Coloring Book Hamsters

Hamsters are small, nocturnal mammals belonging to the rodent family. They are popular pets around the world, although in the wild they inhabit deserts, steppes and forests in Asia and the Middle East. Hamsters have stocky bodies, short legs, small ears and tails. They are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and small animals, but in captivity they are usually fed special hamster food. They have baggy cheeks, which they use to carry food to their hiding places. Hamsters are known for their food hoarding behavior.

Information

• Species: There are many different species of hamsters, including the Syrian hamster, jungle hamster, Chinese hamster and many others.
• Environment: Hamsters in the wild inhabit a variety of environments, from deserts to forested areas.
• Life expectancy: They live an average of 2-3 years in captivity, although some species can live longer.
• Reproduction: Hamsters are known for their rapid rate of reproduction. Some species can have up to 12 young in a single litter.

Behavior and Customs

• Nocturnal activity: Hamsters are nocturnal animals, which means they are most active after dark.
• Loners: Not all hamster species tolerate the presence of other hamsters; the Syrian hamster, for example, is extremely territorial.
• Gathering food: Hamsters have baggy cheeks that allow them to carry and store food.

Requirements in Slavery

• Cage: Hamsters need a large enough cage with different levels, a running wheel and a place to hide.
• Diet: Their diet should consist of a mixture of special food for hamsters, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits (in moderation).
• Hygiene: A small container of sand can serve as a "bathroom" for the hamster where it can clean itself.

Health

• Temperature sensitivity: Hamsters are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.
• Diseases: They can be susceptible to a variety of conditions, including skin diseases, respiratory infections and digestive problems.

Trivia

1. Accelerated Reproductive Rate: A female hamster can have a litter of young every three weeks. There can be up to 12 young in a single litter.
2. Baggy Cheeks: Hamsters have baggy cheeks that can stretch to the size of their entire body! They use them to store and transport food.
3. Nocturnal Animals: Hamsters are nocturnal animals, which means they are most active at night. That's why we often see them running on a wheel at night.
4. Hibernation: Hamsters can hibernate at low temperatures. However, breeding hamsters often lose this ability due to the lack of need to hibernate in a controlled environment.
5. Territoriality: Hamsters are very territorial. Some hamster species, such as the Syrian hamster, must be kept separately because they can be aggressive toward other hamsters.
6. Omnivore Diet: Hamsters are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and meat. Their diet in the wild consists of seeds, fruits, herbs, insects and other small animals.
7. Running Wheels: Hamsters love to run in a circle. This can be a way to burn energy and mimic long-distance running in the wild.
8. Short Sleep Duration: Hamsters have very light sleep and often wake up every few minutes to check their surroundings.
9. Low Height: Hamsters have difficulty seeing at a distance, so they should not be kept at a height from which they could fall and injure themselves.
10. Teeth Growing Through Life: Like other rodents, hamsters' teeth grow throughout their lives. Therefore, it is important to provide them with something to chew on to prevent excessive tooth growth.