# Syrian Teddy Bear Hamsters: A Complete Guide
Syrian teddy bear hamsters are one of the most popular and adorable pets you can have. They are also known as **golden hamsters**, **fancy hamsters**, or **angora hamsters**. They are a type of **Syrian hamster** that has long and fluffy fur, especially on the females. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Syrian teddy bear hamsters, including their history, personality, care, and health.
## History of Syrian Teddy Bear Hamsters
Syrian teddy bear hamsters originate from Syria and Turkey, where they live in arid regions. They were first discovered by a zoologist named Israel Aharoni in 1930, who captured a female hamster and her 12 pups in Aleppo, Syria². He brought them to Jerusalem, where they were bred and studied by scientists. From there, they were exported to Europe and America, where they became popular as pets and research animals. Syrian teddy bear hamsters are also called **golden hamsters** because of their original coloration, which was golden brown with black markings. However, through selective breeding, they have developed many different colors and patterns, such as white, black, cream, cinnamon, and tortoiseshell. Some of them also have a satin or rex coat, which gives them a shiny or curly appearance.
## Personality of Syrian Teddy Bear Hamsters
Syrian teddy bear hamsters are friendly and curious animals that can bond well with their owners if handled gently and regularly from a young age. They are also very active and adventurous, and love to explore their surroundings. They have expandable cheek pouches that they use to store food and carry it to their nests. They can also stuff their pouches with bedding material or other items that they find interesting. Syrian teddy bear hamsters are **solitary** animals that prefer to live alone in their cages. They are very territorial and will fight with other hamsters if housed together. Therefore, you should never keep more than one Syrian hamster in the same cage, even if they are siblings or mates. The only exception is when they are very young (less than 10 weeks old) and still live with their mother.
## Care of Syrian Teddy Bear Hamsters
Syrian teddy bear hamsters are easy to care for as long as you provide them with a suitable cage, bedding, food, water, toys, and accessories. Here are some tips on how to take care of your Syrian teddy bear hamster: - Choose a large and secure cage that has enough space for your hamster to run around and play. The minimum cage size for a Syrian hamster is 24 x 12 x 12 inches (60 x 30 x 30 cm), but bigger is better. You can use a wire cage, a glass tank, or a plastic bin as long as it has good ventilation and no sharp edges or gaps. - Line the cage with a thick layer of soft bedding material that your hamster can burrow and nest in. You can use paper-based bedding, aspen shavings, or hay. Avoid cedar or pine shavings, as they can cause respiratory problems for your hamster. - Provide your hamster with a hideout where it can sleep and feel safe. You can use a wooden house, a cardboard box, a ceramic bowl, or a coconut shell. Make sure the hideout has an entrance that is large enough for your hamster to fit through. - Give your hamster a good quality hamster food mix that contains seeds, grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. You can also supplement its diet with fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, broccoli, cucumber, and lettuce. Avoid giving your hamster chocolate, onion, garlic, citrus fruits, or anything salty or spicy. - Provide your hamster with fresh water every day in a sipper bottle or a shallow dish. Make sure the water is clean and free of chlorine or other chemicals. - Offer your hamster some toys and accessories that will keep it entertained and stimulated. You can use wooden chews, cardboard tubes, tunnels, bridges, ladders, wheels, balls, or puzzles. Make sure the toys are safe and appropriate for your hamster's size and needs.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 5/14/2023 (1) Golden hamster - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_hamster. (2) Teddy Bear Hamster Facts – 14 Reasons To Buy A Syrian Hamster. https://squeaksandnibbles.com/teddy-bear-hamster-facts/. (3) How to Take Care of A Syrian Hamster - Caring Pets. https://www.caringpets.org/how-to-take-care-of-a-hamster/types/syrian-breeds/. (4) Long Haired Teddy Bear (Syrian) Hamster Care - FamillyPet. https://famillypet.com/long-haired-hamster-care/. (5) Teddy Bear Hamster: Guide for New Owners – Hamsteropedia. https://hamsteropedia.com/teddy-bear-hamster/.