Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) possesses a variety of unique features which make them desirable research models.
Syrian hamsters are the most common species of hamster. They are often nicknamed Panda Bear hamsters, Black Bear hamsters, and Teddy Bear hamsters, although they are actually all the same 'Mesocricetus Auratus' species of hamster. Syrian hamsters are well-suited for young children or first time hamster owners and it is fairly easy to learn how to take care of them properly, although they do require gentle handling. The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is a widely used experimental animal model. This chapter focuses primarily on the most current research uses of the hamster. More classical uses are covered only as they pertain to these current uses. The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) possesses a variety of unique features which make them desirable research models. Despite these features, experimental use of the hamster has declined over the past 20–30 years. Although the Syrian hamster or golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) was first described scientifically by George Robert Waterhouse in 1839, researchers were not able to successfully breed and domesticate hamsters until 1939.  Get bedding for the cage. Remember that safe bedding is a must. Do not use sawdust, pine, or cedar bedding because the oils from these wood types are harmful to your hamster. Use shredded paper, brands like aspen, care fresh, boxo, and Katyee clean and cozy are great. Syrian hamsters are well-suited for young children or first time hamster owners and it is fairly easy to learn how to take care of them properly, although they do require gentle handling. Hamsters belong to the family Cricetidae and there are 24 different species. Among the most popular kept as pets are the Syrian, the Russian dwarf Campbell and the Roborovski. Why not view our full Hamster factfile (PDF 48KB) . Clarification of terminology. Bedding material is used to describe the material or substrate that is used to cover the bottom of the cage. Nesting material is used to describe the material provided in addition to bedding material, which is given to the hamsters for nest building and nesting behaviour. Hamster wheels or running wheel are exercise devices used primarily by hamsters and other rodents, but also by other cursorial animals when given the opportunity. Most of these devices consist of a runged or ridged wheel held on a stand by a single or pair of stub axles. Solid plastic wheels are safer for some types of animals, such as hamsters and hedgehogs, because the animal's feet or legs cannot get trapped and injured between rungs. However, some rodents (e.g. gerbils) will quickly chew and destroy plastic wheels but not steel versions. Buy a cage. A good cage for a Syrian hamster is a cage with a minimum of 360 square inches of floor space. Never give your Syrian a cage any smaller than that because they will be severely cramped. Most pet store cages are too small; instead try a 20 gallon (75.7 L) long tank, a bin cage, or a DIY cage. Syrian hamsters are well-suited for young children or first time hamster owners and it is fairly easy to learn how to take care of them properly, although they do require gentle handling. Choice tests with Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) have shown that they prefer larger wheels; the animals chose a wheel diameter of 35 cm (14 in) over 23 cm (9 in), which itself was preferred over 17.5 cm (7 in). Solid plastic wheels are safer for some types of animals, such as hamsters and hedgehogs, because the animal's feet or legs cannot get trapped and injured between rungs. However, some rodents (e.g. gerbils) will quickly chew and destroy plastic wheels but not steel versions.
http://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Syrian-Hamsters http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123809209000341 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamster http://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Syrian-Hamsters http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/hamsters https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamster_wheel http://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Syrian-Hamsters https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamster_wheel
why are syrian hamsters used in experiments?