
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mesocricetus auratus
A solid black colour variety of the golden (Syrian) hamster, sold as the 'black hamster'. Care is identical to a standard golden hamster, including solitary housing.
The black golden hamster is a solid black colour variety of the golden (Syrian) hamster, sold in Japan under the trade name 'black hamster'. The wild species inhabits arid land in northern Syria and southern Turkey; wild populations have declined with agricultural development and the IUCN lists it as Endangered, but all animals in the pet trade are captive-bred. Many coat colours have been fixed in captivity besides the normal golden brown, including cream (black-eyed cream, 'kinkuma' in Japan), silver, chocolate, albino and this black variety. Black animals are darkest as juveniles and may develop brownish tones on the belly and flanks with age and moulting. Behaviour is the same as the wild type: nocturnal, solitary and strongly territorial, so cohabiting animals fight fiercely and each hamster must be housed alone. The diet is a plant-leaning omnivory of seeds, leaves, roots and fruit with some insects; food is carried in the cheek pouches and hoarded in the nest. Kept in a roomy cage with a wheel and nesting material, it is easy for beginners.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Black Golden Hamster lives 2-3 years.
Lifespan is 2-3 years.
The Black Golden Hamster grows to 14-17cm / 100-200g.
Body length is 14-17 cm and weight around 100-200 g, with about 150 g typical in Japan.
Origin
Syria and southern Turkey (wild species); colour variety developed in captivity
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Mesocricetus auratus (Waterhouse, 1839)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Wild populations are IUCN Endangered, but the pet trade consists of captive-bred animals. Not CITES-listed.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List Mesocricetus auratus
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
14-17cm / 100-200g
Temperature
18〜26℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Hamster pellets, seeds, vegetables, small amounts of animal protein
A cage with a large floor area, wheel, nest box and deep bedding. It hoards food, so remove stale stores from the nest regularly.
Self-grooming; no brushing needed. A sand bath helps keep the coat free of grease.
Strongly territorial; cohabiting hamsters fight fiercely. Always house singly. Nocturnal and asleep by day.
The black coat may turn brownish with age and moulting. Seek a vet promptly for cheek-pouch impaction or diarrhoea (wet tail).
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The average lifespan of Black Golden Hamster is 2-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Black Golden Hamster typically reaches 14-17cm / 100-200g as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Black Golden Hamster feeds on: Hamster pellets, seeds, vegetables, small amounts of animal protein. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Black Golden Hamster varies significantly depending on variety, age, sex, and the individual animal's condition. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026