for short periods during the day. They are more prone to nip when annoyed.

HOUSING FOR HAMSTERS
The larger the cage the better as hamsters are full of boundless energy during their waking hours. An enclosed space is needed for the hamster to sleep in; plastic or ceramic houses would be ideal. Hamsters will build nests inside their houses - tissue paper, bed fluff and unscented wood shavings can all be used.

DISEASES AND REMEDIES

WET-TAIL
Wet-tail is a common infection that small rodents can contract easily. It is the equivalent of something like dysentery; the animal will get severe case of diarrhea and become dehydrated. Dehydration is very serious in hamsters because they are so tiny. A day without drinking can be lethal to a hamster. This disease is contagious, so if you house more than one hamster, and if one hamster has wet-tail, it is very likely that they will all contract it. The most common source of infection is stress. We carry Wet Tail and Dri Tail to remedy these problems.

For bacterial infections you can purchase a product called 8 in 1 Hamster/Gerbil Aid. Some symptoms of bacterial infections can be and are not limited to diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing.

Toys: Hamsters are playful highly energetic creatures. Always be sure to provide your hamster with toys which will entertain and excersise him/her.

From tunnels to roller balls, hamsters will climb, tunnel, run and roll for hours to burn off energy.

Best West carries a full line of Super Pet toys, tunnels and accessories!