Hamsters were first introduced to the United States in 1938. Since their domestication, several color varieties of Syrian hamsters have become common due to selective breeding. Occasionally, other species of hamsters may be encountered, but they are much less common than the Syrian Hamster. These hamsters are recognizable by their small size, dark brown color, and black stripes over their backs. European hamsters are two other species occasionally used in research but seldom kept as pets.
Hamsters are small, soft animals with a fair temperament.
They tend to be active at night and like to sleep during the day. They can be cranky when abruptly awakened, so caution is advised when handling them at this time. Hamsters love to dig, burrow, and chew. In the wild, hamsters feed on leaves, seeds, roots, various fruits, and insects. These foods are typically processed as dry blocks or pellets designed specifically for rodents.