- Mesocricetus auratus - Syrian or Golden Hamster
- Origin: Syria
- Lifespan: about 2 years
- Size: 20 to 25 cm
- Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) is a rodent (Rodentia) originating from Syria, sometimes also referred to as the "Golden Hamster", as it is actually the original colors in nature. Within the family Cricetidae belong to the genus hamsters.
Other features: Syrian hamster is nocturnal and completely odorless. He spends a lot of time was cleaning his house and cleaning up. They come in many colors and variations. Syrian hamster becomes independent and with eight weeks to be separated.
Also today there are many different colors and types of their hair, for example, long-haired hamster, Syrian hamster without hair, black hamster and ordinary Syrian hamster. Syrian hamster is the most popular type of hamster to hold as a pet. There are many qualities that appeal to the consumer. Syrian hamster is very grateful pet because its size is very small, about 15 to 18 centimeters. It has a short tail (only about 8 mm) and it is very important not stink. It is very convenient for people who have small children, because they are very cuddly and not invasive. There are a few reasons why people like to keep one of these reasons is the price is very reasonable, another reason why people love the way their maintenance that does not require much, the third reason is very easy diet that may apply even children. Unlike some exotic animals such as iguanas or the like, the Syrian hamsters live very shortly. The life expectancy of a hamster is approximately 2 to 2.5 years. But not infrequently experience and 3, 4 or even more years. Syrian hamsters are mostly nocturnal, which means they will sleep during the day and night to be very active. Syrian hamsters is not advisable to keep the pair as they often come to a fight in which hamsters can be injured.
Pregnancy lasts only about 16 days, a litter usually has four cubs (usually 2 to 5). In a year can be up to eight litters. Hatchlings are sexually mature between the ages of 38 and 42 days. Syrian hamsters are solitary expressed. Adult females react extremely aggressively to members of the same species both sexes, including their own offspring. In breeding, males connect with females only in a very short time.
Syrian hamsters are animals that dig dens and the deepest channels up to 110 cm. Nests are usually in their depth of 40 to 90 cm below the surface.
Natural enemies of them all mammals and snakes, which normally feed on rodents, but human.
