The Syrian hamster is the most common type of hamster kept as a pet. Their low cost, ease of care and the wide range of colours and coat types make the Syrian hamster the most popular small pet rodent in many countries today.

The Syrian hamster is an ideal pet for those looking for a single pet as it is a solitary animal and will not usually live with another past 8-10 weeks of age so it is important that they are housed separately as serious fighting, even death can occur if more than one are kept in the same cage.

The Syrian hamster makes an ideal pet for those at work or school during the day as it is nocturnal so sleeps during the day and usually wakes during the evening. At approximately 6-7 inches in length when full grown the Syrian hamster is the largest of the hamster species kept as pets and so is easy enough for small children to handle under supervision.