Wildlifeof China
Common Hamster
Rats, Mice, Voles & Porcupines
Photo: katanski · CC BY 3.0
Cricetus cricetus
Basic stats
Diet
Seeds, grains, roots, green plants and animal material
Habitat
Steppe, grassland and cultivated fields
Range
Europe eastward through western and Central Asia
Litter size
Usually 4–12
Gestation period
Approximately 18–20 days
Size
Approximately 20–35cm head-and-body length
Weight
Approximately 220–460g
The common hamster is a large, powerfully built hamster with reddish-brown upperparts, a black belly and conspicuous pale patches on the face and shoulders. Adults measure approximately 20–35cm excluding the short tail. Its broad range extends from Europe eastward into western and Central Asia. (Wikipedia, general species account)
It occupies steppe, grassland and cultivated fields, excavating complex burrows with nest and storage chambers. Seeds, grain, roots and green vegetation are carried in expandable cheek pouches, while insects and other animal matter are also eaten. Females can bear several litters during the active season after a short gestation. (Wikipedia, general species account)
Quick answers
- What does the Common Hamster eat?
- Seeds, grains, roots, green plants and animal material
- What habitat does the Common Hamster live in?
- Steppe, grassland and cultivated fields
- Where is the Common Hamster found?
- Europe eastward through western and Central Asia
- What is the litter size of the Common Hamster?
- Usually 4–12
- How long is the gestation period of the Common Hamster?
- Approximately 18–20 days
- How big is the Common Hamster?
- Approximately 20–35cm head-and-body length
- How much does the Common Hamster weigh?
- Approximately 220–460g