Golden Hamsters

by Nadia Vella
http://www.hamster-club.com

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The country of origin of the Golden Hamster is Syria. Its scientific name is Mesocricetus auratus and it was first named in 1839 and first seen in the USA, and later on in the UK (in 1931). The Golden Hamster falls under the ‘Rodentia’ animal class. There are approximately 14 hamster species and they may live up to 3 years

An adult Golden Hamster’s weight is 120grm for a female and 108grm for a male. Their estrus cycle is 4 days but sometimes can also be 5 days. Their gestation period is approximately 16 days. Litter size is around 6-8 but there were cases where litter was from 2-12! The young are born naked, blind and the age of weaning is 21 days. Sexual maturity is reached at 6-8 weeks.