Source: Wikimedia Commons
Golden Hamster
BeginnerMesocricetus auratus
The most popular and beginner-friendly hamster. Docile, easy to handle, and available in many color varieties.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
20〜26℃
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
15-20cm
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Hamster pellets, vegetables, seeds
About
The golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), also known as the Syrian hamster, is a small rodent native to arid regions of northern Syria and southern Turkey. Their natural golden-brown coat has been diversified through selective breeding into white, cream, cinnamon, and patterned varieties. Solitary and strictly territorial by nature, they must be housed individually to prevent serious fighting. Highly nocturnal, they are most active from dusk to dawn and require a wheel of at least 20 cm diameter to satisfy their need to run several kilometers each night. Diet should consist of quality rodent pellets supplemented with fresh vegetables. Common health concerns include tumors, cheek-pouch prolapse, and diabetes.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Golden Hamster
The Golden Hamster lives 2-3 years.
Lifespan is 2–3 years.
Size of the Golden Hamster
The Golden Hamster grows to 15-20cm.
Adults measure 15–20 cm in length and weigh 100–150 g, making them the largest of the commonly kept pet hamsters.
Temperature & humidity for the Golden Hamster
The ideal temperature for the Golden Hamster is 20〜26℃. Ideal humidity is 40〜60%.
Optimal temperature is 20–26 °C; temperatures below 15 °C can induce torpor.
Basic Info
Origin
northern Syria and southern Turkey
Care Specifications
Solitary
Morphs (Varieties)
Color/coat mutations of golden (Syrian) hamster Mesocricetus auratus. Golden (wild-type) at locus A is dominant; black and others are recessive.
RecessiveVisual only with two copies; one copy = het (carrier).
BlackCinnamonCreamLong-haired (Teddy Bear)
DominantVisual with a single copy; no distinct super form.
Golden (wild type)Silver GreyWhite-BelliedSatin
Sources: Syrian hamster variations (Wikipedia)
A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.
References & Sources
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.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Mesocricetus auratus (Waterhouse, 1839)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listedIUCN EN · Endangered
IUCN EN assessment is for wild populations. Pet individuals are circulated in large numbers through captive breeding.
Sources: Mesocricetus auratus IUCN EN (2022)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Golden Hamster Listings
Loading latest listingsFind listings for this species
