Does anyone keep hamsters?

[Rowan]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone keeps hamsters? It's my OH's eldest's 9th birthday tomorrow and he's thinking maybe to get her hamster.

I've never owned a hamster ever and no nothing about the care they require. So was wondering if you had any tips etc.

I know I'll be the one who ends up looking after it if he decides to get one, not that I mind at all, I'd have a zoo if I could

Thanks,

[Herpard]

They're pretty simple to keep really.

But they are escape artists, be careful what cages you look for as some look brilliant but aren't really suitable.


What species will you be going for?

Syrians are a good little breed, they like to be on their own but are very friendly. I've owned 4 since the age of 10. My first, nibbler he lived till the age of 5.


http://www.pethamsters.co.uk/

Hope this helps.

[Rowan]

I didn't even know there were different breeds This is why I'm asking questions, as I don't want to get an animal and not know about their care.

Thanks for the link will definitely have a look.

She's never had any pets at all, which is why I'm a bit dubious as I have seen that she doesn't really know how to interact with them, but she will never learn unless she has them!!!

A friendlier breed is def what we're looking for.

Guess I have lots of research to do!!!!

Thanks

[purplelynn]

I have had hamsters for years , some very sweet natured some very antisocial!
Male syrians have tended to be better but a lot depends where you get them from, a breeder that has handled from very early will be better than one of the larger pet shops who don't always handle young animals which makes them harder to train.

Other thing is that they are mainly nocturnal and quite small so. It always recommended for young children ,, but depends on the 9 year old I guess!

If never had a pet would not necessarily start with a hamster, unless someone else is assuming main responsibility and they are helping. Big decision but risky.

[Rowan]

Just googled pics of syrian hamsters!!

They are super cute, hope my OH doesn't change his mind now lol

[Merlin M]

I also had hamsters from the age of 10 (although I don't have any now) they are lovely, as far as handling goes start slowly, I always just got it used having my hand in the cage before I tried to pick it up, that always seemed to work...
I used to have one so friendly that he lived in my pocket when I was home, gave me a wee nip when he had finished his nap and wanted out to play! He lived to be 4/5.
Would suggest getting it a ball, mine always loved running about in theirs, but beware of stairs!

[Watermelon]

I have had 4/5 syrians in the past, 1 chinese and now have 1 robo.

I would definitely recommend the syrians, they are much easier to handle and not as fast. A couple of mine needed to be tamed but only takes a couple of months really and its definetly worth it in the end. The chinese hamster I had was untameable.

Every hamster I've had from pets at home needed to be tamed, I would suggest a smaller pet shop where they get handled more or I would say try find a private breeder of hamsters as they are handled from being babies. x

[Watermelon]

This is Daffyd, I miss him so much He was a fluffy syrian and so friendly, he loved all the attention he got. He used to grow his winter coat every year! I had to give him hair cuts every so often he got so fluffy!

[pagan queen]

In all honesty I wouldn't get a hamster for a child of that age. A much better option would be a couple of male rats. They are more sociable and not nocturnal like hamsters. I had hamsters when I was a kid and found it frustrating that they were always asleep when I wanted to play with them. Rats are like small dogs. Their intelligence is amazing and they love to be handled. You should get 2 as they like to be with others and males because they don't suffer the cancers as much, that females get. I would seriously urge you to consider rats.

[Merlin M]

Originally Posted by pagan queen

In all honesty I wouldn't get a hamster for a child of that age. A much better option would be a couple of male rats. They are more sociable and not nocturnal like hamsters. I had hamsters when I was a kid and found it frustrating that they were always asleep when I wanted to play with them. Rats are like small dogs. Their intelligence is amazing and they love to be handled. You should get 2 as they like to be with others and males because they don't suffer the cancers as much, that females get. I would seriously urge you to consider rats.

Hamsters are nocturnal but generally don't mind being awake during the day, I never had that problem (but I think I did use to wake them up sometimes, which was probably not very nice of me)
Rats are nice and a good option, but I personally was never keen as I can't handle them as I hate it when they wrap their tail round your wrist or arm, I also found they smelled more than hamsters (I think I am just being biased now though!)