Even though they’re small animals, Syrian or golden hamsters are the giants of the hamster world. It’s easy to wonder how big Syrian hamsters are and how much larger they are compared to other hamsters.
Syrian hamsters are 6 – 8 inches (14 – 19 cm) long and weigh between 2.9 and 5.2 oz (85 and 150 g). They have thick bodies with short, wide feet. Because of their size, they require bigger enclosures and different meal plans than other hamsters.
In this article, we’ll follow the size development of Syrian hamsters from the moment they’re born to when they’re fully grown. I’ll also explain how the size of your pet affects its diet and the size of its enclosure.
How Big Can a Syrian Hamster Get?
A Syrian Hamster can grow to weigh 5.2 ounces (150 grams) and be 8 inches (19 cm) long. This makes them double the size and even triple the weight of other hamsters.
The biggest fully grown Syrian hamster on record is the little giant called Neptune, who was 12.3 ounces (350 grams) at his heaviest.
Syrian Hamster Pups
Syrian hamster pups are born after 16 to 17 days of pregnancy in liters of 5 to 15 pups. They’re born weighing only 0.07 to 0.10 ounces (1.9 to 2.8 grams). When they’re four weeks old and grown enough to be adopted, Syrian hamster pups are as big as fully grown dwarf hamsters, around 4 inches (10 cm) in length.
Below is a great YouTube video of Syrian hamster pups’ growing process from the day they are born up to when they’re one month old:
Fully Grown Adult Syrian Hamster
Syrian hamsters reach adulthood when they’re between 8 and 12 weeks old. When fully grown, they’re between 6 and 8 inches (14 and 19 cm) long with a body weight between 2.9 and 5.2 ounces (85 and 150 grams).
These animals are a fantastic example of sexual dimorphism: female Syrian Hamsters are larger than males. In polygynous animals, which breed with more than one female, like Syrian hamsters, bigger sizes in females signify higher fertility.
How Does Size Affect the Diet of Syrian Hamsters?
In regards to the diet of your Syrian hamster, the size makes a difference. Since Syrian hamsters are much larger than other hamsters, they need more food. While dwarf hamsters shouldn’t have more than two pumpkin seeds, your Syrian Hamster can handle six without any problems.
The size also matters when feeding them fruits.
While it’s strongly advised to remove the seed from fruits like watermelons and grapes when feeding your dwarf hamsters, Syrian hamsters don’t have the same problem. They can eat more fruit and scarf down most seeds without a problem.
Although the size isn’t a problem, avoid feeding your hamster apple seed and almonds. They contain toxins that break down into cyanide when ingested and can prove fatal for your pet over time.
How Does Size Affect the Size of Enclosure?
Since Syrian hamsters are much larger than other hamsters, they also need larger enclosures. The recommendation for the size of the Syrian hamster cage is 24 by 12 inches (61 by 30 cm), with a minimum height of 12 inches (30 cm). However, when it comes to a Syrian hamster, bigger is always better.
There are enclosures made specifically for Syrian Hamsters, and you should go for these. A good enclosure comes with the following benefits:
- Plenty of space and a big view
- Proper ventilation
- Allows for deep bedding as hamsters love to burrow
- A door that makes it convenient to feed and play with your pet
I recommend this MEWOOFUN Large Hamster Cage (available on Amazon.com). It’s a 39.4 by 19.7-inch (100 by 50 cm) enclosure with a 19.7-inch (50 cm) height that’ll give your hamster enough space to run around and play. Also, it’s well-ventilated with holes on two sides and the top and has a front opening, making it easy to clean.
MEWOOFUN Large Hamster Cage Wooden Hamster Cage for Syrian Hamster Without Accessories (Front-opening-39.4" L X 19.7" W X 19.7”H)
If you pick a glass tank for your pet’s home, the minimum volume should be 20 gallons (75.7 liters), but the best option would be a 50-gallon (189 liters) tank.
Conclusion
Syrian hamsters are three times heavier and two times bigger than other hamsters, so you have to care for them differently than you would for a dwarf hamster. They need more food and more space.
While that means a bigger investment, with the larger size come significant advantages: Syrian Hamsters are more resistant, have a better immune system, and aren’t in mortal danger every time they eat a grape.
When caring for your Syrian hamster, take its size into account and give it all it needs to thrive, and in return, you’ll have a grateful and happy pet.