The Syrian, also called the golden or teddy bear hamster, is the largest and most commonly kept pet hamster.
It is calm and easy to tame, which makes it a popular first small pet, but it is routinely housed in cages far too small for its needs.
Syrians are nocturnal and territorial.
Adults must live alone, as pairing them leads to severe fighting and death.
With patient, regular handling they become docile and tolerant of gentle interaction.
Housing
Provide a minimum of 100x50cm of continuous, unbroken floor space, with larger being better, and deep bedding of 25cm or more so the hamster can build natural burrows.
A solid (not wire) running wheel of at least 28cm diameter is essential to prevent spinal curvature.
Keep the enclosure at 18-24C, away from drafts and direct sun.
Avoid poorly ventilated tube systems.
Include a sand bath, hides, and plenty of chews and forage to discourage bar-biting and stress.
Diet
Feed a quality grain-based hamster mix of varied seeds, grains, and dried vegetables rather than a monotonous pellet.
Scatter-feed across the bedding to encourage natural foraging and slow eating.
Supplement with small amounts of fresh vegetables and occasional animal protein such as a mealworm or plain cooked egg.
Avoid sugary or citrus foods.
Provide unlimited fresh water from a bottle or bowl, plus cuttlebone or wood for gnawing.
Health
Common issues include wet tail (a serious infectious diarrhoea, especially in young animals), overgrown teeth, obesity, and skin mites.
Older hamsters are prone to tumours and amyloidosis.
Sudden lethargy, wetness around the tail, or weight loss warrants urgent exotic-vet care.
Weigh your hamster regularly and check the teeth and rear.
Cheek-pouch impaction can occur from sticky or sharp foods.
Provide chews to keep the continuously growing incisors worn down.
Temperament
Syrians are generally placid, slow-moving, and among the easiest hamsters to hold once tamed.
They are best handled in the evening when naturally awake, as waking a sleeping hamster can provoke a defensive nip.
They bond through routine and food-based trust rather than cuddling.
Each animal has its own personality, but most settle into calm, predictable companions for gentle older children and adults.
Beginner
Beginner
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate