The black hamster is not a breed that is officially recognized. Some see it as a color variation of the Syrian breed, while others think it is a distinct subtype of the long-haired, teddy bear-like Syrian hamsters.
It is so cute that many people would like to have one to care for and entertain. Here are facts about black hamsters and guides to care.
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History and Origin Of Black Hamster
In 1985, the black hamster was first found in France. The black hamster, also known as a black Syrian hamster or a European black bear, is not a recognized breed of hamster. A full subtype of the Syrian hamster, according to some hamster enthusiasts, is the black bear. Some people believe that the black bear is simply a gene mutation that developed from the already-existing Teddy Bear Syrian hamster breed.
Pet owners all over the United States, regardless of the black hamster’s ancestry, and the little rodent has found favor in Europe. The distinctive markings of the black bear are well-liked.
Characteristics Of The Black Hamster
Because of its unusual appearance and gentle nature, the black hamster has gained popularity as a pet. What other traits set this hamster apart from others?
Temperament: Are Black Hamsters Friendly
Black hamsters were first bred by breeders for their large size and gentle disposition. Although there hasn’t been any formal testing, reports from owners indicate that black hamsters are generally well-behaved. Unlike other hamsters, they are less likely to become stressed when handled. Black hamsters have a lower tendency to become anxious, which makes them less likely to bite or harm people. They make good pets because of their docile disposition and friendly hamster type.
Behavior
Black hamsters move less frequently than other hamster species because they are bigger and more laid back. Due to their size and inactivity, they are more likely to become obese. Toys and enrichment can help them get the exercise they need to stay healthy.
Appearance
Naturally, black hamsters are black. Near their belly, paws, and face, a few white spots occasionally appear among their black fur, which typically covers their entire body. However, some black hamsters might have dark brown fur. Black hamsters have black eyes and ears, too. Typically pink, their tail, nose, and paws.
Either longhaired, satin, or rex fur covers their body. It is easier to see satin coats on light-colored fur than on black fur because they are shiny. Even the whiskers on rex coats are curly or wavy.
They can grow to a length of five to six inches when they reach adulthood. As a result, they are usually bigger than the three to four-inch Syrian breed average. Black hamsters are between four and six ounces in weight and stand around seven inches tall. Your black hamster’s size and appearance will depend on its unique genetics; because they aren’t a recognized breed, there isn’t a standard for these hamsters.
How Long Do Black Hamsters Live?
Although their average lifespan is between two and three years, black hamsters can live up to five to six years. Your hamster will probably live longer if you keep it healthier.
How to Care for a Black Hamster
The maintenance of a black hamster is not all that different from that of other hamster species. But before you adopt one, there are a few things to think about.
Feeding
All hamsters, including black hamsters, require a healthy diet. Grain, seed, grass, vegetable, and fruit are all staple foods for hamsters. If the prepackaged seed mix contains enough protein and has the husks removed, you can feed the animals it. Their delicate cheek linings can be injured by the seed husks.
If you need to supplement protein in your black hamster’s diet, you can feed them the following:
- Mealworms
- Cat food
- Cheese
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Small bits of cooked chicken
- Small portions of scrambled eggs
Give your hamster some broccoli, bell peppers, or celery stalks as vegetables. But stay away from vegetables with a lot of moisture. For hamsters, foods like lettuce and cucumbers act as laxatives, causing excessive defecation or even diarrhea.
Give your black hamster a small amount of food at a time when you’re feeding it. In order to hoard and stash extra food for later, hamsters frequently store it in their cheeks. Because hoarding can entice flies, worms, insects, and mold, try to dissuade it. Your hamster’s health could be in danger as a result of these issues.
Water
If you can, use filtered water. A good alternative to bottled water is tap water, but make sure to dechlorinate it first. To let the chlorine evaporate, you can either leave the water in an open container overnight or you can mix it in dechlorination tablets or liquid before putting it in your pet’s enclosure.
Bedding and Habitat
Your black hamster can live in a plastic habitat rather than a cage or tank. Your hamster will have space to run around and be entertained with the help of these tubes and modules that connect to one another. To create a complete habitat, each module is meant to connect to others, so a single hamster will require more than one.
Even hamsters require bedding. Paper shavings and natural sawdust are safe bedding options. Wood, cotton, or soft bedding are not appropriate options.
