Hamster

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A hamster is a rodent belonging to subfamily Cricetinae. The name hamster was originally a German word ("hamstern" meaning to hoard).

The best known species is the Syrian hamster, also known as the Golden Hamster, Mesocricetus auratus, which is commonly kept as a pet.

Although there are several distinctive differences between the different breeds of hamsters, all hamsters share several common traits. The average hamster lives for just under three years and usually reaches a length of two to four inches when fully grown, depending on breed.

All hamsters have scent glands that appear as bumps under the skin. They can appear either on the abdomen or on the belly or, as with Chinese hamster, in both locations.

Hamsters reach sexual maturity at 6-8 weeks of age, with pregnancy lasting 15 days. Litters range in size from 6-8 pups.

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