First time owning syrian help!

iqa · 08-31-2014, 09:36 AM

So I have this new hammie that I wasn't really planning on having. I've always wanted a syrian hamster but I never had the chance to. A couple of days ago a pet shop owner literally just offered me this syrian because it had been abandoned by the previous owner (I believe it was abandoned with the mother and other babies..)

I decided I could keep the hamster so that I could help but there's a few things that I'm still not sure about..

I have this cage (90 cm x 50cm x 50cm, I believe it's big enough for a syrian) but I think it's not complete yet.. perhaps you could tell me what toys are good for these hamsters and what else would it need

Also, I believe it's a female but I'm still not quite sure as the baby is still a bit scared and it's not easy to get a hold of it and I don't want to force it, I guess I should wait until he or she is more comfortable in its cage

I've been looking online for some photos of syrians because the man who gave it to me didn't even know how old they were but for what I've seen, she or he must be about 3 or 4 weeks old.. what do you think? (judging by the photos)

I'll upload some photos and any advice and experience are welcome, it would be a nice help! Thanks guys!

(and sorry for so many questions but I'm really new to this so thank you)

NiceCrocs · 08-31-2014, 09:47 AM

Aw cutie! Welcome to the wonderful world of syrian parenthood

The tank is a great size, so you're good there. It's very empty though, so if you can't buy toys, looks around the house for tissue boxes, cardboard tubes, ceramic mugs, or other things you can use as hamster toys. You can also go outside and find large rocks for you hamster to climb over. Just wash them well before using. Anything to add a little fun and stimulation for your ham

Give her some time to settle in before interacting with her. Once she has, she probably still won't be very happy to be picked up until she's tamed, so let her climb into a glass jar or a hamster ball so you can look at her to try to determine her de , if you are unsure. I find that hamsters can't resist climbing into a jar if you put it in their cage with them

Guessing age is always tricky, but I don't think she's more than 4 weeks based on the pictures, the wee thing ^_^

You're going to want to replace that wheel quickly though: adult Syrians need at least an 8 inch wheel, and many will even outgrow that, and require and 11 inch one.

iqa · 08-31-2014, 10:02 AM

Thanks so much for your reply! I'm very excited to actually get her some new toys, I'll be looking for a wheel soon too cause I already realized it won't last for much longer haha but that won't be a problem I believe.

I'll definitely try to get her something to climb maybe ceramic as I already noticed that she is going to chew on every carboard thing I give her

If I get her an 11 inch wheel at her current size will she still be able to use it? Won't it be too big for her?

NiceCrocs · 08-31-2014, 10:22 AM

It depends on which wheel you get, but she shouldn't have a hard time moving an 11 inch wheel

sometimes there's a bit of a learning curve when they get a new wheel, but they should get the hang of it fairly quickly.

If she likes chewing cardboard, I would try to have at least one cardboard toy in there as it will help keep her teeth trim

Skeever · 08-31-2014, 10:32 AM

SQUEEEEEE!!!

Can't help it. Baby Syrians make me squee.

SQUEEEEE!!!!!

iqa · 08-31-2014, 10:35 AM

Well I'll be looking into the wheels today then

Won't it be bad if she just eats some of it? I mean, maybe I should find her something else to chew on that she isn't able to swallow tiny pieces.. I'm afraid of having her eating that cardboard

2LittlePuds · 08-31-2014, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skeever

SQUEEEEEE!!!

Can't help it. Baby Syrians make me squee.

SQUEEEEE!!!!!

How about these babies? One of the boys will be coming home with me in a few weeks

Iqa, you got a name for her yet?

iqa · 08-31-2014, 10:37 AM

I know babies are always the cutest!

By the way how much time will it take for her to be fully grown? (considering she's about 4 weeks old judging by her pics)

iqa · 08-31-2014, 10:39 AM

Oh god they are sooo cute and so tiny! You're lucky to have one of those for yourself! They're just adorable

I'm not quite sure but if it's a girl my family and I thought Zoe was cute but I'm open to suggestions! (even though I'd like a small name, like 3 or 4 letters)

2LittlePuds · 08-31-2014, 10:42 AM

I guess the size varies because a fully grown pet shop ham will generally be smaller than a syrian from a good breeder.

How about Snow? She looks all white on the pics so very appropriate

my son wanted a white boy ham called snowball lol.