# The hamsters **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 16, 2004, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742 "2004-01-16T12:32:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2004, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742/1 "2004-01-16T12:32:30Z")
I mentioned the hamsters and how they eat posts to Mrs Princhester. Now she wants to know: what are their names, and respective personalities? ---
**Author:** ![BrotherCadfael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@BrotherCadfael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrotherCadfael)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2004, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742/2 "2004-01-16T14:07:33Z")
The hamsters are named Alvin, Simon, and Theodore. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2004, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742/3 "2004-01-16T16:00:49Z")
There has to be one named Nibbles. Who else will chew through my ballsack? šŸ˜‰ ---
**Author:** ![Capcha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/82dd89/32.png) [@Capcha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capcha)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2004, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742/4 "2004-01-16T17:56:52Z")
> [@BrotherCadfael](#): > > The hamsters are named Alvin, Simon, and Theodore. Actually, those chipmunks were just a cover up story. The hamsters donā€™t have names. It makes it easier for them to get their job done without shedding tears over their casualties. I guess they believe thatā€™ll make their victims more prone to terrorā€¦ How would i know? Just wait till **you** hear that awful, crunching/chewing noise in the dark. ---
**Author:** ![Tusculan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecd19e/32.png) [@Tusculan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tusculan)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2004, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742/5 "2004-01-16T20:51:45Z")
[Apparently](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=235305) the names of two of them are Sparky and Harvey the Wonder Hamster. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2004, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742/6 "2004-01-16T21:26:03Z")
Three of them, veterans all, are named Ham, Shem, and Boopsie. ---
**Author:** ![Ponder\_Stibbons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponder_stibbons/32/343_2.png) [@Ponder\_Stibbons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponder_Stibbons)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2004, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742/7 "2004-01-16T21:36:23Z")
I thought they were Larry, Moe and Squirrelly? ---
**Author:** ![mkl12](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b4bc9f/32.png) [@mkl12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mkl12)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2004, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742/8 "2004-01-16T23:07:55Z")
The most famous one is called Hampster. People talk about him all the time. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2004, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742/9 "2004-01-16T23:34:28Z")
Shadrach, Meschach, Abednego, and Rudolph ---
**Author:** ![Bruce\_Daddy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/85f322/32.png) [@Bruce\_Daddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bruce_Daddy)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2004, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742/10 "2004-01-16T23:37:48Z")
Iā€™m pretty sure their last name is Damn, 'cause itā€™s always ā€œthe Damn Hamstersā€ this and ā€œthe Damn Hamstersā€ that. ---
**Author:** ![french\_frog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c77e96/32.png) [@french\_frog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/french_frog)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2004, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742/11 "2004-01-16T23:52:00Z")
Thought I would share that with you : In one South American country (I think itā€™s Ecuador, but Iā€™m not sure) they eat fried hamsters. They fried them in different oils and at different temperatures to make them tastier. Yum. * * * Hey: I found it! [http://www.globetrekkertv.co.uk/destination\_guide/south\_america/ecuador\_and\_the\_galapagos\_islands/guinea\_pig.php](http://www.globetrekkertv.co.uk/destination_guide/south_america/ecuador_and_the_galapagos_islands/guinea_pig.php) ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2004, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742/12 "2004-01-16T23:57:16Z")
> [@french frog](#): > > Thought I would share that with you : > > In one South American country (I think itā€™s Ecuador, but Iā€™m not sure) they eat fried hamsters. They fried them in different oils and at different temperatures to make them tastier. > > Yum. > > * * * > > Hey: I found it! [http://www.globetrekkertv.co.uk/destination\_guide/south\_america/ecuador\_and\_the\_galapagos\_islands/guinea\_pig.php](http://www.globetrekkertv.co.uk/destination_guide/south_america/ecuador_and_the_galapagos_islands/guinea_pig.php) Those are guinea pigs, not hamsters. Iā€™ve had guinea pig several times in Peru, at one of the best restaurants in Cusco. Itā€™s delicious - by far the best rodent Iā€™ve ever eaten. (Much better than rat, IMO.) ---
