European Hamster
The European hamster, also known as the common hamster, is an interesting species found in the grasslands and agricultural areas of Europe and in parts of the Western Hemisphere. It was at one time considered critically endangered. Although they were once known to cause significant damage, they can thrive if properly cared for.
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Physical Description of European Hamster
When it comes to their physical characteristics, they are one of the largest species of hamsters, they usually measure between 20 and 35 cm in length, excluding their short tails. They are also 6 to 7 feet long and weigh 200 to 600 grams. Males are usually taller than females. Their skin is characterized by brown, black and white spots. In addition, They usually have a dark underbelly while their belly is covered with white spots and they are also skilled at digging with their pointed claws.
Habitat And Range of European Hamster
The European hamster, known for its size and name, can be found in a wide variety of countries,ranging from the West to the East and Russia to Bulgaria in the south. They are also found in grasslands or orchards, mostly growing well in open fields where the land is cultivated. Their habitat structures are slightly different. Their nests are made in such a way that they can easily store food and prevent the accumulation of dirt.
European Hamster Food And Diet
European hamsters are mostly herbivores and their balanced diet consists of grains, fruits, and seeds. If they cannot get their food from plants, they occasionally consume insects and small invertebrates. Their mouths are shaped in such a way that they are very helpful in feeding and they can carry food easily in their bills to store food during the winter months. If kept as pets, their diet requires special attention.
Behaviour of European Hamster
They mostly prefer to be alone, and each of them maintains its own biological system, besides, they mostly feel better in the morning and evening and they are more active at this time. They are territorial and if someone tries to invade their habitat, they defend against aggression They also collect food for themselves during the summer months so that they can live easily in the winter period which lasts from October to March, and get along well with humans They mingle and make friendly relations with them.
Breeding of European Hamster
The breeding process is very interesting which is very beneficial for the babies and for them. Female European hamsters have a gestation period of about 18 to 20 days and they produce two to three litters every year. Each litter of them consists of four to 12 bridges. The young are born blind, and hairless, but develop very rapidly and become independent in five to six weeks.
Handling And Care Tips For European Hamster
Handling European hamsters requires patience and a lot of care. Get used to them before you handle them so they can feel you’re around and don’t feel threatened by you getting your hands on them. Use them so they don’t hurt you if they bite.
Avoid waking them because they are very sensitive and can be scared. Always support their body whenever you hold them or do any activity with them. So that they don’t get hurt Spend as little time as possible with them so that they don’t feel irritated and his cage should be very secure and spacious with a hiding place and adequate bedding.
Housing For European Hamster
Use feeders in their living space so they can play with them and have a sturdy exercise wheel.
Cage Size
The cage size should be about three to four feet long to provide enough space for the hamster to live comfortably with any problems, they should have a good bed and also need big walls. It is so that they can live in it easily and there must be a place to climb and bend in it.
Temperature
It is very important to take good care of the Heating and humidity in their living space. Please do not keep them in direct sunlight as they can have more problems with humidity in their living space. The level should be less than 50 percent and the temperature should be maintained between 70 and 75F.
Cleaning
Take care of the spotless in their living cage because if you do not manage of this cleanliness, they may face a lot of problems and their health may also deteriorate. Be sure to remove and wash their cage once a week using clean water.
Common Health Problems Of European Hamsters
European hamsters can also face a lot of health problems as their growing teeth can also cause them a lot of problems and they can also develop respiratory diseases if you reduce their food intake. If they do, it can also lead to health problems. Common symptoms of their illness are weight loss and feeling sluggish if you don’t follow their good habits. Take care of them and check up with the doctor.Their health can improve with proper care.
European Hamster Lifespan
In Captivity
If you keep them in your hands, they can live for three to four years because they are well cared for and fed here and there is no danger to them.
In the Wild
In addition, they live for one to two years in the wild because there they are more vulnerable to predators and face more health problems. A well-balanced diet is not available there.
Price and Cost
The price of a small baby is 10 to 15$ because they are very difficult to handle, in addition, the price of a juvenile is between 15 to 30 dollars, while the price of an adult is 30 to 40$, they can be handled easily.
Conclusion
European hamsters are very interesting animals to keep as pets. They are mostly found in areas from Iran to Syria. They are colorful and have black and white spots on their belly. They have short tails, they like fruits and insects in their diet if they are well taken care of, they can live for three to four years, besides, they do not get a balanced diet in the forests and predators.
There is considerable risk, therefore, of their living cage The size should be three to four feet so that they can live in it comfortably, it also has their bed and playthings so that they can grow well in it. They have teething, weight loss, lethargy, and many other symptoms, but they are very friendly with humans.
