Wild European Hamsters (Cricetus Cricetus)

[TheFeldhamster]

I remember that there were some attempts but they were unsuccessful. There are some russian people who keep them as pets despite that. I had a link to a russian web site that described their care - complete with totally abysmal recommended cage sizes. 100cm x 40cm tank for an animal that gets over 30cm in length? Yeah, right, very suitable... Care was basically the same as a syrian. In most parts of the EU they are protected, though, so you're not allowed to keep them as a private person. Only breeding stations in zoos are allowed to keep them.

[vanilla-yazoo]

stunning photos (and the ones of your hams too) I think i will stick to my cuddly syrians tho! but its amazing how you live so close to them, the most wild thing i see are foxes and the blackbird who lives in the neughbours tree

[Hamtastic]

Great shots! I really love their big round ears I think their black stomach coloring is kinda odd though--a pretty sudden transition to a solid block of darkness!

[LawaRawr]

oh wow they are absolutely beautiful you are very lucky to get to see them and are able to take some lovely photos of them

[TheFeldhamster]

Thank you!

[Bekki2308]

Originally Posted by TheFeldhamster

I remember that there were some attempts but they were unsuccessful. There are some russian people who keep them as pets despite that. I had a link to a russian web site that described their care - complete with totally abysmal recommended cage sizes. 100cm x 40cm tank for an animal that gets over 30cm in length? Yeah, right, very suitable... Care was basically the same as a syrian. In most parts of the EU they are protected, though, so you're not allowed to keep them as a private person. Only breeding stations in zoos are allowed to keep them.

100 x 40 is small, going by the original post they are the size of a guinea pig and even they should have a cage of at least 120cm x 50cm (try telling p@h this they sell loads of cages way too small for piggies and then only sell one of the minimum size) with 140 cm x 60 cm or larger being better. If these were to be kept as pets i'd imagine a 3 tier rabbit cage meshed out would be a good size (3 x 120 by 40 layers)

thanks for getting back to me though they are beautiful and your photos are lovely

Im just having a read of your blog about them now

[TheFeldhamster]

btw I've put up some new pics and a vid of the wild hamsters on my blog:
 Feldhamster in Wien: Vermissen Sie einen Hamster? / Do you miss a hamster?

 Feldhamster in Wien: Nachtrag: Beobachtungen im April

 Feldhamster in Wien: Nachtrag: Mai - Hamsterflirt

it's always German & English, just scroll down for the English text.

enjoy!

[Willow's mummy!]

Fantastic pictures, as ever. I'd been imagining you living in the middle of the countryside, so it was a surprise in the first link when you said about your neighbours! You are so lucky to have the wild hamsters so near.

[starbug]

Wow, they're amazing. Wonderful photos. I can't believe how big the wild hamsters are!

[TheFeldhamster]

Thank you both!