1) What kind of food do hamsters like best? Individual hamsters may have different tastes although I have known most to like whole grain foods and cereals (such as Corn Flakes, plain Cheerios, and other low salt and low or sugar free cereals), hardboiled eggs (only as an occasional treat; be sure and remove uneaten egg within 24 hours to prevent it from rotting) sunflower seeds, green leafy vegetables (such as spinach), yogart drops, grapes, corn, and carrots (not for dwarf hamsters).
2) Which sense affects a hamster's ability to find food: sight, smell or does it matter? As a nocturnal (sleep during the day) creature, the hamster has no use for acute vision. It doesn't see colors and forms very clearly. On the other hand, its round eyes on the sides of its head can take in its entire surroundings with a single glance. By our standards, it is quite near-sighted, since it can scarcely see shapes clearly more than a yard away. In daylight, the hamster is nearly blind. That explains its frequently observed fear when it suddenly enters unfamiliar surroundings. The hamster depends more on its senses of hearing and smell to learn about its environment than it does by sight. A hamster's hearing is better than it's sense of vision. But it's strongest is it's sense of smell; because of this, I would suggest using a strong odor food in your maze.
3) What is the best time to do the experiment? I would suggest the evening when they are most active. Hamsters are nocturnal (sleep in the day) but are also crepuscular (twilight active). Hamsters see best in dim light, and are usually most lively at that time (even though sight is not their best sense).
4) Are there basic differences between male and female hamsters that would affect its ability to learn? is either sex more easily taught? Personality and behavior in hamsters vary as they do in humans. Female hamsters are intensely territorial and more aggressive than males. Both sexes can be cranky when abruptly awakened (so caution is advised when handling them at this time). Hamsters that do not receive much attention and handling may be more apprehensive and aggressive. Both are easily taught with a food/treat reward.
A hamster naturally travels through tunnels and can follow scent trails.
:::Hope this helps:::Edited by vwgoddess_19 on November 29 2005 at 4:07am
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