Hamsters as pets have their origins in the wild, and the practice of keeping them as domesticated animals gained popularity relatively recently.
Wild Origins: Wild hamsters originate from various parts of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. There are several species of hamsters, but the ones most commonly kept as pets are believed to have originated from Syria. The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), also known as the golden hamster, is native to the region of Syria and parts of Turkey.
In the wild, hamsters are burrowing rodents that inhabit dry, arid regions. They have cheek pouches for carrying food back to their burrows and are primarily nocturnal.
Domestication and Popularity as Pets: The hamster's journey into becoming a popular household pet began in the 1930s. Reverend Dr. A.G. Spencer brought a Syrian hamster pair back to the United Kingdom from Aleppo, Syria. These hamsters were later bred by Dr. Spencer and others, and the descendants of this pair formed the foundation of the pet hamster population.
In 1938, Albert Marsh, an animal dealer, introduced hamsters to the United States. The first hamsters brought to the U.S. were a breeding pair of Syrian hamsters that he obtained from the London Zoological Gardens. These hamsters quickly became popular as pets due to their small size, relatively easy care, and endearing behaviours.
Over the years, hamsters have been selectively bred for various traits, leading to the development of different hamster breeds with distinct coat colours and patterns. In addition to the Syrian hamster, other species commonly kept as pets include the Dwarf hamster species, which originate from various parts of Asia.
Today, hamsters are popular pets around the world, kept for their small size, relatively low maintenance, and their suitability for apartment living. They are commonly found in pet stores, and responsible breeding practices are emphasized to ensure the health and well-being of these small rodents in captivity.
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