Hamster Introduction

Question 1

hamster family

Answer 1

cricetidae

Question 2

syrian hamster scientific name

Answer 2

mesocricetus auratus

Question 3

chinese hamster scientific name

Answer 3

cricetulus griseus

Question 4

non-glandular stomach

Answer 4

fermentation and microbes

Question 5

glandular stomach

Answer 5

acids and enzymes

Question 6

what are their yellow teeth important for?

Answer 6

determining age

Question 7

urine characteristics

Answer 7

milky, high pH, contains calcium carbonate crystals

Question 8

buccal cheek pouch characteristics

Answer 8

extends from mouth to scapula, thin walled, void of lymphathic tissue

Question 9

hamster personality

Answer 9

solitary, aggressive and territorial, nocturnal, tame if handled often

Question 10

hamster nutrition

Answer 10

free choice water, commercial pelleted diet

Question 11

male/female identifications

Answer 11

males: round caudal end, scrotal sac
females: larger body size, several nipples, more aggressive

Question 12

gestation

Answer 12

15 days

Question 13

litter size

Answer 13

5-9 pups

Question 14

characteristics of 1st time mothers

Answer 14

cannibalize their young and abandon the litter

Question 15

signs of destress

Answer 15

vocalizations, ocular discharge, increase respiratory rate, unkept hair coat, profuse diarrhea, hunched posture

Question 16

syrian hamster temp range

Answer 16

98.6-100.4 F

Question 17

syrian hamster heart rate

Answer 17

250-500 bpm

Question 18

syrian hamster life span

Answer 18

18-24 months

Question 19

syrian hamster weights

Answer 19

male: 85-130g
female: 95-150g

Question 20

chinese hamster life span

Answer 20

2-3 years