Effects of social condition and estrous cycle on time-budgeting practices of female hamsters

Abstract

The behavior of six adult female Syrian golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) was observed across the estrous cycle and under three different social conditions: female alone, castrated male present, and intact male present. When alone, females spent most of their time in bodily maintenance activities such as grooming, eating, and sleeping. Behavior did not vary across the estrous cycle and was remarkably similar to that shown by males housed under similar conditions. In the presence of either castrated or intact males, females spent more time engaged in exploration and less time in locomotor and restless movements than when alone. Sexual behavior and food hoarding were influenced by both social condition and stage of the estrous cycle. We conclude that some behavior patterns of females are influenced by social environment alone, and others are influenced by both social conditions and reproductive conditions.