Aranyhörcsög

The aranyhörcsög, also known as the golden hamster or Syrian hamster, is a small rodent native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Syria and Turkey. It is the most common species of hamster kept as a pet worldwide. Aranyhörcsög are nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. They are solitary animals and should be housed individually after weaning, as they can become aggressive towards each other.

These hamsters are omnivores and their diet in the wild consists of grains, seeds, fruits, insects, and small invertebrates. In captivity, a balanced hamster food mix supplemented with small amounts of fresh vegetables and fruits is recommended. They have cheek pouches that they use to store food and carry it back to their burrows.

Aranyhörcsög typically live for 2 to 3 years. Females usually give birth to litters of 4 to 8 pups after a gestation period of about 16 days. The pups are born blind and hairless but develop rapidly. Their fur color in the wild is typically golden-brown, but selective breeding has resulted in a wide variety of coat colors and patterns in domesticated individuals, including cream, white, black, and tortoiseshell. They are known for their curious and generally docile nature when tamed, making them popular pets, especially for children. Proper housing with adequate space for burrowing, exercise wheels, and nesting material is essential for their well-being.