The Probert Encyclopaedia of Nature

HAMSTER

The hamster is several genera of rodent animals belonging to the family Cricetidae, super-family Muridae (the mice) and are closely allied to the rats. They are distinguished by being burrowing, stout-bodied, with a short hairy tail, cheek pouches and thick, soft fur. Hamsters eat fruit, vegetables, grain and also other rodents, lizards and small birds. The female will produce several litters in a year, giving birth two to three weeks after conception. Hamsters are used as pets - particularly the easily tamed Golden Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) which is also used in vivisection laboratories, and also eaten and their fur used as a lining for coats.
Research Hamster