Syrian hamster

The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), also known as the golden hamster, is a breed of hamster. They first lived in Syria. They are also known as golden hamsters because the first ones kept as pets were gold coloured. Now there are over 100 different colours because of selective breeding. Little is known about their life in the wild. They are kept as pets in many countries including the United States, Canada most countries in Asia and many more.

Syrian Hamster
Conservation status
Vulnerable  (IUCN 2.3)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Rodentia
Suborder:	Myomorpha
Superfamily:	Muroidea
Family:	Cricetidae
Subfamily:	Cricetinae
Genus:	Mesocricetus
Species:	M. auratus

Anatomy

A Syrian hamster's anatomy is similar to other rodents. It is very close to other hamsters.

Skeleton

Teeth

Syrian hamsters have 16 teeth. There are 4 incisors and 12 molars. There is a space between the incisors and the molars. That space is called the diastema.

Spine and tail

The spine, like in other animals, is made up of several bones called vertebrae. A Syrian hamster has 43-44 vertebrae. Thirteen to fourteen of them are in the tail.

Limbs

All hamsters have short legs. Because of this, their legs have small bones which can get broken more easily. Obese hamsters are more likely to have problems with their legs.

Sense organs

Syrian hamsters have, like most animals, five senses. They can see, hear, touch, taste and smell. Although they don't see well in daylight, they are not colorblind: Syrian hamsters are nocturnal and can see blue-green colours but not red colours. They use their sense of smell to locate food, and their taste buds function in the same way as human tongues do.

Breeding

Not much is known about Syrian hamster breeding in the wild. They have been bred well in captivity (i.e. in labs, by breeders and when kept as pets). People have learned a lot about their breeding. Breeding in captivity is probably the same as in the wild.

Syrian hamsters are believed to have the shortest gestation period of any animal. Their gestation is 16 days.

They also have a short ovulation period. Syrian hamsters come into heat once every 4 days for about 1-2 hours.

Lifespan

The lifespan of a Syrian hamster is typically 2 to 3 years; however, it can occasionally be 4 years. Their longevity is influenced by genetics, environment, diet, activity, veterinary treatment, and stress. Providing them with the best possible care, which includes a healthy diet, roomy living quarters, mental stimulation, and careful handling, will improve their general well-being and lengthen their stay with you.

Other websites

Media related to Mesocricetus auratus at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Mesocricetus auratus at Wikispecies