Differences in Dwarf and Syrian Hamsters

[SoapyVP]

Hi

I might be about to take in another rescue hamster, but this time it's a Syrian and I've only kept dwarves until now. I realise a Syrian will need more space, bigger wheel and different food but I wondered what information and tips owners who have kept both could give me please?

Also, I have a fairly large playpen for my dwarves which is made out of correx sheets clipped together. I guess this would be ok for a Syrian too?

Thanks in advance.

[kyrilliondaemon]

Er... They have bigger teeth so more reasons to avoid being bitten by them

Apart from that I find them fairly similar to some of our dwarf hamsters, I think a lot of the time you'll have a slightly easier time taming syrians than some dwarf hamsters (like robos) but that all depends on the hamster anyway. We feed them the same food as we feed our robos, just give them a bigger cage and bigger wheels and have higher hopes of taming them than we would when getting a robo.
Ours are basically like big versions of our current hybrids except we don't need to worry about diabetes with the syrians

A correx playpen would be fine for a syrian as long as its tall enough to keep them in

[DrKMcK]

I agree with Krill on everything. One thing I have found with the Syrians is that they are easier to tame and I've only been bitten by a Syrian once, and that was only because he was really old and I startled him when he was asleep. I honestly cannot say I prefer one over the other. Each has their own special ways I love. Once you get to know your Syrian, you'll see what I mean.

[SoapyVP]

Thanks guys.

Yes, I'll try to avoid being bitten by them. Lol. My Campbell has pretty good teeth to be fair, I've learnt to keep my hand away from his mouth.

Good that they eat the same food. That makes things easier doesn't it!

Let's see what happens.

[Munchalot]

I've found that Syrians often tend to be a lot more sociable, and enjoy human contact. I've always had lovely cuddly Syrians who loved coming out for hugs. One of my old boys Toby used to perch on my shoulder as I walked around the house, or sleep in my pocket.

As already said, they are often quite easier to tame. They also love food (all of mine have been proper greedy guts!) which makes them so fun to spoil.
Whereas a dwarf might like to dig around and forage, and do his own thing, you might find that a Syrain will be swinging off the bars waiting for you to let them out for their cuddle!

[kyrilliondaemon]

Originally Posted by SoapyVP

Thanks guys.

Yes, I'll try to avoid being bitten by them. Lol. My Campbell has pretty good teeth to be fair, I've learnt to keep my hand away from his mouth.

Good that they eat the same food. That makes things easier doesn't it!

Let's see what happens.

Yeah its easier than it could be Good luck with the new syrian if you get them