The reason hamsters are such a popular choice among pet owners is that they are cute, independent, pleasant to hold, and don’t require much attention.
They keep themselves busy exercising on their running wheel and are a cuddly friend to children.
Syrian and Dwarf hamsters are the two common species kept as pets. The Syrian hamster’s original home in Syria, while the Dwarf hamster originates from countries including China, Siberia, and Mongolia.
The country of origin is not the only difference between the two species. Syrian hamster vs. Dwarf hamster is a long debate, and we’ll get straight into it.
Syrian Hamster vs. Dwarf Hamster: The Differences
If you’re trying to choose between a Syrian and a Dwarf hamster for your home in the USA, you need to understand that both these species have different behaviors, temperaments, physical attributes, and care requirements.
You must know exactly what you want before walking into a pet store. Let’s start by discussing Syrian hamsters in detail.
Syrian Hamster
When someone thinks of hamsters, they usually mean the Syrian hamster. This variety of hamsters is also called golden or Teddy Bear hamsters due to their fluffy look, golden-brown fur, and white belly.
These are easy to train and low-maintenance. They are also bigger in size and have a sweet personalities. They thrive on their owner’s attention and love and usually reciprocate it, making them fun animals to be around.
They’re naturally curious and enjoy interacting with people, and their lively nature makes them easy to handle.
Lifespan
A Syrian hamster usually lives for 2 to 3 years.
Average Size
These hamsters can grow as long as 8 inches in length. Their large size often tricks people into thinking that Syrian hamsters are not as fast as the other species, but that’s far from true. They can move very fast.
Average Weight
The large size of Syrian hamsters automatically translates into heavier weight. They can weigh anywhere between 5 to 7 ounces.
Overall Behavior
The big and heavy Syrian hamsters can inflict big, deep, and painful bites but only do so when scared and threatened. They’re usually very calm and thus easily tamable.
It is better to train the good-natured and peaceful Syrian hamsters as soon as you get them.
Appearance
Traditionally, Syrians are golden brown in color, but breeding has resulted in multi-hued Syrian hamsters, including white, cream, brown, sable, cinnamon, tortoiseshell, black, silver gray, and roan with white bellies.
Their ears and jaw bones are often dark brown. They have small bead-like eyes, stubby tails, and spacious cheek pouches to hoard food.
Housing
Syrian Hamsters are a highly territorial species. They should always be kept alone. Even though they like bonding with their owner, they don’t share the same custody towards their own family.
Prefer solitary confinement over sharing their personal space with other hamsters, they get stressed and turn aggressive if forced to share their space with other hamsters. So, always keep one semester per cage.
Small aquariums and cages are another reason for hamster distress. To make your hamster truly happy with its housing arrangement, you must provide a bigger enclosure, preferably between 1,500 x 2 inches and 2000 x 2 inches.
Additionally, you have to fill the larger enclosure with more equipment to keep your hamster busy, active, and happy.
Bamboo roots, nest boxes, sand baths, running wheels, driftwood, grape vines, toys, food plates, and sleeping areas make up an interactive hamster enclosure.
However, this equipment is expensive, and not every hamster owner in the USA can afford it.
If a Syrian hamster is unhappy with its enclosure, it will relentlessly attempt to escape by clawing, chewing, and scratching the walls.
This experience can be equally stressful for the human and the hamster. A stressful hamster stops interacting with the environment and spends every moment looking for escape routes.
Temperature
The ideal room temperature for a Syrian hamster is between 69 – 72° Fahrenheit.
Sleep Schedule
Even though Syrian hamsters are naturally nocturnal and usually sleep through the day, they can be trained according to their owner’s schedule and adopt new sleeping habits.
Exercise
These active and curious animals continuously roam about their cage while awake. To feed their curiosity, they require ample exercise throughout the day.
Your Syrian hamster does not need to stay outside its habitat, but spending some time outside will surely allow it to ‘stretch its muscles. Provide plenty of toys and textures to help them stay in shape.
General Healthcare
Syrian hamsters enjoy problem-free health during their short life span. But in case of any digestive issues, they should be taken to a vet for a quick recovery.
As long as they get to live in solitary confinement, they will continue to lead happy lives. Housing with any other animal can lead to fatal results.
Be sure to add plenty of hiding spots, entertainment, and exercise options in their cage to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Gestation Time and Pregnancy
A Syrian hamster’s pregnancy lasts for 16 to 18 days. At the end of delivery time, pregnant hamsters become agitated and restless.
A healthy pregnancy can result in the birth of 5 to 15 babies. Hamster babies are known as pups.
Eating Habits
A Syrian hamster enjoys a hamster pallet, fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, nuts, and occasional mealworms. They only consume about 1 to 2 tablespoons of food and 6 tablespoons of water within 24