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# - Missoulian, Monday, May 20, 2013 - # Proud partner in Community Education Presents Syrian hamster or golden hamster Proud partner in Community Education By Laurie Triefeldt TM Common smooth-coated guinea pigs These cute little rodents have become popular pets for children in many countries. If you are considering bringing a hamster or guinea pig into your home, it is a good idea to understand the unique traits of each species. Hamsters are smaller, eat less Presents and are active at night (they need plenty of exercise and sleep most of the day). Most hamsters are solitary animals and should not share a cage. Guinea pigs are more social (like to be cuddled), but are less active. They need a buddy to share their cage with and also need plenty of vitamin C (fruit and greens). HAMSTERS A bit of history Hamsters Basic rodent care • When it comes to rodents, habitats that are bigger are better. Hamsters do well in aquariums with plenty of materials to burrow in. Guinea pigs need lots of horizontal space to explore. • Rodents need a nesting box, where they can retreat and rest. • Hamsters and guinea pigs love to play, dig and tunnel — tubes for tunneling, exercise wheels and toys should be provided. GUINEA PIGS • Line rodent cages with absorbent bedding — hay or shavings — and make sure the litter is dry. Remove droppings, uneaten food and soiled bedding every day. Completely clean and change the bedding every week. A bit of history were first discovered in Syria, but they are native to many parts of the world. The Syrian hamster or golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) became known to the scientific community in 1839, but hamsters were not bred and domesticated until the 1930s. They were first found in pet shops around 1945. In a name The word "hamster" is derived from the German word “hamstern,” which means “hoard” (because that is what they do with extra food). Diet Hamsters eat a variety of foods. In the wild, they feed mostly on seeds, fruits and greens, and will sometimes eat burrowing insects. In captivity, they eat mostly dried food — seeds, grains, cracked corn and pellets (available at pet stores). You should supplement your pet’s diet with fresh foods every two or three days. Hamsters have a special pouch on each side of their head that they stuff full of food to be stored and eaten later. Behavior Hamsters are Natives in the Andean region of South America domesticated the guinea pig as a source of food around 5000 B.C. Guinea pigs are still valued as food in the Andes. They are also used in folk medicine and religious ceremonies. In the 16th century, they became popular exotic pets in Europe. • Hamsters and guinea pigs eat pellets, grains, seeds, cracked corn and nuts but should also be given a small amount of fresh vegetables and fruit every day or every few days. In a name It is unknown how the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) got its name, but it is also called a cavy. These animals are not from Guinea, nor are they part of the pig family. • Make sure your pet has fresh water at all times. • Did you know that rodents’ teeth grow continuously? To keep them trimmed, make sure they have a twig or chew stick for lots of chewing and gnawing. Diet Commercial guinea pig pellets made from plants, seeds and veggies should make up the bulk of your pet’s diet. Fresh vegetables should also be included, but make sure to clean up leftover fresh food before it spoils. You need to provide foods high in vitamin C, such as oranges, kale, dandelion greens and strawberries, since guinea pigs cannot manufacture that vitamin. • Learn to hand-tame your pet — start by giving them treats from your hand and then, gradually, getting them used to being picked up and held. Behavior Guinea pigs have a docile nature and are re- nocturnal and will burrow underground to avoid being caught by predators in the wild. A pet hamster should be given a quiet place to sleep during the day and a place to hide its stash of food. Hamsters may bite or nip if they are disturbed during the day or handled roughly. A pet hamster that is handled and played with gently will be more friendly and social. sponsive to handling and feeding. They rarely bite and are known for squeaking with delight when their favorite humans enter the room. When excited, guinea pigs may hop up and down, which is known as “popcorning.” They are smart, able to learn complex paths to food that they can remember for months. Guinea pigs can jump small obstacles, but are poor climbers and not very agile. They are also surprisingly good swimmers. Guinea pigs are social animals that prefer to live in small groups. Like all rodents, they will multiply rapidly, so keeping males and females together is not recommended. Kinds of hamsters Syrian Hamsters (also known as the golden hamster or teddy bear hamster) This critter is about 6 inches long and comes in many color variations. Syrian hamsters are solitary and MUST live alone. Average life span is two to three years. Dwarf Hamster Varieties They are about 2 to 3 inches long with an average life span of one to two years. Dwarf hamsters are social and like to live in pairs. Chinese Hamsters They are rarer than other kinds of hamsters. These rodents grow to about 2 to 3 inches long with an average life span of one to two years. • Do not house male and female rodents together, since they breed quickly. • Do not keep different species of rodents in the same cage; it may spread disease and cause fighting. Breeds There are many, many breeds of guinea pigs, but • Do not let your pet rodent run free near a cat or dog that might mistake it for prey. the three most common are: Smooth-Coated (with short, glossy fur) Abyssinian (with hair that grows in fluffy tufts all over the body) Peruvian (also known as a silkie — with long, silky hair that flows to the ground) Most guinea pigs weigh between 1.5 to 2.5 pounds, and grow between 8 and 10 inches in length. They live an average of four to five years, but may live as long as eight years. Peruvian (silkie) guinea pig • Because rodents breed so quickly, they are often used in research — as models for human medical conditions such as juvenile diabetes, tuberculosis, scurvy and pregnancy complications. • Animal shelters regularly receive unwanted pet rodents that have been bred. SOURCES: World Book Encyclopedia, World Book Inc.; www.guineapigsandhamsters.com; www.aspca. org; www.factmonster.com; http://www.hamster-club. com; www.humanesociety.org At a bookstore near you: Two full-color World of Wonder compilations: “Plants & Animals” and “People & Places.” © 2013 Triefeldt Studios, Inc. Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS LEARN ABOUT MINNESOTA IN THE NEXT INSTALLMENT OF WORLD OF WONDER missoulian.com Every minute. Every day. Teachers A teachers aid for the World of Wonder page is available at missouliantech.com/wonder