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Another relatively unique anatomic feature of hamsters is the paired glands in the skin over the flanks. These appear as dark spots within the hair coat and are much more obvious in males than females.
These glands are used to mark a hamster's territory and also have a role in sexual behavior.
Hamsters are very popular pets today because of their availability, affordability, small size, cuddly appearance, often docile temperament and relatively clean habits. They are not very long-lived, which
can be disconcerting to owners (especially children). Many parents, however, believe that having their children experience the relatively short period of companionship and subsequent death is a
meaningful way to expose children to the "ups and downs" of life. For many years hamsters have been used in biomedical research laboratories. Consequently, their medical problems have been
traditionally approached on a group basis, rather than on an individual basis. As a result, very little practical information exists on the medical care of individual hamsters. We will,
however, attempt to provide you with the information you need to give your hamster the best care, including information to help you recognize common hamster health problems and the symptoms of the most common types of hamster diseases.
Hamster Vital Statistics
- Scientific name: Mesocricetus auratus
- Potential life span: 2-3 years
- Adult body weight: 100-150 grams (Adult females are slightly larger than adult males)
- Desirable environmental temperature range: 65-75 F
- Desirable relative humidity range: 30-70%
- Ages for first breeding: male: 10-14 weeks; female reproduction: 6-10 weeks
- Length of estrous (heat) cycle: 94 hours
- Gestation (pregnancy) period: 15 1/2-16 days
- Average litter size: 5-10 young
- Age at weaning: 3 weeks
Human Allergies to Hamster Dander: Certain people are allergic to the hair and/or dander of hamsters. People working with hamsters in laboratory
situations are more likely to develop such allergies because of their continual association with them. Signs include itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, a
skin rash, and anaphylactic shock (a true medical emergency). Owners of pet hamsters may also be susceptible, and a medical doctor should be consulted about suspected allergy problems if a hamster is
kept as a pet in the household. Hamster owners with such a suspected allergy may want to consult an allergist.
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