Activity
Black hamsters require a lot of exercise to avoid obesity because they are prone to it. Some great ways to help your hamster exercise include:
- Exercise wheel inside their cage
- Plastic running balls outside the cage
- Letting your hamster loose in a hamster-proof room
- Harnessing and leashing your black hamster for walks
Chewing
Natural chewing behavior exists in hamsters. If you don’t provide them with something beneficial to chew on, they’ll start gnawing on the bars of their cage. Give your hamster chewing sticks, as well as the following items:
- Wood from orchard trees (ensure the trees are not treated with pesticides)
- Whole wheat macaroni
- Dog biscuits
Handling
It will take some time for your hamster to get used to its new surroundings when you first bring it home. Leave your black hamster in its new cage or habitat for about two days so it can explore on its own. It will take some time before your hamster is cozy enough to be held. Never squeeze your hamster if it struggles or tries to flee; instead, let it come to you. Additionally, always wash your hands before handling your hamster.
Health
Be on the lookout for common health conditions in black hamsters, such as the following:
- Wet tail: A bacteria causes your hamster’s rear end to become very wet
- Diabetes: Prevent diabetes with proper nutrition and exercise
- Cancer
- Bladder stones: Give your hamster enough water to prevent bladder stones
- Salmonellosis: Salmonella can infect your hamster, causing diarrhea
Grooming
Regular grooming is necessary for a black hamster with long hair. The hair is susceptible to becoming tangled with debris such as food, wood shavings, dirt, water, urine, and feces. If not combed and cleaned frequently, the fur can easily become matted. Hair loss and other issues can result from poor grooming. Debris that is stuck in places can promote the growth of mold and harm your skin and hair.
- Use a brush or comb: For healthy hair and skin, groom your hair once a week to remove debris. The hair on your hamster should be combed or cleaned with a fresh brush. For cats, a small flea brush is a good option.
- Trimming may be necessary: Keep your hands off matted or tangled hair. Pass the comb over these areas slowly. A trim might be required if gentle combing does not work. To get rid of difficult tangles, gradually trim them off.
Grooming Tips
Black hamsters that have been groomed since they were young are less likely to fidget during grooming sessions. When grooming a hamster for the first time, only brief sessions should be performed. Given enough time, the hamster will become accustomed to being groomed even if the hair is difficult to detangle or clean well.
As the black hamster grows accustomed to it, you can make grooming sessions longer. You can assist by giving your hamster small amounts of fruit or vegetables. Stress is lessened as a result. The hamster will eventually learn to maintain his stillness for longer grooming sessions because he will begin to associate grooming with snacking.
Prevent Obesity Issues in Hamsters
Hamsters must regularly exercise to prevent obesity. Hamsters, especially black hamsters, are prone to gaining weight quickly due to their laid-back nature. Install a wheel for exercise in the cage to keep the black bears in good shape. The distances between the wheel’s wires shouldn’t be too close together. It could be damaged and hurt if the hamster’s long hair got caught in it.
- Wheels: One of the simplest and most straightforward ways to give the hamster exercise is to place an exercise wheel inside the cage. Verify the safety of the exercise wheel. Black hamsters, particularly the males, have long hair.
- Running Balls: Another useful exercise tool is a plastic running ball. Outside of the cage, hamsters can safely exercise by running around.
- Hamster-Proof Rooms: For daily exercise, if the house has the resources, a hamster-proof room can be provided. The hamster can be set loose in a room for about an hour and allowed to roam around freely while getting some much-needed exercise.
- Harnesses: The Black hamster’s large size makes it possible for them to be harnessed and leashed.
Select a Hamster Cage
When selecting the best cage for a black hamster, you should look for three things:
- Size: Bigger is always preferable because it gives your hamster more space to move around.
- Wire bar spacing (for wire cages): The openings should be big enough so that the hamsters’ hair doesn’t get tangled but small enough so that they can’t escape.
- Material: Galvanized steel works best for wire cages. Glass tanks are also acceptable as long as there is adequate ventilation.
Keep in mind that buying a cage from the pet store isn’t always the best choice. If necessary, look at online merchants to locate the ideal cage for your hamster.
All hamster species, including black bears, require suitable housing. A black hamster may appear to be content in a straightforward four-corner cage. However, there are a few things to take into account if you want to truly make your pet happy. A larger home is preferable, as are good ventilation, a comfortable temperature, and safety. Your pet will appreciate having a network of tunnels and tubes added.
Areas with chilly winter climates benefit more from enclosed habitats like habitat modules. To keep the temperature of the main living compartment between 15°C (59°F) and 25°C (77°F), it is also preferable to choose habitats with air holes.
Now you grasp the knowledge of a black hamster, do you want to have one to care about?