**Author:** ![french\_frog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c77e96/32.png) [@french\_frog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/french_frog)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2004, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742/13 "2004-01-17T00:10:32Z")
Mmmmā€¦ Thanks \*\* Colibri \*\* . Iā€™m beginning to be knowledgable on the subjectā€¦ > [@](#): > > We all think that rats are rodents that only live in sewers, right? Actually, this is not true. There are people who are fond of these creatures and keep them as pets. Rodents, such as gerbils, hamsters, and mice are pets in many homes. > > Welcome to rodents 101. Itā€™s time to give these pesky critters their due and shed some light on the world of the furry. So relax, put your feet up, and listen for the pitter-patter of tiny footsteps ā€“ itā€™s time to show you the difference! > > Rodents are some of the easiest pets to care for. They require a tank, a cage or a crate, water and food, and a place to rest. Basic maintenance, such as changing the water and bedding, is quick and easy. It is recommended to purchase a rodent from a breeder instead of a pet store, as breeders handle these mammals and understand temperaments better than storeowners. > > Being knowledgeable about the right pet is important, so here is information on some rodents you may consider welcoming into your home: > > Hamsters > Hamsters are one of the most popular rodents to own as pets, largely due to their cuteness and ease of care. They are nocturnal, sleeping most of the day, and prefer to be left alone with minimal human interaction. The Syrian hamster is the most common type, but be warned, they cannot live with others of its kind as they will fight, so keep them separated if buying more than one. Their average lifespan is 2-4 years. > > Gerbils > > Gerbils are very tame and easy to handle. They do not sleep much and are active during the day and night. They are curious creatures and require very little care, i.e. drinking water and eating foods such as celery and lettuce. The most common species is the Mongolian gerbil. If buying more than one, it is best to buy gerbils of the same sex and at the same time, so they can become familiar with one another. Their average lifespan is 3-5 years. > > Rats > > Rats are an excellent choice as pets due to their intelligence and interaction with humans. They are nocturnal, sleeping most of the day, so be prepared to play at night. They are tame, playful, and easy to handle, making them ideal pets. If buying more than one, it is recommended to stay within the same sex. Males tend to grow larger than females and their average lifespan is 2-3 years. > > Mice > > Mice are very small, possibly the smallest of the rodent family. They are gentle, and easy to care for. If keeping more than one, it is recommended to choose females, as male mice tend to fight. They eat a large variety of foods, such as cooked rice, carrots, and pasta. Their average lifespan is 2 years. > > Guinea Pigs > > Donā€™t be fooled by their name; guinea pigs are not pigs but rodents. These furry creatures have become a very popular choice for pets because of their gentleness. They spend most of the time burrowing and hiding, as they are very shy. Keeping two guinea pigs together is recommended because they tend to get lonely. As with mice, two male guinea pigs will fight, so keep males with females if you want more than one as a pet. They eat food such as cabbage and carrots. Their average lifespan is 4-7 years. Humour and exotic cuisine appart, there was 2 guinea pigs at my Grand-maā€™s place when I was a kid. Enjoyed them, and not in a culinary way šŸ˜‰ ---
**Author:** ![Horseflesh](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horseflesh/32/7502_2.png) [@Horseflesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horseflesh)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2004, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742/14 "2004-01-17T01:20:14Z")
Limpy, Gimpy, and Pegleg. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2004, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742/15 "2004-01-17T02:35:15Z")
Winken, Blinken, and Nod In Service At This Time. ---
**Author:** ![Governor\_Quinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d26b3c/32.png) [@Governor\_Quinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Governor_Quinn)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2004, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742/16 "2004-01-17T03:02:32Z")
I know of seven hamsters by name. Two of these (Shem and Abednago) have already been mentioned. The other five are: Sandford Albertus Zumabalistichavoradistipowastiktaktiktalthang That Little Mother!@#$%^ Joseph Chamberlain ---
**Author:** ![Polycarp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/82dd89/32.png) [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2004, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742/17 "2004-01-17T03:41:06Z")
Actually, there are nine: **Habitraildiva** handles ATMB and the main website **CK Hamster Haven** handles CCC and CSR **xampster** handles GQ **Dr Hamstrix** is responsible for MSPIMS **Gauddamit** takes care of GD **Czarcamster** works IMHO **Gimpy the Slothful** is responsible for searches **Eutychamster** does CafƩ Society **Lynn Cheltenhamster** works the Pit Each of them wears around their little forepaw a ring, which is enslaved to the _One Ring of **Ed Zotti** _. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2004, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742/18 "2004-01-17T03:53:15Z")
No, there are 4 hamsters, and they are **Berilia** , **Tubul** , **Great Tā€™Phon** and **Jerakeen**. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2004, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742/19 "2004-01-17T04:55:01Z")
You will need: One large onion, diced One clove garlic, crushed 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes (packed in olive oil) 2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil Three large hamsters, skinned, gutted and quartered Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add garlic and lightly brown. Add onion; saute over medium heat till just softened. Stir in sundried tomatoes and one teaspoon packing oil. Add hamsters; saute pieces one minute on each side uncovered; then turn heat to low, cover skillet, and simmer till the quarters are cooked through and tender. Serve over rice. For added flavor, you may add a large grated carrot after the onions; saute one minute before adding sundried tomatoes. ---
**Author:** ![pilot141](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e0b2c6/32.png) [@pilot141](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pilot141)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2004, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742/20 "2004-01-17T06:36:37Z")
Well, someone had better come up with some ransom money!! The hamsters (nine of 'em!) have been [stolen!!](http://cnn.netscape.cnn.com/ns/news/story.jsp?floc=FF-APO-1120&idq=/ff/story/0001/20040116/1150155080.htm&sc=1120) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hamsters/224742.md?page=2)