Here’s a detailed explanation of the body size of the European hamster (black-bellied hamster/field hamster):
Core Physical Characteristics
Body Length Range
Adult individuals typically measure 20–35 cm (including the tail), with males generally larger than females.
Wild individuals average 25 cm, while captive-bred ones can reach 34 cm.
Weight Profile
Standard weight: 220–460 g. In extreme records, a captive Dutch individual reached 900 g.
Females are 10%–15% lighter than males.
Special Physiological Structures
Tail Proportion
Tail length: 4–6 cm, accounting for 15%–20% of body length—significantly shorter than Chinese hamsters.
Cheek Pouch Capacity
Can store food equivalent to 10% of body weight, adapting to wild food shortages.
Limb Features
Hind limbs are robust with reddish-brown fur, adapted for burrowing.
Comparison with Other Hamsters
Syrian Hamster
European hamsters are twice as long and 3–4 times heavier.
Chinese Hamster
European hamsters’ tail length is only 1/3 to 1/2 that of Chinese hamsters.
Note: This species exhibits significant sexual dimorphism, and captive-bred individuals are generally 20% larger than wild ones.