All You Need to Know About the Black Bear Hamster
One of the recent trends has been to acquire a black bear hamster for a pet. Many people actually think these hamsters are completely different from your typical Syrian and dwarf hamsters. In this case, they are half right. Black bear hamsters are the same species as Syrian hamsters but are simply a different color (black). Throughout this article we will examine all you need to know about these hamsters including physical appearance, care information, and other random facts.
These hamsters are black in color and are relatively small. Their fur is short and fairly dense. Being native and completely wild in Europe and Asia, they have since been brought to the United States and used as pets in many households. Since they are a mutated breed of the Syrian hamster, their scientific name is also Mesocricetus auratus. Hamsters tend to live about two and a half years, but can actually live up to four years. Furthermore, they are about six inches long at full maturation.
Now that we have discussed their origin, let’s examine what makes them likeable to the general population. There are a variety of reasons why people prefer black bear hamsters (or Syrian hamsters) as opposed to the dwarf species. First, this particular type of Syrian hamster is black and therefore unique. Second, unlike the dwarf hamsters, they are relatively docile and therefore make great pets. Obviously most would prefer a calm rodent than one that is more likely to bite and be hyperactive.
Since their temperament has been brought up, let’s delve into the subject a bit more. As with all hamsters, they are nocturnal and therefore active at night and sleep throughout the day. You will experience them eating, running on their wheel, and burrowing frequently throughout the night; therefore, it is recommended that you do not keep your hamster cage too close to your bed at night.
In terms of their diet, hamsters eat a variety of different things. Grains, seeds, vegetables, and grass are definitely a few of their favorites. Furthermore, they are also interested in different types of fruits and even smaller insects and worms. Typically when eating they will store food within their cheeks and transfer it to wherever they wish to store their food. Make sure to remove any fresh food products that have been in their cage for more than a day—consuming these items may result in sickness. Furthermore, be sure to keep a water bottle that is accessible to the hamster with fresh water. It is recommended that the water be changed daily or at least every other day.
On another note, it is essential that you buy chew sticks from your local pet store to keep in the cage for chewing. Providing specific items for them to chew on will better prevent them from chewing on their cage. However, the most important thing to take into consideration when discussing caring for these pets is that they do not need to be placed in a cage with other hamsters. Placing two hamsters within the same cage is extremely dangerous and is highly discouraged. These solitary animals do best by themselves.
In conclusion, black bear hamsters have become extremely popular as a result of their unique appearance and how easy it is to train them to be calm and friendly. Children should handle these pets with care since they are small and relatively fragile. Be sure to keep the cage cleaned out and supply fresh water and food on a regular basis. Anyone wishing to add this pet to their household should be aware of their nighttime activity levels, as well as the fact that they are solitary creatures that should not be combined with other rodents or pets within the same cage.
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