Hamsters Flashcards
2 species of hamsters used in research
- Golden/Syrian hamster
2. Chinese hamster
Scientific name of the Golden/Syrian hamster
Mesocricetus auratus
Scientific name of the Chinese hamster
Cricetulus griseus
The smallest species of hamsters
Dwarf
A long haired Golden/Syrian hamster is aka
teddy bear hamster
Average weight of a Golden hamster
120 g
Average weight of a Chinese hamster
30 g
These type of hamsters are used in research of infx dz, cancer, immunology, and cardiomyopathy
Syrian
These type of hamsters are used in research of diabetes and genetics
Chinese
of chromosomes that hamsters have
22
Hamsters are resistant to rad poisoning so they are considered
radioresistant
Unlike other rodents, hamsters are
solitary animals
Because they are sound sleepers, they should be _______ when handled
awake
Hamsters can run up to 5 miles a day on these
Exercise wheels
Low light, short days, cooler temps, and quietness can induce
hibernation
Hibernation usually lasts for
2-3 days
Average life span
18-24 mos
Normal temp
101-103
Normal pulse
300-500 BPM
Normal RR
35-135 RPM
Normal gestation
15 days
Average litter size
5-9 pups
Housing temp
18-26 degrees celsius
Light:Dark
12:12
Humidity
30-70%