Djungarian or Syrian hamster: who to choose, what to name and features

04/14/2021 13,680 Hamsters

Author: Olga

Syrian and Djungarian hamsters are among the most common breeds in Russia. When deciding to get a pet or start breeding rodents, the future owner often asks the question: which breed is better to choose? Let us consider below how Djungarian hamsters differ from the Syrian breed in various parameters. You will also learn what is the best name for a Djungarian girl and why it is better to name your pet a certain name.

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Choosing a pet based on external features

It is quite simple to distinguish between Dzungarian and Syrian hamsters by appearance: the former are more compact in size (the length from the head to the tip of the tail is up to 10 centimeters), and the body length of the latter can reach as much as 20 centimeters! The color of these two species is also different: Djungarians have a characteristic gray-brown color with a dark stripe in the middle along the back, and Syrians are often colored in a reddish tint, although there may be other variants of coat shades. It is worth noting that this fact often influences the selection of a name.

The length of the fur of the first and second is different (this factor also often affects the name of the pet). When breeding, Djungarian hamsters form entire families.

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Where does it live and what does it eat?

Unlike the Djungarian hamster, the range of this animal is quite limited: it is found in Syrian, Turkish and Israeli semi-deserts. Due to human activities and the species' status as a pest, the Syrian hamster's habitat is in constant decline, and the species is now listed as endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Like other hamsters, this one is most active at dusk or dawn. The Syrian is quite mobile: observations by zoologists have shown that during the “night shift” this animal is capable of running from three to eight kilometers. When clarifying which is better - the Djungarian or Syrian hamster - keep in mind that the Syrian is more active, and often this activity manifests itself in the evening, when he begins to run around on the wheel and explore his home in every possible way.

The life expectancy of the Syrian hamster is short, it is the same as that of the Djungarian hamster. This circumstance greatly upsets those who want to have this pet, who are thinking about which is better - a Syrian or a Djungarian hamster.

The diet of the Syrian is much wider: this animal is considered a practically omnivorous rodent, because it is able to feed not only on cereal seeds and all types of nuts (which, by the way, are prohibited for Djungarian hamsters), but also on small insects. Of the nuts, however, almonds and fruit seeds are contraindicated for Syrians.

The ideal hamster for a child

Most often, parents decide to get a hamster for their child, who is also involved in choosing a name. It happens that problems arise with choosing a boy or girl, a name for him, and the number of pets. Then a problem arises like: how to tame a dzhungarika, what name is best to name a Syrian girl, is it possible to train and under what conditions should treatment be carried out in case of illness. First of all, you should explain to the child that now he will need to take care of a small pet. And to get a hamster, you must at least have time for this.

In general, it doesn't matter which rodent you choose for your child. In the question of how to choose a hamster, reason and the desire of the baby himself to care for him will help. But if a child is allergic to a hamster, then it is better to give up pets or choose a hairless breed.

Coat types

Through the work of breeders, four separate subspecies of Syrian hamsters have been bred. These subspecies are distinguished by the following types of coat. The most common and common is the short-haired type. With such plush-like fur, different colors look best.

Long-haired Syrians have also been bred, another name for which is Angora. Males of this subspecies have a kind of “skirt” of long (8 to 10 cm) hair in the lower part of their body. However, the females look like ordinary Syrians, perhaps a little fluffier. In foreign pet stores, this variety is called “Teddy Bear hamster”.

What you need to know about hamsters?

For keeping in an apartment, Syrian and Djungarian hamsters are absolutely identical. It is believed that Djungarian boys and girls love more space. Do these pets stink? What to do if you have a tumor? Is it possible to train hamsters and what is the best name for a pet? More on this later in the article.

Diseases

Despite the fact that rodents are considered hardy creatures, it still happens that they are overtaken by various diseases, including cancerous tumors. There may also be food poisoning. Why? The fact is that food supplies often spoil and cause a reaction when eaten. Treatment in this case can be done at home. But if your pet does not feel better within a day, then it will be necessary to carry out treatment in the presence of a veterinarian.

It happens that the fluffy stuffs his paw. Then a swelling, bruise or even a fracture may occur. If your baby squeaks, bites, or, conversely, lies lifelessly on his back, do not speculate about why this happened, but rather consult a doctor immediately to begin treatment as soon as possible!

The average lifespan of hamsters is from two to three years (with good care and the absence of cancer, pets, especially dzhungariki, can live up to four years). But if the rodent is not well looked after and treated for various diseases in a timely manner, then it may die earlier. For example, if your hamster itches or looks sick, it is best to take him to the clinic as soon as possible.

Most often, the symptoms of diseases (including tumors) look like this:

The hamster is itching and looks restless.
He is not as active as before.
The pet's eyes itch, water, and mucus comes out of the nose.
It squeaks and bites if you bring it close to your hands.
A tumor appears on an area of the body, which can become a source of pain for the rodent.

Even one of these symptoms may indicate the need for treatment for the disease!

Breed Features

The animal can boast (although, do people boast in such cases?) not only with a very small tail. This is not their only feature. They are very peaceful and practically do not bite. Even if you miraculously provoke his wrath, he will not harm you. Their teeth are completely incapable of biting through human skin. Their eyebrows also stand out. Well, like eyebrows... eyebrows. They are also tiny. They are usually lighter in color and are clearly visible on the face.

