Nocturnal, Exploratory, Gnawing, Burrowing, Foraging, Exercising
Adults can be socially housed with the same sex. Female Syrian hamsters that are litter mates can be social , but as they mature they will increase aggression. Males can be socially housed with minimal aggression. Clear dominant submissive relationship when housed together. However in the wild, are solitary.
Cannibalism, Fighting, Bar Mouthing
Exploratory, Gentle, Burrowing, Gnawing, Jumping, Hind Limb Thumping, Exercising, territorial
The males of Mongolian gerbil (M. unguiculatus) occupy well defined territories with high level of individualization.
Scratching at Cage Corners, Aggression
Enrichment items that promote burrowing, shelter, gnawing, exercising such as wheels, blocks, platforms, and a sufficient amount of nesting material enrichment work best to exhibit their natural behaviors.
Featured studies related to refinement, enrichment, handling, behavior management, and training techniques.