Syrian Hamster

The Syrian hamster, also widely known as the golden or teddy bear hamster, is the most popular pet hamster and the largest commonly kept species. Originating in the arid regions of Syria and the northern Middle East, all pet Syrians descend from a small number of animals collected in the 1930s, from which the species was successfully bred in captivity.

Syrians are strictly solitary and must be housed alone, as they are territorial and will fight if kept together. Naturally nocturnal, they are most active in the evening and at night, and generally become tame and docile with gentle, regular handling. They need a spacious cage, a solid exercise wheel and plenty of bedding for burrowing.