Black Bear Hamster
Is The Black Bear Hamster A Special Breed?
The Black Bear hamster has gained a reputation as being one of the most docile and friendliest of hamster breeds. Some of this may have something to do with genetics, but reputation can also shape how we think about certain animals, just as it can shape what we think about people.
Very Friendly, But Why? - There seems little doubt that the Black Bear hamster is indeed very friendly. If one purchases a hamster that has a reputation for being very friendly and lovable, and it is friendly and lovable at all, we tend to consider it as being "very" friendly. If one review various hamster forums where the Black Bear hamster is a topic of discussion, everyone seems to agree that it is certainly among the friendliest of the hamster breeds, but no one knows exactly why that is. The color alone should not make a difference, black is not necessarily cuter or warmer than white or golden.
Part of the explanation might be that the Black Bear hamster is a Syrian hamster. Of the hamsters making up the pet trade, by far the greatest numbers are either Syrian hamsters or Russian dwarf hamsters. Of the two types, the Syrian hamsters are generally considered to be much friendlier and much more docile. This of course doesn't answer the question of why the Black Bear hamster seems so special.
The answer is, at least in part, that at one time, the Black Bear was specifically bred for the characteristics it's famous for. This breed exhibited some differences in body shape or conformation, as well as in personality. They were in fact being selectively bred for their temperament. This was some time ago, and it isn't clear to what extent this new breed has been kept in a pure state. Presently, if one purchases a Black Bear hamster, it may be a member of the breed, or simply a Syrian hamster that happens to be black. Either way, the hamster should have short, thick fur which is pure black, with the exception of a white spot under its chest. The ears will be hairless and black, and the eyes will be black as well. The nose and paws however will be typically hamster pink.
Sounds Exotic, Costs More - Be it a Syrian or Black Bear, those who own one of these little black fellows seem to adore them, so there definitely is something to reputation for friendliness. Some are convinced however, that there is a bit of psychology involved. A Black Bear hamster sounds much more exotic than does a plain black hamster, so will naturally cost more. If we pay more, we're going to try to convince ourselves that it was worth it, that our little hamster is indeed more friendly than any other.
Care And Feeding - The care for a Black Bear hamster is no different than for any other hamster type or breed however, so one does not have to worry about having an exotic breed that requires special attention. Feed it quality rodent food, adding occasional bits of fresh fruits and vegetables (though not too much at one time). Carrots are great, as is bread, and non-sugar cereal. It is very important that the hamster has something it can do a lot of chewing on, as its incisor teeth continuously grow and need to be kept form getting too long. A wood block will serve nicely for this.
A 10 gallon aquarium can serve as housing, and a plastic ball with air vents and a removable lid is great for letting the hamster roam around the house. Just don't let it get stuck in direct sunlight or the hamster could be overheated. Keep everything clean and your pet should stay healthy. As friendly as it might be, a hamster is often unfriendly towards one of its own, so don't get a companion thinking you are doing your pet a favor, you're not, and one of the hamsters may not survive the ordeal. The Black Bear hamster, as friendly as it is, is no exception.