Ladies and gentlemen, attention to the screen! Here they are, those same famous Roborovsky eyebrows!

In addition, hamsters are very timid. They are very difficult to tame. Perhaps that is why they are so poorly distributed and known.

IMPORTANT: the bars of a regular cage will not hold them. Most of them will pass through it as if through a door. We will tell you below how to properly arrange housing for such a baby.

Allergy to hamsters

Unfortunately, among people, and especially children, such a disease is not rare. If you notice that your child has characteristic symptoms (swelling, eyelids, itchy eyes or skin, tearfulness), then most likely he is allergic to hamster. Why does this happen and what to do in this case? Most often, when diagnosed with a “hamster allergy,” doctors advise getting rid of the source of unpleasant symptoms caused by the fur.

Perhaps you will have to give up keeping a rodent for a while. But it’s too early to despair, since there are cases in which an allergy to a hamster disappears without a trace with age. If your eyes and skin no longer itch, you can try getting a pet again!

Colors of the Roborovsky breed

Hamsters come in a variety of colors and colors. Every lover will find a pet to suit their taste and color preferences. The choice is wide. Many people prefer the agouti color and consider this color to be one of the most beautiful (I am one of them). In the photo below is a typical representative of the Agouti color Roborovsky breed:

Photo from the site roborokus.ru

In addition to agouti, you can find the following colors:

platinum;
variegated (usually white interspersed with light brown);
husky (no, this is not a black and white northern hamster with blue eyes, just white with a red top);
husky cinnamon - mustard color with a more yellowish muzzle;
variegated cinnamon - the same as variegated, but with mustard splashes;
white – snow color;

Keeping hamsters

As already written above, there is not much difference in keeping Djungarians and Syrians in an apartment. Many breeders are interested in the question of why rodents stink, itch, and what method can be found to reduce the odor? To reduce the smell, you need to regularly clean your hamster's cage, and then you will notice that hamsters do not stink at all. Well, if your pet itches, then it may have parasites or the initial symptoms of the disease. To prevent parasites, a sand or ash bath should be present in the hamster’s “apartment” (where he itches and cleans his fur).

Males of the Dzungarian breed and females of the Syrian breed exude sexual secretion, which gives a more pronounced odor. Why? Nobody knows for sure. However, it cannot be said that these pets stink, since their aroma is barely perceptible. Many owners of Syrians note the fact that their rodents can be trained to go to the toilet.

Otherwise, the issues of feeding, treatment and cage arrangement are exactly the same for both breeds. Except for one point. For dzhungariks, it is worth choosing a cage in which the distance between the bars is small, otherwise there is a risk of the pet escaping. Among breeders, it is believed that Djungarians are more sociable and are easier to train, tame, and can even be placed with a family (but not always). Well, if the pet bites, itches, squeaks and is not given to the owner, then this behavior for the baby can also be the most common. Why is that? It’s just that all hamsters are different, and their content leaves an imprint from childhood. Treatments for the complex nature have not yet been invented.

Hamster behavior

Dzungarians and Syrians do not like companies and are nocturnal. In addition, these animals are prone to obesity, which is why the pet’s “apartment” must have a wheel, a ladder and other devices. If you decide to have offspring, then place the girl with the boy for a few days, and after 16-24 days expect an offspring. Djungarians are also prone to diabetes mellitus and the appearance of tumors if not properly cared for.

You are unlikely to be able to train a rodent, but it is even necessary to try to tame it. But if you are allergic to a hamster (the body and eyes itch when in contact with the fur), then you will have to watch the baby from the side, since direct contact will cause a reaction in your body.

Description of dzhungarik

The size is more like a mouse than a rat. Therefore, it looks half the size of the Syrian one. Its weight is only about forty grams. Characteristic features of the breed include large eyes and a spherical body. These babies have a unique, incomparable coat: dark gray with a long stripe on the back and a light belly. The life of Djungarian hamsters is shorter than that of their competitors. They live only three to four years with proper care. The most sociable among all dwarf hamsters. Therefore, do not have them if you cannot pay enough attention to the baby. Like the Syrian ones, they are not used to living in packs, although they show much less aggression towards their relatives. There are several other species, often sold under the name Djungarian. They are very similar in appearance, but differ in character. Not all dwarf rodents are easy to tame; some may require a lot of effort and patience. However, they are beautiful in appearance and have a large army of fans. Such animals are kept more as part of the interior than as a friend. He lives in isolation, practically never leaves his cage, but it is very fascinating to watch the hamster’s life even through glass or bars. They are good for busy owners who don’t have time to play with their pet for a long time.

By the way, hamsters are afraid of water, so bathing them is prohibited. For these purposes, you should purchase special sand in which the animal can clean its fur.

How to choose a nickname for a boy's hamster?

If you want to find a suitable name for a pet, then you can be guided by factors of appearance and behavior, as most people do. You can focus on a lively character (Alexander means “winner”). If your Djungarian hamster is brown in color, then he can be named Alex Brown. The nickname Gray is suitable for the gray one, but the white one can be called Snowball or Belchenko. Names for hamsters are often chosen spontaneously, at the first glance at the pet.