Last updated on January 22nd, 2023 at 06:54 pm
It may seem a little confusing when we say panda hamster, but let’s clarify that it is actually a Syrian hamster that has black and white colors on its fur.
These hamsters are called panda hamsters because they have similar colors to the panda bear.
In today’s article, we will learn more about panda hamsters, their characteristics, diet, lifespan, and similar things.
What is the lifespan of panda hamsters?
Since panda hamsters are Syrian hamsters, they live just like them, that is, their average lifespan is 2-3 years.
However, with a good and healthy diet with vitamins and minerals, panda hamsters can live up to 4 years.
What is the size of panda hamsters?
Panda hamsters are about the same size as Syrian hamsters, or rather 5-6 inches.
These hamsters, although they are one of the biggest, still look very attractive and you can hold them in your hands.
Can panda hamsters live together in a cage?
No, panda hamsters should not live in the same cage, because they like to live alone, you should never put two panda hamsters in the same cage.
If you try something like that, one will be killed, because they are territorial and do not allow sharing space with another hamster.
Panda hamsters like to be alone and we must respect their wish.
Food of panda hamsters
Panda hamsters should use pellets, vegetables, fruits, and seeds in their diet to be healthy and have the correct intake of nutrients they need.
The most important thing is that they eat pellets, which make up the largest percentage of their diet, and are characterized by an excellent composition of various nutrients needed by panda hamsters.
In addition to panda pellets, hamsters should also eat vegetables and fruits, such as:
- carrots
- apples
- pears
- bananas
- grapes
- strawberries
- blueberries
- blackberries
- cranberries
- squash
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- cucumber
- romaine lettuce
- spinach
You should be careful not to give them food rich in sugar because diabetes and weight gain can occur.
Attention should also be paid to calcium so that excessive amounts are not ingested, as kidney stones may occur in panda hamsters.
Are panda hamsters friendly?
Panda hamsters are known to be quite sociable with their owners and love to play with us.
Unlike Campbell’s hamsters, they are less likely to bite you, unless they are scared or disturbed for some reason.
For example, if you wake them up from sleep, panda hamsters may bite you as a sign of defense. Panda hamsters are good for children who will learn how to keep hamsters with them.
Do panda hamsters like to play?
Panda hamsters are very active and they like to play in the cage, but also outside in the environment.
If you have a wheel in the cage, they will surely enjoy running in it.
Apart from a wheel, they should also have other toys, tunnels, balls, and similar props that will help them to be active and maintain their fitness.
How to care for panda hamsters?
In terms of caring for panda hamsters, they are raised just like any other breed of hamster. Panda hamsters have short hair that is easier to maintain, they don’t need much grooming.
Provide them with enough toys and props to make it fun for them, especially the wheel that should of course be in their cage.
Chew toys are important so they can keep their ever-growing teeth down.
You should promptly clean the cage and change the bedding so that it can be clean and have good hygienic conditions.
How big should a panda hamster cage be?
Since panda hamsters are one of the largest, they should normally have a large cage.
They need a 400-450 inch cage to be comfortable. If you buy them a smaller cage it can only cause stress and anxiety in panda hamsters.
Stress only leads to the emergence of diseases and the shortening of their life span. The bigger the cage for the hamsters, the happier they will be.
Panda hamsters should also have a large wheel in the cage so that it does not hurt their back when they run, or a 28 cm diameter wheel so that they can run freely without bending over.
Where can you buy panda hamsters?
Panda hamsters or Syrian hamsters can be purchased at a pet store.
The cost of panda hamsters is around $20-$35 depending on where you live.
Some panda hamsters can be more expensive if they are bought from breeders who sell pedigree hamsters, i.e. healthier hamsters without genetic anomalies and other health problems.
Read more: How To Know If Hamsters Playing Or Fighting? Let’s Find Out
How disease-resistant are panda hamsters?
In terms of diseases, panda hamsters are just like all other hamsters and they often get sick from various diseases.
Panda hamsters often suffer from respiratory problems, cancer, wet tail, and other serious diseases.
That’s why you should pay attention to his condition and if you notice that something is wrong, you should take them to a veterinarian to examine them.
It is very difficult for panda hamsters and other hamsters to notice when something is wrong with them because they know how to skillfully hide when they are sick because that is how mother nature trained them.
They will hide when they are sick and run to shelters just like when they are in the wild and hide from predators that want to take advantage of their momentary weakness to catch and eat them.
Read more: What Do Hamsters Use Their Tails For? All You Need To Know
Conclusion
Panda hamsters are cute Syrian hamsters that are familiar and pet-friendly, especially interesting for children.
Panda hamsters require care just like all other hamsters, to have enough food and water, a large cage, and lots of toys.
It is very important that you never put two panda hamsters together in one cage because they like to live alone, they never want to share the territory with other hamsters.