I have a question

[Rach210]

I've been thinking - it's amazing what you think about when you're actually supposed to be writing an essay and I was wondering:

Since syrian hamsters are solitary creatures in the wild, does that mean they don't like being handled and petted and that kind of human contact? I know they don't interact with people in the way that some animals do.

[Vectis Hamstery]

Although Syrian hamsters don't get on with others of their kind, they do enjoy human contact. Most of the Syrians I've had will beg to come out for cuddles. A baby I have at the moment rushes back out of the door after handling if I don't close it quickly enough! Obviously hamsters are individuals, like humans, and there are some that are less keen on handling. This also depends on how they have been handled in the past.
Dwarf species that are kept in pairs tend to be less people-orientated, and I have heard that when they don't have a partner (eg one dies) then they become more friendly and wanting snuggles from humans.

You are right that they aren't like some pets as they don't tolerate prolonged cuddling. But I guess if someone wants something to cuddle they're probably better off with a soft toy than a living animal

I can hear one of the Syrians after attention now (they've realised I don't like bar chewing and will get them out if they do it!).....

[couchy]

i found some links, i also cocked up my posts too

[couchy]

well sounds like it considering they were wild years ago, just like rats you see one in the street, it runs away, and its different on how many years and centuries have changed the way of animals. most probably if you see a hamster in the wild (not a domesticated one) it will probably be hell of alot different and might just run away and burrow, it does make u think mind.

just some links hehe

BBC – CBBC Wild - Pets - Your Pet hamster


french hamster

save th french hamster

BioOne Online Journals - European Hamsters (Cricetus cricetus)

[Katty_Sheldon]

Aaaw that BBC page is so cute, i love it

[Vectis Hamstery]

The 'French' hamster is a European hamster (Cricetus cricetus) as opposed to a Syrian hamster (Mesocritus auratus) which is a different species not just a wild form of a pet hamster. European hamsters are not kept as pets as they are an endangered species and I understand that they are hard to handle/tame. This is unlike Syrian hamsters who were reported to be easily tamed when first captured in the 1800s.