Hamster
Sign in to saveHamsters are rodents (order Rodentia) belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae, which contains 19 species classified in seven genera. They have become established as popular small pets. The best-known species of hamster is the golden or Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), which is the type most commonly kept as a pet. Other hamster species commonly kept as pets are the three species of dwarf hamster, Campbell's dwarf hamster (Phodopus campbelli), the winter white dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungorus) and the Roborovski hamster (Phodopus roborovskii), and the less common Chinese hamster (Cricetulus
AI overview
Hamsters are small rodents belonging to a subfamily that includes 19 species across seven different genera, with the Syrian hamster being the most recognizable and commonly kept as a pet. They matter because they have become established as popular small pets, with several species—including dwarf hamsters and the Chinese hamster—commonly kept in homes alongside the more familiar Syrian hamster.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Taxonomy · GBIF
GENUS
- KingdomAnimalia
- PhylumChordata
- ClassMammalia
- OrderRodentia
- FamilyCricetidae
via GBIF · CC0
Article
31 sectionsContents
- Classification
- Relationships among hamster species
- ''Phodopus'' group
- ''Mesocricetus'' group
- Remaining genera
- Miscellaneous
- History
- Etymology
- Description
- Senses
- Diet
- Behavior
- Feeding
- Social behavior
- Chronobiology
- Burrowing behavior
- Reproduction
- Fertility
- Gestation and fecundity
- Intersexual aggression and cannibalism
- Weaning
- Longevity
- Society and culture
- Hamsters as pets
- Hamster shows
- Owner activism
- Hamsters as lab animals
- Similar animals
- See also
- References
- External links
Hamsters are rodents (order Rodentia) belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae, which contains 19 species classified in seven genera. They have become established as popular small pets. The best-known species of hamster is the golden or Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), which is the type most commonly kept as a pet. Other hamster species commonly kept as pets are the three species of dwarf hamster, Campbell's dwarf hamster (Phodopus campbelli), the winter white dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungorus) and the Roborovski hamster (Phodopus roborovskii), and the less common Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus).
Hamsters feed primarily on seeds, fruits, vegetation, and occasionally burrowing insects. In the wild, they are crepuscular: they forage during the twilight hours. In captivity, however, they are known to live a conventionally nocturnal lifestyle, waking around sundown to feed and exercise. Physically, they are stout-bodied with distinguishing features that include elongated cheek pouches extending to their shoulders, which they use to carry food back to their burrows, as well as a short tail and fur-covered feet.